Fractel High Ponytail Cap & Adventure Hats: Trail-Tested
Eco-conscious Trail Hats Suitable For Thick Hair
I’ve got a lot of hair. It’s thick, it’s stubborn, and it traps in heat. My hair does NOT play nice on sweaty trail days – especially when it’s plastered to the back of my neck like some sort of damp possum.
Aussie brand Fractel is gaining a lot of traction with trail runners in recent years, and they are nailing the balance between performance and personality with their headgear – specifically, their C-Series (in two colours – C-Canopy and C-Ashen) High Ponytail Cap and their A-Series (A-Seablue and A-Olive) Adventure Hat. Two very different styles that all earn a place in my gear drawer.
Fractel C-Series High Ponytail Cap
The High Ponytail Cap is hands down my go-to on exposed trails, and even when I do a bit of road running (oh, don’t gasp, it’s bound to happen!). Not just for the serious sun protection, but because it actually works with thick hair. I’ve been able to thread my ponytail through the higher opening to keep it off my neck – no more itchy distractions or sweaty strands stuck to skin.
This particular hat sits like a baseball cap (my favourite kind), is breathable, light, moisture-wicking, and one of the only hats I’ve found that truly gets it.
Also, the branding for the High Ponytail Cap is a bit different to Fractel’s other head gear, being a whole lot more subtle for a clean, minimal design.
Fractel A-Series Adventure Hat
Then there’s the Adventure Hat. The workhorse. The hat with a perfect balance of structure and softness. The hat my husband keeps stealing from me. Truth. Great for runs, but also great for other outdoor activities like hiking or gardening because of its wide brim.
This fancy piece of fashion features UPF 50+ panels and has a tuck-away neck cape – so much better than those hats where you have to take the whole thing off and you eventually end up losing it around the house.
Not to forget that the chin drawstring says in place, there are snazzy sunglass splits on both sides, and a pony tail overlap (woo hoo!) so I can have the neck cape on my neck and not on top of my hair – it’s genius.
Fractel is known for making its products from recyclable fabrics, and is chasing the title of ‘most sustainable sportswear on Earth’. It’s really no wonder their hats are popping up on trailheads everywhere – it’s like a secret club of eco-conscious, style-savvy runners, and I’m definitely a member.
Vitals
RRP: C-Series Core (C-Canopy & C-Ashen) High Ponytail Cap: $60.00 AUD
RRP: A-Series Core (A-Seablue & A-Olive) Adventure Hat: $115.00 AUD
This review is in issue 56 of Trail Run Mag and can be purchased on back issue while stocks last.
