BackpackGearTest
  Guest - Not logged in 

Reviews > Clothing > Hats, Caps and Visors > Sunday Afternoons Sun Tripper Cap > Owner Review by Jennifer Koles

Sunday Afternoons Sun Tripper Cap

Owner Review by Jennifer Koles

May 9, 2010


Personal Information

Name:  Jennifer Koles
Age:  35
Gender:  Female
Height:  5 ft 5 in (1.65 m)
Weight: 140 lb (64 kg)
Email address: jennksnowy at yahoo dot com
City, State, and Country: Orange County, California, United States


Backpacking Background

After getting into the outdoors scene camping while 4-wheeling and day-hiking, I switched to backpacking in the early 2000's. I have backpacked extensively in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho along with California, Pennsylvania and Nevada. I have slowly been cutting my base weight to be able to go longer in duration and distance. I have done so mainly by using better gear and dumping heavy luxuries. I backpack year round in all weather, and usually take a freestanding tent and a gas stove on all my trips. I love trying out new gear.

The author

The author in the Narrows at Zion National Park, Utah.


Product Information

Product: Sun Tripper Cap
Manufacturer: Sunday Afternoons
Year of Manufacture: 2009
Product Website: www.sundayafternnons.com
Guarantee: Lifetime

Listed Weight: 2.6 oz (74 g)
Measured Actual Weight: 2.45 oz (69 g)
Sizes Available: Medium 21.5-22.5 in (55-57 cm); Large 22-23.5 in (56-60 cm)
Size Purchased: Medium
Available Colors: Juniper/Gray; Cream/Gray; Chambray/Gray; Tan/Gray
Color Purchased: Chambray/Gray
MSRP: $24.00 US

 

Limestone Canyon Trailhead

Limestone Canyon Trailhead

The Sun Tripper Cap is a unisex cap and is made of 100% nylon. It has a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 50+. In addition to its sun protection qualities, this hat has many other unique features. The key features of this cap are the folding bill, mesh venting panels, cinch cord, wicking sweatband, and the internal pocket.

The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating system measures the UV protection that is provided by fabrics. It is similar to the SPF ratings that are used for sunscreens. The nylon fabric of the cap has UV protection, as the mesh vents do not. Even though the mesh vents of the cap have small perforations, I have not found this to be a factor with sun protection. There has not been a time that I have burned on my head while wearing this cap, even if some light seeps through the perforation holes.

I like the styling of this cap. I would say that it is a cadet-styled cap. In my opinion it looks great on the trail, around town, at the beach, and in public places after a hike.

Sun Tripper Cap

 

The Sun Tripper Cap has a folding brim that measures just over 2.5 in (6 cm) at the folding point. The folding point is at the central point of the brim and is reinforced with stitching. The indentations of the fold can be seen on the underside of the brim, which is lined with a black fabric. This folding brim is a unique feature of the cap. It allows me to fold the cap in half and store it in a jacket or a pack pocket.

There is a sweatband that runs along the inner circumference of the cap; it has a width of 1.5 in (4 cm). This sweatband is great. It helps prevent sweat from running down my face when I get overheated or on hot days.

Not only is this hat lightweight, it also has some ventilation to allow some fresh air to circulate inside the cap. Four mesh vents are on the sides of the cap (2 on each side). They are 1.75 in (4 cm) long and have a mesh lining. The mesh lining runs along the entire circumference (on the sides) of the cap.

Inside the top of the cap is a pocket with a hook and loop closure. I found this a good place to store some extra cash and a medical ID card when I do not want to carry a backpack or use my pockets. I do not use the pocket very often. But, I think it is a handy feature when I have the desire to use it. The pocket is 4.5 in (11 cm) deep at the deepest point and 6 in (15 cm) wide at the opening.

Another nice feature of this cap is that is has an adjustable pull cord in the back of the cap. This makes the cap more versatile, as far as fit goes for me. I can wear my hair in a low pony tail or completely down and the cap can be adjusted to accommodate my hair style. Or if it is cold out, I can wear a head liner and adjust the cap so it fits comfortably. It also allows me to quickly cinch the cap tighter in wind gusts.

On the inside of the cap is a fabric content and care instruction tag. The universal fabric care symbols are embroidered on the tag along with instructions written in English. The Sun Tripper has very basic care instructions: hand wash cold, line dry, no dryer, and no iron. To be honest I have placed the Sun Tripper in a front loading washer (placed in a mesh bag) on a gentle cold wash cycle many times. The cap shows no sign of wear nor has the brim become damaged from washing it this way.

Sun Tripper Inside

Inside the Sun Tripper Hat (the pocket can be seen)

 

Folded

Sun Tripper folded in half (this is not the smallest it can be folded)

 

 


Product Use

Since I purchased the Sun Tripper I have worn it as much as I possible could during many types of activities. Generally I wear it while hiking and backpacking, but I have also worn it after my mountain bike rides, on the beach path, and rock climbing. Sometimes I just carry it in my pack, just to have it handy.

I have worn the Sun Tripper in temperatures ranging from the low 50's F (10 C) to the high 90's F (35 C). It has also been worn in misting rain. The cap is not waterproof, nor is it intended to be. But, it does protect my head from becoming wet in a misting rain.

The Sun Tripper has been worn in the following locations while hiking or backpacking: Red Rocks, Nevada; St. George, Utah; Wasatch Mountains, Utah; Death Valley, California; El Moro/Crystal Cove State Park, California; Irvine Ranch Conservancy Land, California (Limestone Canyon, Black Star Canyon, Orchard Hills); Mammoth Lakes, California; Yosemite National Park, California; and Whiting Ranch Wilderness Area, California.

 

Sunset hike

Just before a sunset/night hike


Impressions and Performance in the Field

The Sun Tripper Cap is my favorite cap! There are many reasons why this is my favorite cap: the styling is great, it has ventilation, it is lightweight, it can be folded, and it has an adjustable pull cord. In my opinion the brim is the perfect length. It is balanced with the rest of the cap. It does not shield my entire face or ears from sunlight. But, it shields my eyes and sometimes my nose. I wear sunscreen on my face, so I am not necessarily concerned with having my entire face protected when wearing a cap. I wear a cap to protect my head and shield my eyes from sunlight. And the Sun Tripper does the job for me.

I really light the mesh vents on the side of the cap. I found that they allow air to circulate inside the cap and help keep me cool. The hat is also made of lightweight materials that allow moisture to wick away from my head. The main material of the cap dries quickly and only becomes moist from sweat when I am hiking/backpacking. The sweatband at times becomes wetter than the material of the main body. But, it does a good job of preventing sweat from rolling down my face.

The Sun Tripper Cap has held up well. It still looks as good as new. There is no wear from use or washing on the entire cap, even in high wear areas (like where the brim is folded). This is definitely a cap that was designed with quality and good materials.

I have the Chambray/Gray color, which is a light blue/gray color. In different shades of light the blue or gray color appears more prevalent to me. Outside in the bright daylight it appears bluer. Under cloudy skies or indoors the color appears more gray.


Things That Rock:

  • Ventilation
  • Folds
  • Light weight
  • Quick drying
  • Cinch cord
  • Inside pocket
  • Brim is not too large

Things That Are So-So:

  • Nothing- This hat rocks! I just need to buy more colors.

Summary

I have enjoyed using the Sun Tripper Cap and I will continue to use it on backpacking trips, day hikes, around town, and at the beach. It is a lightweight cap, which is stylish and offers quick adjustability. I found it to be comfortable, stylish, and it offered great sun protection.

 



Read more reviews of Sunday Afternoons gear
Read more gear reviews by Jennifer Koles

Reviews > Clothing > Hats, Caps and Visors > Sunday Afternoons Sun Tripper Cap > Owner Review by Jennifer Koles



Product tested and reviewed in each Formal Test Report has been provided free of charge by the manufacturer to BackpackGearTest.org. Upon completion of the Test Series the writer is permitted to keep the product. Owner Reviews are based on product owned by the reviewer personally unless otherwise noted.



All material on this site is the exclusive property of BackpackGearTest.org.
BackpackGearTest software copyright David Anderson