RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR Enough Hat NT

Introduction

The first "Enough Hat" was produced in 2021. Its lightweight and simple design matched any occasion, earning widespread popularity. Through repeated reproductions, it has established itself as one of RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR's flagship products. This cap has become a symbol of the brand, thanks to its adoption by many people in both the mountains and the city.

In early summer 2023, an opportunity arose to bring a new vibe to the "Enough Hat." We received a special request from Nicetime Mountain Gallery, an outdoor select shop in Tachikawa, Tokyo, which has been handling RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR products for many years.

"As Nicetime Mountain Gallery approaches its 5th anniversary in July 2023, we would like to request a special version of the RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR cap. Ideally, the material used would be COOL DOTS®, the same material used in your brand's staple 'Basic Long Sleeve Shirt.'"

The moment I received the request, a "joy of co-creating a cap with special meaning" welled up inside me, but I also recognized the difficulty of further evolving the existing "Enough Hat." However, believing that this challenge would create new possibilities, I embarked on the production.

I can still vividly recall the sensation when I first held and put on the prototype, which was completed after much trial and error.

"Amazing..."

I couldn't hide my own surprise at the words that spontaneously came out of my mouth. Its light fit, excellent breathability, and simple yet undeniable presence. While I was truly satisfied with the comfort that enveloped my head, I also felt a pang of regret, thinking, "Why didn't I realize this before...?" Amidst a mix of emotion and regret, I immediately contacted Nicetime Mountain Gallery and shared the success of this new endeavor, which I remember clearly to this day.

This is how "Basic Cap NT" and "Enough Hat NT" were born. By adding the special story of Nicetime Mountain Gallery's 5th anniversary to the brand's staple "Basic Cap," they became products with new value.

The "NT" in the name combines "Nicetime" from the store name and "Newtype." This name is not merely a commemorative item, but symbolizes new challenges and evolution.

The material used is COOL DOTS®, which is excellent in breathability and elasticity. This is our commitment to achieving a cool and comfortable fit even on hot summer days. It also boasts properties that make it lightweight and compact, making it versatile for both everyday use and outdoor activities.

The "Basic Cap NT," born from this special collaboration, is a new step that connects RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR's past, present, and future. Please pick one up and enjoy the evolved wearing comfort.

Design

The most distinctive feature of the "Enough Hat" is the unique shape of its brim. While the brims of typical hats often spread uniformly front, back, left, and right, the "Enough Hat" defies this convention by meticulously adjusting the brim's flare at three points: front, sides, and back.

The front brim is designed at a perfect angle to provide ample sun protection while ensuring clear visibility. This characteristic prevents it from obstructing your view when checking terrain or looking at your feet during a hike. The side brims, on the other hand, cover the ears, providing robust protection from strong UV rays. This design shields hikers' ears from sunburn. Furthermore, the back brim subtly covers the nape of the neck, reducing sunlight reflection and UV exposure from behind when walking on mountain trails.

This design encapsulates a wealth of mountain experience. Rather than simply spreading out uniformly, the "Enough Hat" was created and is characterized by fitting just right at the necessary points. Thanks to this shape, its functionality in the mountains is dramatically improved, while also achieving a smart appearance that looks natural in the city.

The shape of this brim is one answer to the question, "What is necessary to spend time comfortably in nature?"

Another appealing aspect of the "Enough Hat" is its flexibility, allowing for various ways of wearing it depending on the scene and situation. This hat not only protects against UV rays but can also be freely arranged to suit the wearer's style and purpose.

For example, on days with less sun or cloudy days, or when you want a wider field of vision ahead while walking along a ridge, we recommend slightly raising the front of the brim. This style reduces shadows over the face and expands your view. It is extremely useful when enjoying distant scenery on a trail or when you need to clearly see the path underfoot. Additionally, raising the front brim gives the entire hat a lighter impression, which is also convenient when you want to change your mood.

One way to enjoy the "Enough Hat" is the variety of atmospheres created by adjusting the back of the brim. Slightly raising the back brim gives the entire hat a more compact impression, allowing for a lighter style akin to a regular cap.

You can easily adjust the size by pulling the plastic tab at the back to tighten the elastic cord. This adjustment feature improves the fit during wear and ensures a stable feel even in windy conditions. It is especially effective in outdoor settings with strong winds, such as mountain peaks or ridges.

Material

This product utilizes COOL DOTS®, a 4-way stretch material with both vertical and horizontal stretch. COOL DOTS® is a high-performance material developed by Komatsu Matere Co., Ltd., made from 100% polyester with countless microscopic air holes. The characteristics of this material are its excellent stretch and breathability.

Its excellent stretch allows it to flexibly adapt to all movements, reducing stress during wear. It naturally conforms to body movements and maintains comfort during sudden movements on a hike or in active daily situations. Furthermore, the high breathability provided by the microscopic air holes suppresses stuffiness and keeps you cool even during prolonged wear. You can stay comfortable even in summer or during periods of high activity.

Breathability and Water Repellency

A special weaving method creates countless microscopic pores (micro-holes) in the fabric, achieving excellent breathability. This technology allows air to flow efficiently from inside the shirt, reducing stuffiness and maintaining a consistently comfortable feel.

Furthermore, the design of these micro-holes is carefully engineered to minimize transparency when worn. While prioritizing breathability often results in thinner, more transparent fabrics, this shirt balances visual reassurance with functionality. It ensures the necessary breathability for hiking and exercise without compromising comfort or design.

[Breathability (cm3/cm2.sec)]
Test method: JIS-L-1096 Method A (Frazier method) → 59.6

[Water Repellency Rating]
Test method: JIS-L-1092 Spray method → Level 4

*This material has been treated with non-fluorine (C0) water repellent processing.
Non-fluorine (C0) water repellency is a treatment that repels water droplets and dirt on the fabric surface without using fluorine compounds.
It quickly repels light rain and splashes, but it is not completely waterproof.
The effect will gradually diminish with use and washing, but can be somewhat restored with care according to the washing instructions.

Here is a video demonstrating the water repellency. Please check it out.

Stretch and Lightweight

This material boasts a lightness of 104g/㎡, as well as excellent wrinkle resistance. Even if you stuff it into a backpack pocket or storage space, it quickly regains its shape when taken out. You can maintain the shirt's original beautiful silhouette without any hassle.

[Elongation recovery rate and elongation (%)]
Test method: JIS-L-1096 Methods B-1, B 14.7N
Elongation rate → Vertical 31.9, Horizontal 16.6
Elongation recovery rate → After 30 seconds: Vertical 74.9, Horizontal 86.7

[Wrinkle resistance]
Test method: JIS-L-1059-1 Monsanto method 5N
Length direction → 85
Width direction → 78
Wrinkle resistance rate (%)

UV Protection

[UV Measurement (%)]
Test method: JIS-L-1925
Shielding rate measurement wavelength 280mm-400mm→96.8

UPF 29.9
UV blocking rate 90% or more

Durability

Friction test of fabric in dry and wet conditions.

[Friction (grade)]
Test method: JIS L 0849 (Type II) Dry friction grade 4-5, Wet friction grade 4-5 (max. grade 5)

Environmental Consideration

A portion of the stretch components uses plant-derived yarn, LYCRA T400® fiber.

Material: Main body 100% polyester, Sweatband 100% polyester
Size: One size
Depth approximately 17.5cm (when laid flat), Visor length approximately 6cm, Head circumference approximately 59cm (adjustable with elastic)
*Please note that there may be an error of ±1cm in the finished product size. Please be aware of this in advance.
It will expand slightly when actually worn.
Weight: Approximately 47g
Country of origin: Japan
Producer: Shimada Co., Ltd. in Kanonji City, Kagawa Prefecture

Spec

The sweatband uses COOLMAX® fabric.
It is a 100% polyester pique material with quick-drying and UV-cut (UPF 40+) functions.

Color

※About product colors

We strive to make product images as close to the actual colors as possible, but please note that the actual colors may differ depending on your browsing environment and monitor settings.
Also, please understand that it is difficult to perfectly reproduce the texture and sheen of the fabric on screen.

Quiet Grey

Wearing Quiet Grey

Sky Haze

Wearing Sky Haze

Sage Dust

Wearing Sky Haze

Saffron Mustard

Wearing Saffron Mustard

Coast Grey

Wearing Coast Grey

Solid Black

Wearing Solid Black

Size Guide

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

If you compare wearing the Basic Cap and the Enough Hat, you will probably feel that the Enough Hat is slightly shallower.
This is because the Enough Hat is designed so that the brim's slope does not hit the ears as much as possible, as shown in the diagram above.
While a cap can be worn deeply over the ears, a hat with a sloped brim must be set shallower.

Collaborateur

Under "Collaborateur," we introduce the people who produce our products.

Shimada Co., Ltd. handles all of RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR's headwear.

Shimada Co., Ltd. is located in Toyohama-cho, Kanonji City, Kagawa Prefecture.
Founded in 1935, they started with straw hat production and have continued to specialize in handcrafted hat making as a hat manufacturer.

Even though it's called a "hat," the specifications vary widely. At Shimada, they utilize two cutting methods—CAD-CAM (computer-aided design) and metal molds—and choose the most suitable method for each product. For products that cannot be handled by these two methods or for small-lot production, craftsmen individually create patterns and cut the fabric. They always proceed with their work by choosing the best method for the hat and for the customer.

Sewing is handled by experienced craftsmen who support our commitment to Made-in-Japan hat making. They carefully sew each item, applying their extensive experience, knowledge, and techniques to ensure consistently high and stable quality, such as using both plain stitching and chain stitching, which have different elasticities, depending on the material, application, and desired finish.

While apparel (clothing) typically has seam allowances of about 1cm to 2cm, hat seam allowances are usually around 4mm. Because hat seam allowances are very small, high precision is required during sewing.

However, smaller seam allowances mean that variations in the finished product are reduced. Therefore, hat manufacturing, despite being manual, has minimal individual differences, making it possible to produce almost identical products.

Shimada's goal and fundamental principle is to create products they themselves "want to use," with a level of skill, technique, and inventiveness that no one else can imitate. Furthermore, they hope to use product manufacturing as a way to bring the "country craftsmen" who have diligently worked behind the scenes to support Japanese manufacturing into the spotlight.

"With the desire to create and produce in Japan—'All Made in Japan' products—and disseminate them from Toyohama-cho to all of Japan and the world, we will continue to pour our skills, knowledge, experience, and heart into creating high-quality products without reservation."
RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR's headwear is crafted by such artisans.

Shimada Co., Ltd. is a hat manufacturer committed to "Made in Japan" and providing high-quality hats with a meticulous manufacturing spirit. It began as a family business manufacturing and selling straw hats for agricultural work.

Some years after the current CEO, Kazuhisa Takarada, took over the family business... a certain president of an Osaka hat shop, who happened to be on a Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage, got lost while following his navigation system and stumbled upon their shop. This encounter, amidst the downsizing of their agricultural straw hat business, led Takarada to try his hand in the fashion world, training for about six months at the hat company of the aforementioned president. This marked the beginning of their current business model...

Having started with straw hats at its inception, the company possesses rare experience, techniques, and equipment in Japan. Furthermore, it has evolved to encompass a wide range of processes, from felt molding to woven fabric sewing, with offers from brands committed to high-quality Made-in-Japan products now forming its core business.

At Shimada, our goal is to create products with a high level of skill, ingenuity, and a desire to use them ourselves, making things that no one else can imitate, products that people not only in Japan but around the world will desire.
We also hope to bring the "country craftsmen," who have always supported Japanese manufacturing from behind the scenes, into the spotlight and give them the recognition they deserve.
And from Toyohama-cho, "Udon Prefecture," a peaceful land surrounded by sea and mountains, we will continue to put our heart into producing high-quality "All Made in Japan" products, conceived and made in Japan, to the world every day.

Shimada Co., Ltd.
1876-1 Wadaotsu, Toyohama-cho, Kanonji-shi, Kagawa 769-1603
https://www.shimada-oem.com/

Attention

We recommend placing the product in a laundry net when washing.
Dark-colored products may bleed dye, so please wash them separately from other items as a precaution.
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 reverse side.
The core of the brim is soft, so it will not break when bent, but if the brim is folded too tightly, it will wrinkle and take time to return to its original shape. Please avoid intentionally bending it.