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Reviews > Clothing > Hats, Caps and Visors > ShredAlert Hippy Beanie > Test Report by Michael Mosack
SHRED ALERT HIPPY BEANIE
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TESTER INFORMATION
I've been backpacking for over 30 years, doing solo and group trips, with and without kids. I do day trips, weekenders and week-long or longer trips throughout the year. I backpack in all climates and seasons, from summer desert trips to Spring/Winter camping in Michigan, Canada California and Grand Canyon, Arizona to Afghanistan and rely on my backpacking equipment constantly. I prefer to go lighter whenever possible and am always trying new items. Quality and reliability of items I carry are paramount to me over price and weight.
INITIAL REPORT
PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: ShredAlert INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
Packaging: READING THE INSTRUCTIONS
The only instructions included are sewn into the hat on a tag. These washing instructions, state, "Hand wash cold; Do not bleach; Dry flat." TRYING IT OUT Trying the hat on, I found it was just a little snug, but I have a larger head and even so, it was quite comfortable. I did not get any sense that it was scratchy in feel and it was pretty much form fitting. I tried the cord lock adjustment and it works fine. I won't be adjusting the hat during my test as it only fits when I have it at its loosest adjustment. I did notice however, that the cord lock does seem to hold its place when I set it at different spots. I gave a slight tug on the cords and am confident that the lock does its job in maintaining whatever setting I have the hat set at. Wearing the hat, I also found that it is large enough that I can pull it down to cover my ears and my eyebrows, while the rear portion comes down to the base of my neck. Summary
Initially I am impressed with this hat. I am a little concerned by the seam that was not sewn correctly, but the hat appears to be holding together fine so far. I also like the feel of this hat. Please check back for my Field Report. FIELD LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
During this first testing phase, I used my Beanie in Afghanistan and Big Sur, California U.S.A. I was in the area of Mazar-e Sharif in northern Afghanistan for 34 days and nights. The temperatures ranged from 23 F (-5 C) to 55 F (13 C) and the altitudes were from approximately 850 ft (260 m) to 1100 ft (335 m). The terrain consisted of open desert, gravel roads and rocky conditions. PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
I found that the Beanie was comfortable throughout the Field Testing phase and did not leave me feeling itchy. The Beanie breathes well and stays comfortable on my head. Sweat seems to evaporate quickly in this dry environment and was not an issue I found during this test. SUMMARY
So far, I am enjoying my Beanie and am impressed with it. I have not yet had any issues with the seam coming apart, but will continue to monitor this throughout my test. LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS During this testing phase, I used my Beanie in Afghanistan and have worn the Beanie approximately 25 times. I was in the area of Mazar-e Sharif in northern Afghanistan for 14 days and nights. The temperatures ranged from 25 F (-4 C) to 59 F (15 C) and the altitudes were from approximately 850 ft (260 m) to 1100 ft (335 m). The terrain consisted of open desert, gravel roads and rocky conditions with a surface ranging from a fine powder type dust to very rocky areas and bright clear sunny skies throughout. PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
I found the Beanie held up and performed very well. It is comfortable and easily packable. SUMMARY
So to summarize, I have found this Beanie to be quite comfortable and lightweight. It seems to breathe well and does not give me that itchy feeling common with my other similar style hats. It feels soft on the skin and is well constructed. I have had quite a bit of use with this Beanie and plan to go to it again. CONTINUED USE
I like this Beanie a lot. I will be keeping this one for my colder days and nights on the trail. I see a river crossing ahead and a mountain calling my name after that so hopefully I'll see you again on the trail very soon. Read more reviews of Shred Alert gear Read more gear reviews by Michael Mosack Reviews > Clothing > Hats, Caps and Visors > ShredAlert Hippy Beanie > Test Report by Michael Mosack |