Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap

Hide from the sun
April 09, 2012

I looked at a whole lot of sun protection hats before buying the Sun Runner. I have had other sun hats which worked in some situations but not so good in others. For example some caped hats fly away in the wind or the cape flops over your head leaving your neck unprotected. At the very least, other hats expose too much skin to the sun. The Sun Runner is lightweight and leaves few patches of skin the to ravages of the sun. The draw strings prevent the wind from whipping the cape around and is comfortable in hot weather. The major drawback is that there is no size adjustment and you are required to guess what size will fit you. I wear a size 7 3/8" hat and the Large size Sun Runner fits pretty well although it could be a bit more snug on a windy day. The bill is a bit short and could be wider as well. Also, I have not yet determined if it can be laundered without losing its shape. I'd buy another one and have been favorably impressed so far.

Great Hat
March 23, 2012

My husband and I both wear these hats all of the time... for trail running, hiking etc. I like the versatility of having the neck cover on or off. My ONLY "complaint" (more like a suggestion) would be to make the bill of the cap wider for more sun coverage. My other comment would be that the neck shield is not very breathable and in hot conditions you really sweat under it. I would suggest it be made from a more breathable fabric to let the breeze in!

Comes up short
February 28, 2012

I bought this hat because I needed sun protection while backpacking. I prefer to wear a wide brimed hat for sun protection but that doesnt work while wearing a backpack, the brim does not fit between my head and the pack. It rubs makes noise knocks the hat off your head and generally is a pain in the but. This hat fits the bill for me, you still get protection for the side of your face with out all the hassle of a wide brimed hat. I like all the options of the cape. I wear a 7.25 size hat and the medium works for me. Now for the negative stuff - this is a sun hat the front brim should be much longer and it should be a little bit roomier around the top of your head, for air flow. For the price I think OR could include these improvements. Over all I agree with this lovefest for this hat.

Sun and Mosquitos
January 24, 2012

I have used this hat to keep the Sierra sun and Colorado Rockies mosquitoes off my neck. Lots of adjust-ability for the cowl around you face or neck. Keep it close around your face for bug protection, or loose around your neck to fight the heat and sun. Highly recommend for snow or summer high mountain travels.

I Love Sun Runner Cap
December 30, 2011

I love Sun Runner Cap Sun Hat by OM because I’m outdoor person how work in the sun in the Napa valley sun is very harsh rays. With the lightweight fabric that provides UPF 30+ sun protection, SolarShiell construction. Mesh-lined crown and TransAction headband for comfort and moisture management Mesh side panels let air flow over the sides of your head make your day in the sun cooler. I will buy other Sun Runner Cap Sun Hat OR. I love It !!! Sun hat + sunglass go go outdoors

Just what we wanted ~
December 09, 2011

We bought the sun runner cap after my husband was told to stay out of the sun. We had a trip planned to Grand Canyon, Arizona, and searched for flap hat products. Found this and it works like a charm; cool and comfortable. Also, we live in the sun belt and this will be indispensable for outdoor activities. Just ordered another for our son (khaki color) who lives in Arizona and does a lot of hiking - he liked his dad's, but didn't care for the white. Now dad want's a khaki one, as well =)

Wish I Bought It Years Ago
October 18, 2011

As one with sun-sensitive facial skin, I have always run and played tennis and golf with a hat to deflect the sun. In warm weather, I prefer a hat that vents the heat. The Sun Runner Cap does all of this and more, particularly with the easily removable "skirt" that shields one's cheeks. Without the skirt, the hat is stylish in its own right. My face only wishes I had bought this hat years ago! Highly recommended and reasonably priced.

perfect hat for glacier travel
July 21, 2011

I purchased this hat 2 years ago and have used while climbing Mt. Hood and Mt. Rainier. It works great for keeping the sun of your neck, ears and sides of your face. The hat is super light, breathes very well and drys quickly. I would recommend is hat to anyone after seeing my hat my father in-law and brother both purchased it.

Hands down, best sun protecting hat
July 10, 2011

This is defintely the best, most versatile sun cap/hat out there. It is very light-weight, extrememly comfortable, dries very quickly, and the fact that it can be worn 3 different ways is brilliant. You can wear it as a cap by snapping off the cape, attach the cape and fold back so as to cover your ears and neck, and then fully unfold the cape for a full-protection piece of gear. The back of the cap adjusts with velcro, way better than the caps that adjust with the clip and fabric, lending itself to even more comfort. I use this cap for all of my outdoor adventuers and not only does it keep me fully protected from the sun (with it's UPF as well as the physical coverage), but isn't hideous-looking as are some other sun hats. I've received so many compliments and words of interest from people out on the trail. Highly recommend this hat.

Love it!
June 19, 2011

I used this hat yesterday for the first time on a 5 hours hike/run and it was just perfect. You might laugh at the reason why I purchased this hat... : to keep the bugs away from my face and specially my ears. It did the job AND it kept me cool on a very sunny day. I took some measurements and it was a little smaller than the S but it still fits perfectly. Love it!

good for long runs
May 25, 2011

When you're out running, it's a pain to remember to stop every 30 minutes to apply sunblock. This hat's great for folks who are of lighter complexion and worry about engaging in long, aerobic activities in the sun without applying protection. The hat has side meshes which can be covered or exposed, based on how you position the skirt. Overall, the skirt provides pretty decent protection from the sun. There is a draw string that helps you to adjust how much coverage you get from the skirt. In practice however, all it does is to prevent the skirt from flapping around while running. If you're standing still, you don't get any additional benefit by adjusting the drawstring. My only complain is that sometimes, I like to get into an incognito mode, where my entire face is covered. This will not do that. But overall, it's very functional and does a good job at warding off the sun block when you're running in the sun.

Sun Protection
November 27, 2010

This is the most comfortable cap I have worn. Excellent sun protection with the skirt. The skirt can be a little confusing until you have used it a few times. Once you become familiar with it you will love how versitle it can be. Good ventilation during hot days.

Excellent sun cap/hat
September 28, 2010

If you're looking for a super great, protective sun hat/cap, look no further than the Sun Runner Cap. It meets all of my needs as far as protecting my head, face and neck from high-altitude sun, and it looks cute, too! I'm female and have a smaller head and this hat comes in many sizes, which is great for the various head shapes out there. I bought a medium and it fits perfectly. The small fit, too, but I opted for a tad more room and went with the medium. I have this hat in both white and khaki, since I liked it so much, I bought two. It's extremely lightweight and comfortable. It's so versatile with the three different ways that it can be worn: ball cap, shade down half-way or full protection with the shade pulled all the way front. It's easy to remove the shade with the snaps and is very durable. On top of all this, it's super easy to wash. I just throw it in the washing machine, but then let it air dry so as to not distort the shape of the bill. I highly recommend this wonderful cap. It's the only one I've worn on numerous backpacking and hiking trips and is great for everyday casual use, too. You won't be disappointed.

best sun cap I've tried
September 04, 2010

This is a great cap overall. I don't think I'll be using the neck cover very much (I'd rather use sunscreen on my neck and stay cooler), but the hat itself fits great, is very comfortable, and keeps the sun off like it should.

just perfect
July 23, 2010

Very well designed, perfect for high altitude mountaineering

perfect hat for the sun
June 07, 2010

very nice fit. Great coverage.

VERY GOOD!
June 06, 2010

THIS CAP IS VERY USEFUL, COMFORTABLE, VERY NICE DESIGN AND LIGHT. SO I USED MANY TIMES WHEN I GO TO WALKING, FISHING AND HIKING. THIS CAP IS VERY USEFUL IN OUTDOOR WORKING. because of this cap's side is very long so this protects sunshine. this one is the best value in this price. and super fast shipping. i satiSfied 100%.

Great OR product
March 31, 2010

I have owned OR Swift caps which I love for absolute comfort, quick drying and light weight. I wanted to try the OR Runner cap to utilize it's neck and face protecting removable skirt while on day or multi-day treks. This cap is as comfortable as the Swift cap, and is another awesome product from OR.

Great sun protection
March 29, 2010

Bought the hat for Florida beach protection and general outdoor use. Great feature is the ability to cross the snaps over to the opposing side to get even more cheekbone protection with still plenty of neck protection...makes a sort of "tunnel" to look through for full face protection. And, the neck skirt can be tied up in different ways for more or less ventilation, although venting is great through separate skirt panels and the material is so lightweight venting hasn't yet been a problem. I bought another brand at the same time impregnated with insect repellent for fishing, but it's less vented, and the O/R hat is more versatile. Yes, I really like this hat.

Nice Hat -- With or Without Extra Shade Skirt
February 02, 2010

It fits really well, and is very versatile with the removable skirt. I wanted to keep the sun off my face - during more extreme sun runs - but I wasn't sure about the skirt. I'm glad I have it -- I'm very glad to have given it a try. It's great and it's saving my face from sun damage.

Great for glacier trips
December 14, 2009

I got this hat for my husband, because everytime we are out in the mountains he gets his neck burned. This hat covers his neck greatly and protects it from the sun on the glacier and still keeps him cool. Because it is synthetic it dries quickly and the light weight is a plus too.

I love this hat!
October 19, 2009

The main reason I bought this was because it was synthetic, lightweight, and had the sun skirt (I didn't want to have to deal with a bandanna or buff separately). I have worn it on two hikes, both of which were in warmer weather. It was great; I get hot easily but it didn't feel 'heavy' or cumbersome, even when using the sun skirt. It dried quickly as well. I am looking forward to using it on higher altitude expeditions next summer (i.e. Colorado 14ers and Mt. Rainier).

Great Hat!
August 25, 2009

This is a comfortable, decent looking hat that seems durably made. It was a good price and I would buy it again, though I doubt I'll have to.

Love the hat!
June 27, 2009

I'm hiking the Appalachian Trail at the moment. As it is getting hot, in the mid-Atlantic, I needed a hat that would keep out some of the powerful sunrays. This hat has worked great so far and I'm very happy with the product.

great
March 25, 2009

As a distance runner I needed sun protection but was concerned with wind resistance and fit so as not to be distracted from my training or race. This cap far exceeded my expectations - I love it. I am a 70 year Army vet male that has been running for over 40 years and competing in distance runs up to and including marathons.

Excellent hiking hat
August 11, 2008

I bought this for a trip into the Canyon and while testing it on the AT my hiking buddy liked it so much he is thinking of getting one before we leave for the Canyon. I agree whole heartedly with Robert's extensive review and would only add that I enjoy it as an addition to my running ensemble.

As a guy who shaves his head, I'm delighted !
July 01, 2008

Great sun protector that looks good while being worn. One problem, easily fixed; the side curtains may slip down allowing sun to the temples. Solution; bast or staple one spot on the top seams to keep them in place.

Best thing I bought since I was 6
June 13, 2008

This is the best hat that I have ever had. It is great for me because I am out in the sun all day and I worry about sun exposure. It's very light and it breaths well keeping me cool all the time. A must have if you are an active person and exposed to the elements all day.

This is the hat for extreme sun protection.
May 24, 2008

I am a land surveyor. If the sun is out I am in it. This cap is absolutely the best sun protection I have ever used. It is well vented. The sun shirt truely keeps the sun from baking your neck, throat and face.

Don't hit the open trail without it.
May 08, 2008

I've been looking for a great summer hat for a while, and now I've found it. Whether running in the harsh sun or a spring downpour this hat has offered superior protection from the elements. The sun skirt improves air circulation on hot days to keep you cool while offering extra sun protection -- Plus it's removable which is great on overcast or cool days. It's surprisingly versatile and well made. I continue to be impressed by the quality of the items that Outdoor Research is putting out. Easily the best running cap I have ever had.

Incredible sun hat
September 13, 2007

This hat is a must have. I use mine for everything from gardening and meandering around the beach to hiking and kayaking with great protection with wonderful ventilation at all times. I love adjusting the cap and also the neck shade fabric according to my needs. This is a real smart-person hat.

Great Hat
July 27, 2007

This is a low profile hat, which I like, fits great and keeps me cool in the summer.

Great hat, but somewhat noisy
June 10, 2007

Overall I like the hat; however, if it's windless and quiet outside, I hear the fabric of the sun shade rustling against my ears. Not a huge deal, just something to note.

Awesome hat!!
May 18, 2007

This the second one that I've purchased. I believe they've changed the design a little bit from a couple of years ago. But it's for the better! It still keeps me nice and cool. It still keeps the bugs off the back of my neck and ears. It still does a fantastic job!!

cap fits nice, but does little to cover you from the elements
March 06, 2007

If you are looking for a nice fitting cap, this is the one, but if you want it to protect you from sun and rain, its not the best. I received many comments the cap looks goofy with the button snaps on the bill of the cap.

great running hat
February 10, 2007

Wore this hat in the Bataan Death March Memorial Marathon at White Sands NM and in the Death Valley Trail Marathon.Light weight and drawstring and removable sun curtain are great features.Mesh venting on sides of cap along with other features makes this an excellent running desert running cap.

Excellent Backpacking hat
July 22, 2006

I wanted to replace my old backpacking hat with something that was more adaptable to various situations and environments. This hat has so far risen to the challenge. It keeps my head and ears warm when starting out on 30 degree mornings. As the day starts to heat up it vents the heat away from my head, covers my neck and ears from the sun and is adjustable as my head tends to swell as I climb in elevation. During the late afternoon, it catches the breezes that come along and expands to circulate the air around my head and neck. As an added benefit it keeps the mosquitoes away from my ears and neck and I do not have to wear a mosquito net around my head. I agree with the other reviews about the removal/reattaching the sun skirt. It is a pain at first but, because of all of the other wonderful benefits it is a minor annoyance and as I take on and off more often it goes a little bit quicker after each time. I would buy this hat again in a heartbeat and it has become a regular part of all of my outdoor activities.

Glacier walking hat
July 12, 2006

I love this hat. It does feel kinda warm when you put the head-dress on(which is removable), as it restricts airflow behind your neck, but it really keeps the sun off. Much nicer than using a bandana tent in a baseball cap. I saw about 20 of these hats while climbing on Mt Rainier a couple of weekends ago, it seems to be pretty popular.

Excellent cap!!
July 10, 2006

I really am enoying the Sun Runner cap! Excellent for using doing yard work in the summer and running!

Best Bet to Beat the Heat
July 10, 2006

Living in San Diego, the sun is powerful, even during a late morning run. I was looking for something that provided absolute coverage for my face and this hat is perfect. It's also light-weight a cool. A must have for those who are concerned about harmful UV rays.