Australian Hiker

Rating

Sunday Afternoons Sun Guide Cap Review

From my perspective the is no such thing as  a perfect hat. There is always some small issue that I just find annoying. Over the years I have moved a way from rigid broad brimmed hats as they often catch on fully loaded packs and will often ‘scrape’ creating an annoying noise as I walk that tends to drive me insane. I now favour the cap style hat with a cape as I find this to be the most versatile, regardless of the weather. I am currently trying to decide between two caps.

The first is the Outdoor Research SunRunner Cap and then there’s the Sunday Afternoons Sun Guide Cap. On first appearances these caps have very similar features and appear very much the same but each has its own advantages. I really like the small pocket that allows you to fold away and store the cape when it’s not being used. In addition I like the neck lanyard that works very well when I just want to have it off and hanging around my neck.

So what makes the Sunday Afternoons Sun Guide Cap a challenger? While these hats appear very similar it’s the fine detail that I really like. Both hats have a foldable front brim however the Sunday Afternoons Sun Guide Cap has made there’s a very obvious fold and I just find that I can get use the right bend on it to suit me. This cap also has vents which allow airflow and minimises sweat build up so again a big tick for this model. Inside the cap there is a band of absorbent mesh that is soft and extra absorbent, which makes this hat a real winner in hot conditions.

So what then are the negatives?  The first is price and while not horrendously expensive there is enough difference to make you think between the two hats. This cap does away with the neck lanyard and replaces it with a press stud. This stud works well in keeping the cap on and the cape under control on windy days but you can’t really pull the cap down on your neck when you feel like it. The cape needs to be stored in your pack or pocket when its not being used which means that there is a potential to loose it. For me the thing that has stopped this hat being the clear winner against the Outdoor Research SunRunner Cap is one of the features (the pony tail friendly one) which means that there is a potential for a small gap to be present in the back of the cap. If you have hair this presents no real issues but if like me you are bald (or as good as) then there is a big potential to end up with a burn spot on the back of your head if you don’t position the cape properly. As careful as I am sometimes this just happens.

The niggles I have identified on this cap are ones that are specific to me so they probably won’t bother most people. If I had a head of hair then this cap would be the clear choice for my sun protection but as it is the jury is till out and I am still to decide which cap will become my ‘go to hat’.

We Like

• UPF 50+ providing great block out protection for your whole head and neck which helps to prevent sunburn
• Water-Resistant and stain resitant fabric means the peak will keep water off your face during rain
• Ponytail friendly (see negatives below) so will suit both short and long hair
• Flow through ventilation limits the amount of sweating on very hot days
• An internal absorption band that that absorbs excessive sweating
• The cap is made of a breathable fabric which ensures you won’t sweat heavily on hot days and if you do sweat, the moisture will be wicked away which means you stay dry
• The cap is quick-drying so if you do get it wet, it won’t be long before it dries
• Foldable brim allows you to pack the cap away into the smallest of pockets
• Dark under-brim fabric reduces glare on sunny days
• The removable cape converts the cap to ensure face and neck sun protection
• Two sizes (M and L) ensures most people are accommodated
• Lightweight so it won’t weigh you down. Great for those ultra lighters

We Don't Like

• The ponytail friendly design may mean that you end up with a gap at the back of the cap which potentially means a sunburnt spot if you have no hair
• The wind fastening clip is not as ideal to sit around your neck as a lanyard present on other brands
• The sun cape on this cap needs to be stored in your pack when not being used.

Best Uses

• Sunny hot days

Buy One

You can purchase the Sunday Afternoons Guide Cap in store or online from Snowys

Disclosure:  We may earn a small commission, at no additional expense to you, if you click through and make a purchase. Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our reviews. If we don’t like a product, you’ll hear about it from us!

If you have used the Sunday Afternoons Sun Guide Cap or have questions, we’d like to hear from you. Post your comment or question below

Investment

AUD$49.99 RRP

Other Versions

The Sunday Afternoons Guide Cap is available in two colours and two sizes. However you may only find the light sandstone coloured option in most stores.

In addition the manufacturer also produces the:

• Broad Brimmed, Sunday Afternoons Compass Hat as well as the
• Broad brimmed and caped, Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat

The Sunday Afternoons Guide Sun Cap

The cap without the cape attached

The cap vent allows air to move though minimising sweat

The fold in the peak is very obvious and allows you to get just the right angle to suit

The cape clipped up at the front

The cape unclipped and viewed from the side

The Ponytail gap in the back can be easily fixed, if you remember. If you don’t then you end up with a sunburnt head

Disclaimer

This review was done with product purchased from a retail store by Australian Hiker

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