Reviews > Clothing > Hats > Outdoor Research Rando Cap > Andrew Mytys > Long Term Report

Tester's Biographical Information:

Reviewer: Andrew Mytys Email: amytys@gmail.com Homepage: Andy's Lightweight Backpacking Site Location: Detroit, Michigan Age: 33 Height: 6'1" (183 cm) Weight: 185 lbs (84 kg) Head Circumference: 23 1/4 inches (59 cm) Hat Size: 7 1/2

     Backpacking Background:

I live in Michigan and have been hiking seriously for 15 years, although I've camped since I was 6 years old. I consider myself a lightweight hiker. I carry the lightest gear I can get my hands on which will provide a comfortable wilderness experience and adequately support the goals of my trip. Unless my goals are time/distance oriented, my pace is always slow. I rarely exceed 1.5 miles (2.4 km)/hour. I rest frequently, hike long days, and enjoy whatever nature throws my way.

Product Information:

Manufacturer: Outdoor Research (http://www.orgear.com) Item: Rando Cap Year of manufacture: 2005 MSRP: $45.00 Size: Men's Large Listed Weight: 2.5 oz (71 g) - size unknown Weight as delivered: 2.5 oz (71 g) - size Large Color: Black (also available in Mojo Blue and Deep Green) Warranty: Outdoor Research's "Infinite Guarantee" - covers manufacturer and material defects for the life of the product. OR will either repair or replace the item, at their discretion. Made In: China

The information in this Long Term Report of the Outdoor Research Rando Cap is to be taken in addition to my Initial and Field Reports.

Product Description:

A classic bomber cap design that's lined with 100-weight fleece and protected from the elements by a Gore-Tex waterproof/breathable shell. Earflaps can be worn down for maximum warmth, or up over the ears when milder conditions are present. The Rando Cap sports a foam-stiffened bill with a moldable wire edge that allows the wearer to customize the bill's shape and style. An external drawcord adjustment insures that the cap stays secure, even when assaulted by high winds.

Field Conditions:

The Outdoor Research Rando Cap has been worn while dayhiking, pulling a sledge filled with winter gear during a four-day trip, while doing early spring trail maintenance on the North Country Trail, and on daily walks around town with my dog.

Outside temperatures have ranged from 5 - 70 F (-15 - 21 C), with wind chill temperatures as low as -10 F (-23 C).

Trail conditions have varied. The cap has been subjected to periods of high winds, with gusts blowing at up to 30 MPH (50 KPH). Including the wind-chill factor, the lowest temperature I experienced felt as if it was -10 F (-25 C). The cap has been worn while hiking in periods of both rain and snow, in addition to nice, sunny days and everything in between. I have also attempted to sleep in the cap.

Impressions From the Field:

As winter turned to spring, the OR Rando Cap continued to prove its versatility by being a good match for the milder temperatures I encountered.

I found myself wearing the cap with its earflaps down during most mornings and evenings. With daytime temperatures often in the 50's (~13 C), I thought that the cap would be too warm to wear. I was surprised to find that the cap was quite comfortable to wear in such conditions, as long as I secured the earflaps in their "up" position. On more than one occasion, I found the presence of brisk winds caused me to leave the earflaps down, even though air temperatures were otherwise mild and the sun was out. I didn't find myself overheating or even sweating while wearing the cap.

Near the end of my testing, I did make a modification to the cap. I cut a gap in the shock-cord that runs along the midsection of the cap, around my head, which allowed me to remove the cord lock at the back of the cap. The problem I had with this component was that, when I tried to sleep in the cap, it pressed uncomfortably against the back of my head. As the cap itself fit securely on my head, without my ever using the shock cord, I didn't see a benefit in keeping the cord lock in place.

Of course, all good things must come to an end. As temperatures rose above 55 F (13 C), and clouds were replaced with sunny days, I found that I preferred to wear a hat with a wider brim in order to better protect my face and neck. Springtime also brought in periods of intense rainfall and, while the cap's Gore-Tex shell kept my head nice and dry, its diminutive visor proved ill-suited for keeping the rain out of my eyes.

Overall, I found the Rando Cap to be a real asset to active backcountry pursuits during near and sub-freezing conditions, as the cap itself is really warm and its design allows for various amounts of ventilation. Of course, as I mentioned in previous reports, the cap only provides coverage down to about an inch (25 mm) above the base on my hairline (see photo in Initial Report) so, in sub-freezing conditions, I really needed to wear a dedicated neck gaiter along with the cap. However, I found that I preferred the flexibility in thermoregulation that such a multi-layered approach provided, when compared to just putting on a really warm balaclava that covered my entire head, face, and neck.

My only two complaints lay in the cap's brim and shock cord adjustment system, both of which I touched on above. I feel that I would have been able to realize more utility from the cap if it had a bill sized similar to that of a baseball cap's. A larger bill would have given my face more shade in sunny conditions, and provided better protection when strong rains were present. The rear of the cap already has a small piece of elastic sewn into its edge, which I found to be adequate in allowing for a secure fit. I did not find the shock cord to be useful, as when the cap's flaps were positioned down over my ears the cap was secured under my chin and, with the flaps positioned up, the adjustable shock cord pressed against the tips of my ears, causing discomfort when tightened.

In terms of condition, with the exception of the slight stretching of the cap, the OR Rando Cap remains in pretty good shape. There are no stains on the cap and the durable water repellent (DWR) finish is still present on the Gore-Tex shell (water that falls onto the cap continues to bead up). I have not noticed any pilling on the fleece lining, all seams remain intact, and the "hook and loop" closure continues hold the cap securely, whether the earflaps are worn in the up or down position. The cap's reinforced bill remains pliable, though I can definitely feel that its internal wire has had a good workout over the past four months - the bill doesn't feel as stiff as it did when the cap was new.

Reviews > Clothing > Hats > Outdoor Research Rando Cap > Andrew Mytys > Long Term Report