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Reviews > Clothing > Hats, Caps and Visors > Chaos Adrenaline Combo Skully > Test Report by Patrick McNeilly
CHAOS ADRENALINE SKULLY
LONG-TERM REPORT
INITIAL REPORT - February 16, 2011
TESTER INFORMATION
I have been hiking for over 20 years but backpacking only since about 2002. Most of my backpacking is done as overnight trips and occasional weekend and weeklong trips. My typical pack weight is approximately 18 to 20 lb (8 to 9 kg) before food or water. Most of my backpacking is the three season variety in the mountains of Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. In addition to backpacking, I also fish, hunt, and enjoy orienteering. As a result, some of my backpacking equipment gets used in a number of different venues. PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: Chaos INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
The Adrenaline Skully (aka Skully) is an ultralight form fitting cap that is constructed of Dri-Release Wool fabric which appears to be made of 83% polyester, 11% wool and 6% spandex, based on the tag inside the cap. There are four hang tags attached to the Skully which mention Dri-Release, Fresh Guard, and Pro-Stretch and it is a little unclear whether these are other fabrics used in the product or features of one specific fabric. The hang tags also indicate that this fabric removes perspiration fast, dries four times faster than cotton, prevents odor, and has no static cling. The outside of the fabric is smooth while the inside seems more like a very fine microfleece. The fabric also stretches quite a bit but the accompanying information indicates that the skully will not lose its shape. TRYING IT OUT
I typically wear a size 71/4 hat [roughly 22.5 in (57 cm)] and the Skully fits snugly but is not overly tight. I find that it covers my ears well and appears to extend far enough down the back of my neck to provide protection from the cold. The portions of the Skully that cover my ears can easily be flipped up and it still feels comfortable without feeling like it will fall off. FIELD LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS I have worn the Chaos Adrenaline Skully on seven local day hikes in the eastern USA including central Maryland or the Michaux State Forest in southern Pennsylvania. I wore the Skully on one weekend trip along the Appalachian Trail in central Virginia. I have also worn the cap on numerous road and trail runs, as well as four orienteering events here in Maryland. The outings were all on maintained trails, except for the orienteering events which involve off-trail travel. The trips ranged anywhere from 3 to 10 miles (5 to 16 km) per day and were at elevations of 300 to 4000 ft (91 to 1219 m). The temperatures on these outing ranged from 18F to 60F (-8 to 16 C). I did encounter light to moderate rain and snow on some of these trips, as well as some very windy conditions [20 to 35 mph (32 to 56 kph)], particularly on my weekend outing in Virginia. PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
The Chaos Adrenaline Skully has been performing well over the past few months. It has been getting quite a bit of use and I would have to say that I like it best for vigorous activities. I like to think of the Skully as a hat but it acts more like a wicking layer than a warm hat. I have had to adjust my thinking about how I use it. When the temperatures are on the colder side, say below 40 F (4 C), the top of my head will feel cold if I am simply standing around or sitting in camp. However, at these same temperatures, the Skully seems to work well if I am actively hiking or running. As a result, I have been using the Skully mostly for active hiking or running in colder temperatures. When the temperatures are above 40 F (4 C), the Skully does a fair job of providing some warmth. The top of my head can still be a little cool but the double fabric generally keeps my ears warm. SUMMARY
The Chaos Adrenaline Skully is a lightweight form fitting cap designed to act as a thermal regulator and wick moisture. The Skully works well for active pursuits such as hiking but may not be warm enough during down time. The Skully is very compact and can easily be worn under another cap. It also does not produce much static cling producing less hat head. LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
I have brought the Chaos Adrenaline Skully on at least five local day hikes in central or western Maryland and one overnight backpacking trip in central Virginia near the Blue Ridge Parkway. I have also used the Skully on a number of early morning runs, both street and trail. The trips ranged anywhere from 3 to 10 miles (5 to 16 km) per day and were at elevations of 400 to 1350 ft (122 to 411 m). The temperatures on these outing ranged from 30 F to 85 F (-1 C to 29 C). PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
I have brought the Skully along on quite a few outings. I have even lost track of the number of day hikes I have used it. This is mostly due to the fact that I typically throw it in my "essentials" bag. It folds very small and is always available if I need it. Now, carrying it with me does not always mean that I use it. The temperatures in the Maryland area have been warmer than usual over the last few months and the Skully hasn't gotten as much actual use as I would have liked. There have been a few cold mornings and I found myself wearing the Skully when hanging around camp or just starting off on a hike or run. As is usual for most any hat, I would wear it until I warmed up then stuff it into a pocket. SUMMARY
The Chaos Adrenaline Skully is a lightweight, form fitting, cap designed to act as a thermal regulator and wick moisture. The Skully works well for active pursuits such as hiking but may not be warm enough during down time. The Skully is very compact and can easily be worn under another cap. It also does not produce much static cling producing less hat head. Read more gear reviews by Patrick McNeilly Reviews > Clothing > Hats, Caps and Visors > Chaos Adrenaline Combo Skully > Test Report by Patrick McNeilly |