Basic Cap

 This cap is made of water-repellent, windproof, and breathable material, so it protects you from the wind and rain without feeling uncomfortable.

Introduction

The main body has a simple six-piece design.
Unlike cycle caps, which have a shallow silhouette and short brim, the Basic Cap has a deeper fit and a moderate brim length.

It has an exquisite balance of being less affected by wind and blocking out the sunlight well.
Every detail has been thoroughly thought out to ensure stress-free use both outdoors and in everyday life.

Before creating this cap, I tried caps from several outdoor brands.
However, they were all a little shallow and did not completely cover the ears.
Especially on windy days, I had to be careful not to let the cap fly away, which was stressful.
My head is a little large, so commercially available caps didn't fit me.

After this experience, the desire to create a cap that I would feel truly comfortable in was born in me.

And in 2019, "Basic Cap" was born.
The concept and design of this cap remain unchanged to this day.

Not only the design, but also attention to detail is an important point. The edges are made of soft material that feels good against the skin so that you don't feel any tightness even after long hours of use. The lightweight and durable fabric is designed to withstand rigorous outdoor use.

This cap is a reliable item whether you're in the mountains, in the city, or traveling. Its comfort will support you even on windy or sunny days. Try it out and experience the difference for yourself.

RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR's "Basic" series

At RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR, we put a special emphasis on products named "Basic." As the name suggests, the "Basic" series is a group of products that pursue the essential elements of everyday life and the outdoors. This series is embodied in the design philosophy of "stripping away the unnecessary and leaving only what is truly necessary."

[Essential simplicity and functionality]

The name "Basic" embodies the idea of ​​eliminating decoration and focusing on necessary functions. Its simple and sophisticated design is intuitive and easy to use, reducing the burden on the user. In addition, its design allows it to be used comfortably both outdoors and in everyday life, embodying the importance of being "basic". The essence of functionality is firmly embedded in its simplicity.

[Ability to handle a wide range of applications]

The "Basic" series is not intended to be limited to a specific scene. Rather, it is characterized by its versatility, which blends naturally into a variety of situations, from everyday life to active outdoor activities. It is flexible to the user's style and purpose, and aims to be "usable not only for special occasions but also for everyday use." This series will become a trusted item in a wide range of situations.

Universal and long-lasting design

Another feature of the "Basic" series is its timeless design that is not affected by trends. We focus on designs and materials that will be loved for a long time, without being swayed by temporary trends. Furthermore, with a design that emphasizes durability, it is intended to be an item that will continue to accompany the user's daily life. Therefore, the attachment to the product deepens not from the moment of purchase, but as you continue to use it, and it becomes a product that naturally blends into your lifestyle.

The name "Basic" means more than just simplicity. It is a product that is close to the user and serves as a "foundation" that allows the user to be natural in any environment. As its name suggests, the RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR "Basic" series will continue to exist as a "foundation" that can be relied on at any moment.

If your head circumference is larger than the product size or you are in a situation where you are susceptible to wind, you can easily adjust the size by pulling the plastic tab at the back to tighten the elastic. This adjustment function improves the fit when worn and ensures a stable fit even in windy environments. It is particularly effective in outdoor scenes where strong winds are expected, such as mountain tops and ridges.

When worn by a man with a normal head size (model on the left), the hat fits slightly tighter at the back, creating a clean silhouette. This moderate fit keeps the hat from slipping off even in windy conditions, and the design does not restrict movement during outdoor activities or everyday use.

On the other hand, when worn by a woman with a slightly smaller head circumference (model on the right), the back of the hat puffs out softly. This gives the hat a soft feel, creating a casual and relaxed impression. This "fluffy" feel is an attractive point that matches a variety of styles, regardless of gender or age.

The design incorporates natural changes in shape to fit the head circumference of each person, making it comfortable for both men and women. It also has a size adjustment function, so it can be flexibly adapted to your style and situation.

Material

The cap is made of 100% nylon material, Toray's Stunner®, which is water-repellent, windproof, and highly breathable. This high-performance material provides excellent protection from the elements, while reducing sweat and discomfort, allowing you to maintain a comfortable fit.

The biggest feature of Stunner® is its excellent durable water repellency. It can withstand light rain as well as sudden changes in weather, and its water repellency will last for a long time. In addition, it is windproof and prevents cold air from entering, so you can keep warm even on chilly days. On the other hand, its high breathability allows excess moisture to escape, maintaining comfort even during intense activity.

Although this material is a synthetic fiber, its natural and elegant appearance is a major feature. Its natural appearance allows it to maintain high functionality as outdoor wear while also achieving a design that fits perfectly into everyday life and urban styling.

In addition, a special coating on the back of the fabric gives it a firm and resilient texture. This coating allows the fabric to maintain its shape well despite being a lightweight material, and it is also less likely to wrinkle during use, which is a major attraction.

COOLMAX® fabric is used for the sweatband.
The pique-patterned 100% polyester material is moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and UV-resistant (UPF 40+).

Spec

Material: Main body 100% nylon, sweatband 100% polyester
Size: One size Depth: approx. 17.5cm (when laid flat), visor length: approx. 6cm, head circumference: approx. 60cm (adjustable with elastic)
*Please note that there may be an error of about ±1cm in the finished product size.
When you actually put it on it will spread out a little.
Weight: Approx. 39g
Country of origin: Japan Producer: Shimada Co., Ltd., Kanonji City, Kagawa Prefecture

Color

※About the color of the product

We strive to make the product images as close to the actual colors as possible, but the actual colors may differ depending on your viewing environment and monitor settings.
Please also note that it is difficult to perfectly reproduce the texture and luster of the fabric on the screen.

Size Guide

*Please note that there may be an error of about ±1cm in the finished product size.
It will expand slightly when actually worn and used.

Wear Variations

*Colors that have been sold in the past are also listed.

How Users Use It

The recommended head circumference is about 60cm. The head circumference is the red line in the image above. It is the measurement from the forehead to the temples to the back of the head, measured around the tightest point for one week.

Collaborator

Collaborateur introduces you to the people who produce these products.

Shimada Co., Ltd. is responsible for all of RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR's headwear.

Shimada Co., Ltd. is located in Toyohama-cho, Kan'onji City, Kagawa Prefecture.
Founded in 1935, this hat manufacturer started out by producing straw hats and has continued to focus on handcrafting hats by artisans.

Even though they are all called "hats," their specifications vary widely. Shimada-san has introduced two cutting methods, CAD-CAM (computer-aided design) and mold-making, and selects the method most suitable for each product. In addition, for products that cannot be handled by these two methods or for small-lot production, craftsmen will individually create patterns and cut the hats. He always proceeds with his work by choosing the best method for the hat and the customer.

The craftsmen in charge of sewing are experienced craftsmen who support the production of hats made in Japan, which is something we have always been particular about. They sew each hat with care, pouring in their experience, knowledge and skills they have gained from it, such as using lock stitching and chain stitching, which have different elasticity depending on the material, purpose and finish, to ensure a consistently high level of stable quality.

In apparel sewing, a seam allowance of about 1cm to 2cm is common, but in hats, the seam allowance is usually about 4mm. Because the seam allowance for hats is very small, high precision is required when sewing.

However, small seam allowances mean that there is less variation in the finished product. Therefore, even though hats are made by hand, there are few individual differences, and it is possible to produce almost identical products.

Shimada's goal and basic philosophy is to create products that he himself would "want to use" with a level, technique, and ideas that cannot be imitated anywhere else. He also hopes that through product creation, he can bring the "countryside craftsmen" who have been solely behind the scenes and supporting Japanese manufacturing to the forefront.

"Think in Japan, make in Japan. We want to spread these 'All Made in Japan' products from Toyohama to the whole of Japan and the world. We will continue to pour all our skills, knowledge, experience and heart into making high quality products."
RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR's hats are made by craftsmen like these.

Shimada Co., Ltd. is a hat manufacturer that provides high-quality hats made in Japan with a careful craftsmanship spirit. It originally started as a family-run company that manufactured and sold straw hats for farm work.

A few years after the current owner, Kazuhisa Takada, took over the family business, the president of a hat shop in Osaka, who happened to be visiting the 88 temples of Shikoku, got lost while looking at the navigation system. This prompted Takada to train at the hat shop for about half a year to try his hand at the fashion world as the straw hat business for farm work was shrinking. After that, the current business model began.

Having started out with straw when it was first established, the company has experience, skills, and equipment that are rare even in Japan, and has now evolved to include a wide range of activities, from felt molding to sewing woven fabric, and the company primarily receives offers from brands that insist on high-quality Made in Japan products.

At Shimada, we aim to create unique products that people want, not only in Japan but all over the world, with a high level of technology that cannot be replicated anywhere else, and originality and ingenuity, and products that we would want to use ourselves.
I would like to bring the "country craftsmen" who have previously been thought of as supporting the industry from behind the scenes into the spotlight so that more attention can be focused on them.
And from Toyohama Town, "Udon Prefecture," a tranquil place surrounded by sea and mountains, we will continue to create high-quality products with all our heart and soul every day, with the desire to share 100% Made in Japan products that are conceived and made in Japan with the world.

Shimada Co., Ltd.
1876-1 Wada, Toyohama-cho, Kanonji City, Kagawa Prefecture
https://www.shimada-oem.com/

Attention

We recommend putting it in a laundry net when washing.
Dark colored products may transfer color, so please wash them separately from other items.
Do not use detergents containing fluorescent brighteners or chlorine bleach.
Do not tumble dry.
When ironing, always use a pressing cloth and iron from the back.
The core of the bill is soft, so the core itself will not break when folded. However, if the bill is folded too tightly, it will wrinkle and take time to return to its original shape. Please avoid folding it intentionally.

Staff Wear Review

I usually wear a hat all the time, and this is the hat I wear most often, both in the mountains and in the city. It's deep, fits a large head, and has an elastic band to tighten it, so it's extremely comfortable to wear.

Many trail running and mountain caps are made to be shallow, and as you walk or run, they gradually slide up (perhaps because of the size of my head and long hair?), but the RIDGE Basic Cap does not come off easily.

And the best part for me is

It's sweat-resistant. It dries quickly, so it's comfortable even in the middle of summer. If you wear a cap for a long time, it can get stained with sweat all over, and eventually that part will discolor, but with this cap you don't have to worry about that.

I don't wear it when I'm running because it's too hot, but I use it a lot when hiking or in the city. I want it in all colors.