I love a nice hat. I have a good collection and wear hats for hiking, under my bike helmet while cycling, running, skiing and going out to the pub or for a dog walk. I like a hat that looks good but also offers great ear coverage.
Although you would imagine that most hat wearing goes on in the cooler months I still find myself grabbing a hat to wear in the summer. Hats keep the rain off my hair and the wind out of my ears.
So, I guess, I am a good person to test a new collection of hats. Thanks to Bridgedale for sending out two for my to try.
Bridgedale is probably better known to you as a walking socks brand. Now they have launched the first range of unisex hats designed for a variety of outdoor activities.
Bridgedale Chunky hats
The chunky knit hat uses Bridgedale’s MerinoFusion technology (a blind of merino wool and technical fibres) to ensure warmth and comfort during chillier days, such as when hiking in the hills or sitting around in the evening at a campsite. The hats also have a full fleece lining for extra softness.
Choose from brown, purple or grey. £20
The midweight collection
This is more like a classic outdoor beanie. This is the kind I am still wearing through the Scottish summer! Again the hat has MerinoFusion technology. It is doubled layered with a fleecy earband that circles the inside of the hat. I wouldn’t now buy a hat that didn’t have a fleece earband because they make such a difference to warmth and comfort. The hats look good and do a great job of warmth.
I have been wearing mine on the hills, walking the dog, to the pub and generally everywhere outdoorsy. The weather in Scotland only warmed up for a week in April!
Choose from:
Bigfoot: Black/Grey; Green/Grey
Pulse: Black/Lime; Navy/Orange; Red/Grey
Heart: Grey/Berry; Berry/Turquoise
Flurry: Turquoise/berry; Ecru/berry
£19
Lighter weight collection
With Bridgedale’s Flip Reversible hats you get two hats in one. The hats are made of a twin-layer soft knit (still with MerinoFusion technology) and can be reversed. Decide what colour or design you want to wear on each occasion. They are great for walking on cool but not too cold days or just generally when you are outdoors.
Colourways: Black/Lime; Blue/Navy; Green/It Grey; Ecru/Turquoise
£18
Ultra-lightweight collection
This double-layer, fast drying and reversible hat is ideal for high-octane activities such as running, cycling (wear it under your helmet) and climbing. Duo Lite is made from a blend of synthetic and natural fibres that work together to quickly move moisture and reduce drying time. The addition of “FreshGuard” is claimed to “virtually neutralise odour for the life of the hat”. I think I might simply wash the hat in between wears to make sure it stays sweet smelling.
This hat is lovely to wear and does feel nice and light yet still offers good warmth. I wore it under my cycle helmet instead of my usual buff and I liked the fit and coverage. It’ a great wee hat for stuffing into a pocket, too, when out walking or running as a just in case I need it item.
Colourways: Charcoal/Light Grey; Blue/Charcoal
£20
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