Outdoor Research Rando Cap

Long Term Report
May 1, 2006

Tester Information

Name: Raymond Estrella
Age: 45
Gender: Male
Height: 6' 3" (187.5 cm)
Weight: 210 lb (95 kg)
Email address: rayestrella@hotmail.com
City: Huntington Beach
State: California
Country: USA 

Backpacking Background: I have been hiking for over 30 years, all over the state of California. I have also hiked in Washington, Minnesota, Nevada, Arizona, and Idaho. I hike year-round, mostly in the Sierra Nevada, and put 555 miles (888 km) with a backpack on last year.  As I start my 4th decade of backpacking I am making the move to lightweight gear, and smaller packs.

The product

Manufacturer: Outdoor Research
Web site http://www.orgear.com
Product: Rando Cap
Style: 82050
Year manufactured: 2005.
MSRP: $45.00 (US)
Weight listed: 2.5 oz (71 g)
Verified weight: 2.4 oz (63 g)
Color tested: Black
Colors available: Black, Mojo Blue, and Deep Green.
Warranty: (Quoted from hang tag), “Outdoor Research products are guaranteed forever.”
For a complete description of the Rando Cap, please see my Initial Report.

Field Conditions

Since my Field Report was posted I have used the Rando cap quite a bit. In February I wore the Rando at Mammoth, where it was snowing and had winds at the top of 60 mph (97 kph). The temperature was 19 F (-7 C) at the top. The Rando accompanied me on a hike near Rock Creek, in the eastern Sierra Nevada. It was blizzard conditions. I had 12-15 in (30-38 cm) of snow fall in one morning. The temperature was in the 20’s F (-5 C). I took the Rando on two hikes to San Jacinto in March and April. The temps were from 55 F to 21 F (13 to -6 C). Here is a picture at our campsite at 10,150’ (3,094 m) elevation.

Observations

While my brother-in-law Dave and I were waiting for the tram after our hike in March, he saw the Rando sitting on the table we were at. Knowing that I am testing it he asked me what I really think of the Rando. I told him that it has become my favorite cold weather hat. I have a drawer full of hats. Even when the testing is done for the Rando I will keep using it. It is the perfect balance of warmth for me. As mentioned in my Field Report I am a warm-blooded type of person. So what works well for me may be too cold for others.

On one of the San Jacinto trips I had a surprise problem with my sleeping bag, the result of which was a very cold night. I ended up wearing the Rando cap while I tried to sleep to keep me warm. It helped quite a bit.

The hook and loop on the flaps has become very weak. It does not hold very well any longer. O.R. may want to think about a better grade of it in the future. The cap is still in very good shape despite many, many pocket and pack stuffs. The wire inside of the brim will never be straight again though. It is especially twisted up after a run through the washer, which I have done a few times now.

It has never leaked during the entire winter and spring. It shows no signs of wear, or loose or frayed stitching. This despite wearing goggles over it many times.

In conclusion I like this enough that I will probably buy another one next winter. The only reason to get another is to get an extra large, as this one is still border-line to tight.

I would like to thank Outdoor Research and Backpack Gear Test for allowing me to participate in this test.

The Rando Cap getting snowed on.