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Reviews > Clothing > Accessories > Mental Gear Head Case > Test Report by Amanda Tikkanen
MENTAL GEAR HEADCASE MULTI-PURPOSE MICROFIBRE ACCESSORY
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TESTER INFORMATION
I have been hiking and backpacking since the spring of 2000 throughout Michigan and Indiana, covering several hundred miles, always with a dog by my side. Beau, my second trail dog, has been happily carrying a pack since 2002. My style of backpacking is moving from overnights to long distance hiking, including multi-day trips. Even though I have Beau with me, I'm usually the solo human on the trek, so I like to go as light as possible while still being comfortable. I document our adventures and misadventures on my website, www.uberpest.com.
INITIAL REPORT
PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: Mental Gear INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
The Mental HeadCase arrived on a round cardboard display which showed instructions on how to use the accessory. The instructions were pretty straightforward, which is nice. It had suggestions on several ways possible to use the item, with plenty left to the imagination. Suggested uses are: bandana, head band, face mask, balaclava, scrunchee, helmet cover, beanie, neck warmer, and skull cap. The back of the card also has tips on folding the Headcase into a beanie and a skull cap. It also states that the accessory "works for all kinds of activities. It provides maximum comfort and protection against wind, snow, sun, etc." It also states "The HeadCase is constructed without seams and will not loose its shape. The micro-fibre dries in minutes, retains it elasticity and does not fray." The HeadCase is a tube of knit polyester micro-fibre that, when laid flat, is a rectangle. The outside of this tube is printed (in my case a BRIGHT tie dye scheme) with white on the inside. The "Mental" logo is printed on the outside several times. The nature of the way the material is knit up makes the cut edges of the tube curl up, like the way a T-shirt does once the hem stitching has come loose. The polyester is soft and feels a lot like cotton. It is slightly shinier than cotton, though. It is also very stretchy in the circumference, but not much, if at all, in the length. It does seem very light, so I am unsure at how well it will insulate in the cold, but only testing will show for sure! TESTING STRATEGY
I like multiple use items. During the test period I'll be using the Mental Headcase in as many ways possible, including how the manufacturer advertises and any other ideas I come up with. I have no (well, very little) facial hair, so I will see how it works as protection for my face and neck against the elements. I wonder how it will work with my layering system (especially my jacket and hat). I also wonder if it works well as a hair tie as shown on the manufacturer's website. SUMMARY
Initial Likes: FIELD LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
I tested the Mental HeadCase in Southeast and Northeast Indiana, and Southwest Ohio on six day hikes over the past two months. Temperatures ranged from 15 to 50 degrees (-9.4 to 10 C). Trip lengths were day or evening hikes from 2 to 4 hours. I also used it while running errands around town since it fills the gap between the collar of my sweater and the brim of my hat. PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
So far I have used the Mental HeadCase as a neck gaiter, face mask, beanie, balaclava, and a hair tie. TESTING STRATEGY I will continue to use the Mental HeadCase over the next few weeks in the cold, then, provided the weather cooperates, I will see how it performs in warmer temperatures for the duration of the test cycle. I will see how it performs in its other uses, such as the bandana, head band, and beanie. SUMMARY
So far I've been happy with the HeadCase. Please check back in approximately two months for the final report of this test series. LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
I have used the HeadCase in southeast Indiana and southwest Ohio while on dayhikes or while doing my normal day-to-day stuff. Conditions were very similar to those found during my field report portion of this test, with temperature and precipitation differences noted below. In all I have used the Head Case approximately 5 additional days. PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
During the final portion of this test I used this item as a head band, but it never really felt comfortable. The bulk of the rolled up material is rather tight on my head and puts a lot of pressure on my temples and forehead. Since I never got very sweaty, I didn't notice how it worked as a sweat band. It is also possible that the material did a good job at wicking away any moisture. I enjoy the HeadCase while worn as a toque since it's not heavy or bulky. It's nice to have in case it's a little cool out, but still too warm for a thick fleece or wool cap. When worn in this fashion it's stretchy and pulls down over my ears and forehead without being too tight. I still haven't discovered a comfortable way to wear the Head Case as a balaclava, which bothers me a little since I'd like to have that option to add a little better protection to my layering system. I'm still a fan of the small size of the Head Case. It easily packs away in a jacket, pack, or pants pocket when I don't need it. When I pull it out of wherever I crammed it I only need to shake it lightly to get it to open up for use. I did get some unidentifiable forest crud stuck to the outside of the Head Case, but whatever it was scratched free with my thumbnail. It seemed to dry pretty quickly from any precipitation it encountered. I also rinsed it out in my sink with no ill effects. CONTINUED USE I will use the HeadCase in the future both as part of my layering system in the colder months as well as while in my sleeping bag as needed. SUMMARY
The Mental Gear HeadCase is a light weight, versatile accessory. Read more reviews of Mental Gear gear Read more gear reviews by Amanda Tikkanen Reviews > Clothing > Accessories > Mental Gear Head Case > Test Report by Amanda Tikkanen |