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How to Choose the Best Running Hat

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How to Choose the Best Running Hat

There are several good reasons to wear a running hat, bandanna or headband while running regularly. Perhaps another great reason to wear one of these items is for protection against the sun. As well as being practical gear of sport clothing - which is discussed in Why you shouldn't pack a hat when you go out running next time - the selection of what you wear as part of your sport clothing will also depend largely on personal preference, how much hair you have, and how open your face is. And of course there are practical reasons to ensure that your hat or bandanna stays in place too. Below are some things to remember when choosing the best running hat, bandana or headband for your needs.

One of the best reasons to run with a hat, bandanna or headpiece is the protection that it offers from the sun. When you are running, your body moves at a very high altitude, so you are going to get a lot of sun damage. Hats, bandannas and headbands offer excellent protection from this damage. If you are particularly fair skinned, you may not feel like you need a hat or bandanna at all - after all you just need a sweatband, right? Or perhaps you have medium skin and the perspiration will just run off into your shirt.

A comfortable hat or headband is important too. The comfort level of a hat can vary widely from brand to brand, so it's worth spending a little extra for something a little better than run-of-the-mill. Brands such as Reebok make their products using the highest quality materials possible so you can trust that they won't fall apart a couple weeks after you buy them. One thing to note when buying your hat is that the best ones tend to be fairly durable.

Another great feature is breathability. Runners want a hat or headband that breathes because it allows the sweat to evaporate more quickly. This makes a runner feel much more comfortable while they are running, reducing the chance of them becoming overheated. Breathability is especially important during long runs when you are sweating and need to recuperate as much energy as possible.

Most people know the importance of having a hat or headband that is reflective, but not everyone realizes that they can customize their apparel to meet their specific needs. If you run or jog regularly, you probably already know that your clothing is reflective and that you don't want it to fade or get dimpled due to the heat. You can change your reflective apparel at home very easily. All you need is some reflective tape, scissors and a printer. Here's how it works:

After you've chosen your style and color, you will need to get the right material. There are two types of hats - one with a neck band and one without. The neck band has a closure flap and comes in either Velcro, hook & loop closures or a flatlock closure. The non-hooded hat has a completely open collar, which is perfect for ventilation but doesn't prevent overheating. The Velcro closures work well for ventilation but can be unattached, leaving your neck exposed.

Your next decision is whether to choose a Velcro-style closure or a hook & loop. Both are highly effective and provide superior airflow, but Velcro is easier to remove, which is a consideration if you often run in wet weather. Hook & loop hats are great for runners who like a little more ventilation than their Velcro counterparts. They offer a non-slip grip on the brim and have plenty of ventilation, while being relatively easy to adjust. The difference between these two varieties may come down to personal preference, but either way, the best running hat is one that meets your needs.

When looking for a new hat, look for a high quality product that offers superior ventilation and breathability. Be sure to choose a hat with a comfortable fit and one that features either side zip closures or a snap closure. If you're looking for a light weight hat that doesn't block much wind, look for a mesh material hat. These hats are perfect for cross country running or even for running on sand or trails.

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