Gear Review: Convertible Hat

With carry-on luggage rules tightening on those who buy economy tickets, there are even more reasons to pack gear that serves dual or more functions. This item doubles as a hat and a neck warmer or buff, as I often call that. The drawstring allows for venting and the polyester fabric is wickable, useful when you’re engaged in vigorous activities like cross country skiing or hiking in the winter. This product is made by Chaos, a company I recently blogged about and one that carries a wide array of hats for all occasions and activities. 

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Reversible Hats for Winter

I definitely have a thing for reversible clothing and accessories. This sensibility fits in with my "never check luggage" ethic. Why bring a couple of dresses, skirts, sweaters and hats when you could trim it down to one of each? I'm a recent fan of Chaos, a hat company with a women's, men's and unisex hats for winter or summer, some reversible, like the beanie below. This one is last year's model but they've got some very warm and stylishly hip hats in the current collection. (I love the one's with a combination of snuggly fabrics, such as Merino wool, cashmere or alpaca.)

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Gear Review: Foldable, Sun-Protective Cap

Often I find myself not packing a brimmed cap because it doesn’t fit in my ultra tiny carry-on bag. But that changed when I found out about the Summit Air Cap. Not only is this polyester cap light, but it folds into slightly bigger than palm-size. I brought the Summit Air along on my most recent trip to Antigua where I hiked mostly arid trails with little shade. The cap comes with a sunprotection factor (UPF) 50+, a soft, wickable sweatband and excellent breathability, thanks to the full mesh fabric on the crown. Despite the sun and heat (it was high in the 80s F), I felt cool and comfortable. (When the trail wove deep into the shade, I simply stashed the cap in my back pocket.) Even better, the fabric is manufactured from recycled coffee grounds (S. Cafe fabric) making it eco-friendly. The company, Chaos Hats, manufactures other foldable hats (even a fedora) as well as non-foldable but fashionable and sun-protective Panama, wide brim and straw hats. 

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