Field Report Outdoor Research Prism CapTM

Ryan Christensen
May 16, 2006

Reviewer Information:

Backpacking Background:

Name:  Ryan L. Christensen Age:  41 Gender:  Male Height:  6’ 2” (1.88 m) Weight:  225 lb (102 kg) Email:  bigdawgryan (at) yahoo (dot) com City, State, Country:  Idaho Falls, ID, U.S.A.

I began hiking, camping, backpacking at twelve, and continued until twenty-five.  After a long hiatus, due in part to a bad back, I resumed hiking and camping four years ago.  Now, I share my love for these sports with my teen-age boys.  The past several years, we have hiked or camped nearly every month, year-round, and vary our experience.  We began backpacking together last summer.  I am a lightweight backpacker, but carry a full array of necessary gear.

Product Information:

Information in the table below is primarily from the Outdoor Research website.

 

Manufacturer	OUTDOOR RESEARCH
Manufacturer website	http://www.orgear.com
Year of Manufacture	2005 (assumed, as the tags do not indicate)
Material Outer Shell Lining	75D Gore-Tex® Tricot
Sizes Available	S/M – US 6 7/8 – 7 1/8; 21 5/8” – 22 ½”; 55 – 57 cm L/XL – US 7 3/8 – 7 5/8; 23 1/4” – 24” ; 59 – 61 cm
Colors Available	Deep Green, Mojo Blue, Black
Warranty	The Infinite GuaranteeTM means OR guarantees its products forever
MSRP	$35 US
Manufacturer’s Specifications Average Weight	2.6 oz (74 g)
Tester’s Specifications Weight Size Received Color Received	2.4 oz (68 g) L\XL Deep Green

Product Description:

The OR Prism Cap^TM is a lightweight, baseball-style cap with a Gore-Tex^® shell; integral, tuck-away, earflaps; a plastic-stiffened bill; and a hook and loop cinch strap on the back.  For additional details, please see my Initial Report at http://tinyurl.com/qxel9

Testing Conditions:

 I live in Idaho Falls, Idaho which is located at 43°29'30" North, 112°1'57" West (43.491775, -112.032509) at an elevation of 4,700 ft (1,433 m).  My testing occurred in southeastern Idaho at elevations between 4,700 ft (1,433 m) and 6,700 ft (2,042 m). 

To this point in the test period, I have worn the Prism Cap^TM while shovelling snow; outdoor target shooting; cross-country skiing (more mountaineering than track skiing); to work, and even to a couple of my son’s baseball games.

At the end of March 2006, I wore the Prism on a cross-country skiing trip in the Kelly Canyon Nordic Area, which is located 26 miles (42 km) northeast of Idaho Falls, in the Targhee National Forest, near the South Fork of the Snake River.  Elevations in the Nordic Area range from 5,900 ft (1,798 m) to 6,700 ft (2,042 m).   Temperatures on this outing ranged from 34 to 38 F (1 – 3 C).

On this particular day, there was no moisture of any sort falling from the heavens to allow me to test the Prism’s water repellency.  However, because this particular cap does not have a heavy inner lining, it provided the right amount of warmth for my head.  I worked up a sweat skiing.  However, the cap seemed to breathe well, as it never felt soggy on my head.  Moreover, the tricot lining was completely dry by the time I got back home, approximately one hour after we ended our skiing.

Spring is now here and temperatures are on the rise.  However, Prism testing must go on, so I have worn it to work during rainstorms; worn it to a couple of my son’s baseball games, and have worn it knocking about. 

Testing:

As outlined in my test application, my plan was to focus on how well the OR Prism Cap^TM meets two essentials -- staying dry and warm.  Listed below each of the five items identified in my test plan are my results thus far.

1.     How effective is it in keeping moisture out?

          [RESULTS] So far, the Prism’s performance in repelling moisture is as one would expcect from Gore-Tex®, exceptional.  In the picture below, notice how moisture beads up on the cap—just like on a well-waxed auto.  As an added test, I placed the cap up side down in the sink to test just how waterproof it was.  Even after one hour, the only moisture inside the cap was what I accidentally splashed inside as I checked on the performance of the cap.   

 

2.     How effective is the Prism in keeping my head warm while allowing the perspiration to escape, and how long it takes the cap to dry?

[RESULTS] During the coldest temperatures at which I was able to test the Prism (34 - 38 F or 1 – 3 C) the cap provided adequate warmth.  However, I want to see if this is the case at colder temperatures.  After ending my skiing, or other activities, and with the cap still on my head, the lining has dried in approximately one hour. 

3.     How well do the flaps fit, and what difference do they make in keeping me warm?  How well does the cap fit with the flaps stored, and how well do the flaps remain stored?

[RESULTS] As mentioned in my IR, for the flaps to cover the bottom of my ear lobes, I must pull the cap completely down on my head.  Nevertheless, the flaps do cover my ears, and provide protection from the cold, rain or snow, and the wind.  With the flaps stowed, the cap is still comfortable to wear.  The flaps remain securely stowed while on my head.  However,  when I take the cap off, the flaps tend to droop a bit.

4.     How well does the plastic-stiffened bill hold its shape, especially after being rolled-up and stuffed in my pack?

[RESULTS] To this point in the test period, the bill has retained its shape even after I rolled it up and stuffed it in my pack, or the back pocket of my blue jeans. 

5.     How effectively does the hook and loop closure keep the cap secure?

[RESULTS] So far, the hook and loop closure strap has held the Prism securely on my head during moderate activity levels.  However, I have not worn it during high winds.

 

Thanks to Outdoor Research and BGT for the opportunity to test the Prism Cap^TM.