Rapha Merino Hat | 2019 Review

If I could choose just one hat in 2019 to wear cycling, running or walking, it would be the Rapha Merino Hat (https://www.rapha.cc).  The merino wool is soft and breathable.  I have what I consider to be a rather large noggin and this hat fits me to a tee, yet it also fit’s Kathleen’s smaller noggin.

The Rapha Merino hat is made from New Zealand Merino (95%) and nylon (5%).  The nylon is really needed to give it a little bit of a stretch factor.  The Merino of course adds warmth, breath-ability and odor fighting properties of wool that make it odor-resistant.  I have yet to smell the hat after a workout and go yuck.  Even days later without washing it, the hat remains odor free, at least to my senses.

FABRIC

• New Zealand Merino:
• 95% merino
• 5% nylon

The hat is designed with a double thick headband and a single layer above the head band. This multi layer combo serves to help keep your ears especially warm, yet lets your head vent heat.  The other advantage of the layering combo is it fits nicely under a helmet, without it feeling too bulky.

The Rapha Merino Hat was designed specifically for cycling, but like many products Rapha makes, they can have multi-use applications.  I have found that as a runner/walker, the Rapha hat is probably the best running specific hat I have come across.

With most wool products I like to hang dry them after washing, but I have been known to throw them in the dryer by mistake or because of time.  So far I haven’t had any issue with the hat shrinking, but your observations might differ.

The Rapha Merino Hat is made from a luxury merino wool to keep your head warm and comfortable even in the harshest winter conditions. The hat has a small amount of nylon woven into the fabric to make it more durable and to ensure a snug fit. The natural fibre of merino wicks sweat away from the head and the fabric is quick drying, even after a downpour.The hat is designed to be worn with or without a helmet and is fully reversible. It is black on one side and available in a choice of colours on the reverse. The two-inch earband can be folded up to help regulate body temperature as well as to provide some stylish versatility. The hat is finished with a black Rapha logo tab.

RAPHA’S MERINO HAT KEY FEATURES:

• Merino and Nylon blend for durability
• Quick drying
• Reversible
• Foldable earband
• Snug fit, perfect under a helmet
• Lightweight, insulating, breathable
• Easy to wash” – Rapha.cc
• Retails – $55

BOTTOM LINE the Rapha Merino Hat is an amazing accessory that I love to use.  The retail price tag of $55 might scare some away, but I can honestly say that if you purchase it, you will not be disappointed with how it regulates heat and make you a happy camper.  Throughout the year Rapha puts on sales, so often you can pick up Rapha apparel at a discount.