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Reviews > Clothing > Hats, Caps and Visors > The North Face WS High Point Hat > Owner Review by Ray Estrella
The North Face WS High Point Hat
TESTER INFORMATION
I have been backpacking for over 30 years, all over California, and in many of the western states and Minnesota. I hike year-round, and average 500+ miles (800+ km) per year. I have made a move to lightweight gear, and smaller volume packs. I start early and hike hard so as to enjoy the afternoons exploring. I usually take a freestanding tent and enjoy hot meals at night. If not hiking solo I am usually with my wife Jenn or brother-in-law Dave. The Product
Web site: www.thenorthface.com Product: WS High Point Hat Year purchased: 2007 MSRP: $40.00 (US) Weight listed: N/A Verified weight: 2.4 oz (68 g) Size reviewed: Large (also available in Medium) Color reviewed: Blue (discontinued) Other colors available: Black, Charcoal Heather/Black Product Description
The North Face WS High Point hat (hereafter referred to as the High Point or hat) is described by the manufacturer as being, "Designed for the core athlete who needs protection in the coldest, harshest conditions; this snug-fitting hat is exactly what you need when you're facing brutal conditions." I try to be athletic and Lord knows my core has been getting bigger, so I think they mean me… Field Locations
This hat has been used on many winter trips over the past two years. Most of them have been in our two local ranges, home to either Mt San Gorgonio (which Dave and I are on our way to above) or Mt San Jacinto on the other side of the valley. It has also been used in the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains. The temperatures have been from a low of 4 F to highs in the 40s F if windy. (-16 to 7 C). I have had it over 14000 ft (4270 m) in elevation. While testing the Marmot Flurry Jacket I am sure that I wore the High Point in Minnesota in temps well below 0 F (-18 C) and in high winds. (These were not backpacking situations though.) For its latest use Jenn and I celebrated New Years Eve by spending the night in Round Valley in Mount San Jacinto State Park. We snow shoed 6 miles (10 km) and stayed at an elevation of 9100 ft (2775 m) on 5 ft (1.5 m) of snow pack. The temps ran from 40 to 22 F (4 to -6 C). Thankfully there was no wind to speak of. Observations
I bought the High Point hat for a couple of reasons. First and foremost was I wanted a warm hat to take on mountaineering trips that would not bunch up under my climbing helmet. That is what drew me to the High Point in the first place. I like the Gore Windstopper a lot. I am a pretty hot person. I go without my hat quite often in winter. Even when it is cold I do not need much to stay warm. But wind really bugs me. The High Point works great at blocking the wind but not over-heating my head. It even sheds moisture well. I do not wear it in rain (see below) but I have had it in wet snow and in mountain hugging clouds. Here is a shot from an early winter solo trip that saw one of the first snow storms hit me on my way up. It fits very well under my Black Diamond climbing helmet. It also works well with goggles when the need arises for their use. I have worn it in the Sierra on a very cold rainy fall day under an Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero. Another use that I put the High Point to is as a sleeping hat. Because I can only sleep on my side, and am often in a Big Agnes sleeping bag, I can't keep my head in the bag's hood properly. Thus once the temperatures start dipping, Ray's noggin starts freezing at night. I combat frost-bitten ears by wearing the High Point to bed. I do not tighten the draw cord and do wake up at times with the hat twisted around my head. On our New Year's Eve trip this use startled my wife who did not know I had put it on after she had fallen asleep. She woke me up yelling, "Ray! Are you OK?" She said she just saw this big pale thing where my head was. Hee hee. Here is a pic from that trip. I really have nothing to complain about the High Point hat. I wash it with all my other laundry. It is still in very good shape with no holes, pulled threads or blown seams. I am sure it will keep seeing use on my future winter trips. Maybe I can get a different color though… This report was created with the BackpackGearTest.org Report Writer Version 1. Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Read more gear reviews by Ray Estrella Reviews > Clothing > Hats, Caps and Visors > The North Face WS High Point Hat > Owner Review by Ray Estrella |