- 3 layer GORE-TEX laminate coated in 70D nylon face; fully taped seams ensure watertight integrity.
- A 3-inch brim keeps rain off your face and helps keep prescription glasses and goggles drier than a hood
- Wicking polyester sweatband for comfort and quick drying.
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Adjustable fit
- Five-panel ball-cap style
Operation and use
This hood shines if you want better visibility and less wind than a hood provides. For hiking, backpacking, or running, it keeps the rain off your face without seeing through the tunnel or the tightness of the hood. The shape of the brim is very useful for keeping rain and drips off your glasses and keeping the wind cool, without the flapping of a load that can happen with a rain jacket or windbreaker cover.
Fit and comfort
The cap fits like a regular baseball cap, but with a stiffer structure to support the brim. The elastic headband helps control sweat; the hat is comfortable under the lid and packs down small enough to fit in a pocket or pack lid. The interior is lined to protect the lining, making the hat breathable and adding extra warmth for shoulder season or mountain weather. On the other hand, a hat can retain more heat on a hot day than a trucker’s hat. Consider getting it a lighter color so it reflects more sunlight when you’re traveling in a hot, humid environment. I also wouldn’t recommend hiking in the desert, where it doesn’t rain and you probably want a very breathable straw hat or a lightweight hat with a sun visor.
Benefits
- Reliable waterproofing with breathable GORE-TEX
- A practical edge for visibility and keeping the glasses dry
- It’s lightweight and packable
- Comfortable wicking headband and adjustable fit
- UPF 50+ and bluesign approved materials
Evil
- It’s not a warm weather oriented hat; it may feel a little shiny in hot and humid environments
- Minimal coverage is a rain hat with a wide brim or a sun hat with a neck protector
Bottom line
If you’re looking for a breathable, packable rain hat that offers better visibility and face protection than a hood, the Seattle Rain Cap is a strong, versatile choice for hikers, backpackers, and trail runners who spend time in wet weather. Let’s face it. The hoods on most rain jackets are absorbent because they don’t have a brim or enough adjustability to keep the front and sides of your face dry. The Outdoor Research Rain Cap fixes that, and because it’s waterproof, the brim doesn’t come off like a regular ball cap.
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