RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR Shade Cap

Introduction

As an add-on that protects the nape while keeping your own cap, RIDGE's
"Sunshade"
is still a dependable option.

Being able to make use of the cap you already have, and quickly "adding" it only when needed. The flexibility to fine-tune it to your itinerary and the weather. Those qualities really pay off on long routes.

At the same time, there are certainly voices saying, "I want shade the moment I put it on." So, chasing an all-in-one solution, the "Shade Cap" was born. Built on the fit cultivated with the Basic Cap, we designed a wide shade that wraps naturally around to the back of the head. A drawcord at the back adjusts the fit with minimal effort and keeps it in place while walking, turning to look back, or looking up. The brim secures your field of view in front, while covering the back as a surface evens out how direct sunlight hits you and keeps your body temperature from rising too quickly. We add no decoration, drawing out the necessary function from the switch pattern and the tension of the fabric alone.

The shade casts a quiet shadow over the nape.

The shade is useful on ridgelines under strong sun, riverbeds with strong reflection, and seaside paths where the angle of the sun changes easily. We shaped it at the tightest angle that avoids interference with a backpack, while also curbing flapping in the wind.

"Sunshade" and "Shade Cap"

It's not a matter of which one is correct.
Your itinerary, the weather, your combination of gear, and your preference. Since those tie directly to comfort, I believe that being able to choose is itself the value.

RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR supports how you deal with the sun with two answers: "Sunshade" and "Shade Cap." All you need to do is choose whichever lets you walk comfortably that day.

Design

The Shade Cap is the first at RIDGE to adopt a jet-cap-style paneling.
The sizing is almost the same as the previous Basic Cap. There's no major change in how it fits.

The design change—honestly, that's a matter of my own mood. But when the "face" of a tool changes, the mood you set off with changes a little too. This time I chose that fine balance in this form.

By pulling the plastic tab at the back, you can tighten the elastic and easily adjust the size. This adjustment improves the fit when worn and delivers a stable feel even in windy environments. It shows its worth especially in outdoor scenes where strong wind is expected, such as summits and ridgelines.

The shade wraps around to the back of the head, cutting direct sun over a wide area.
On the other hand, when you step into shade, when the wind direction changes, or when you want to keep the back clear for eating or working, you can wear it with the rear brim folded up. This reduces interference around the neck and also secures breathability.

Material

This product uses COOL DOTS®, a 4-way stretch material that stretches both vertically and horizontally. COOL DOTS® is a high-performance 100% polyester material developed by Komatsu Matere Co., Ltd., with countless fine air pores. This material's strengths lie in its excellent stretch and breathability.

Because of its excellent stretch, it flexibly follows every movement and reduces the stress of wearing it. In sudden movements while hiking, or active scenes in daily life, it fits your body's motion naturally and keeps you comfortable. Furthermore, the high breathability from the fine air pores curbs stuffiness even during long wear and keeps you cool. You can stay comfortable even in summer or in high-exertion scenes.

Breathability & Water Repellency

A special weave gives the fabric countless fine holes (micro-pores), achieving excellent breathability. With this technology, air flows efficiently from the inside of the garment, reducing stuffiness and keeping it comfortable to wear at all times.

Furthermore, this micro-pore design is engineered to curb see-through. Usually, prioritizing breathability makes the fabric thinner and can cause see-through, but this garment balances visual reassurance with function. It secures the breathability needed for hiking and exercise while sacrificing neither comfort nor design.

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

[Water repellency]
Test method: JIS-L-1092 spray method → Grade 4

*This material has a fluorine-free (C0) water-repellent finish.
Fluorine-free (C0) repellency is a finish that repels water droplets and dirt on the fabric surface without using fluorine compounds.
It quickly sheds light rain and splashes, but it is not fully waterproof.
The effect gradually declines with use and washing, but care in line with the wash label restores it to some degree.

Stretch & Lightweight

Not only does this material boast a lightweight 104g/㎡, it also has high wrinkle resistance. Even if you stuff it into a backpack pocket or storage space, it recovers its shape as soon as you take it out. You can keep the garment's original beautiful silhouette without any fuss.

[Elongation recovery rate and elongation (%)]
Test method: JIS-L-1096 Method B-1, Method B 14.7N
Elongation → lengthwise 31.9, widthwise 16.6
Elongation recovery → after 30 sec, lengthwise 74.9, widthwise 86.7

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

UV Protection

[UV measurement (%)]
Test method: JIS-L-1925
Blocking rate, measured wavelength 280nm–400nm → 96.8

UPF29.9
UV blocking rate of 90% or more

Durability

Abrasion tests with the fabric dry and damp.

[Abrasion (grade)]
Test method: JIS L 0849 (Type II) dry abrasion grade 4-5, wet abrasion grade 4-5 (max grade 5)

Environmental Consideration

Some of the stretch yarn uses plant-derived LYCRA T400® fiber.

The sweatband uses COOLMAX® fabric.
A 100% polyester piqué material, it combines moisture-wicking quick-dry performance with UV protection (UPF 40+).

Spec

Material : Body Polyester 100%, Sweatband Polyester 100%
Size : One size
Depth approx. 17.5cm (laid flat), Brim length approx. 6cm, Head circumference approx. 60cm (adjustable with elastic)
*Finished product dimensions may vary by about ±1cm. Please understand in advance.
It expands somewhat when actually worn.
Weight : approx. 43g
Country of origin : Japan
Manufacturer : Kokaji Co., Ltd., Minoh City, Osaka

Color

*About product color

We do our best to make the product images as close as possible to the actual colors, but the shade may differ from the real thing depending on your viewing environment and monitor settings.
Please also note that the texture and sheen of the fabric are difficult to reproduce perfectly on screen.

Quiet Grey

Quiet Grey (worn)

Quiet Grey (worn)

Coast Grey

Coast Grey

Coast Grey

Solid Black

Solid Black (worn)

Solid Black (worn)

Solid Black (worn)

Solid Black (worn)

Size Guide

*Finished product dimensions may vary by about ±1cm. Please understand in advance.
It expands somewhat as you actually wear it.

Attention

・We recommend placing it in a laundry net when washing.
・Dark-colored products may transfer dye; to be safe, wash them separately from other items.
・Do not use detergents containing fluorescent brighteners or chlorine bleach.
・Avoid tumble drying.
・When ironing, always use a pressing cloth and apply from the reverse side.
・The brim uses a soft core, so the core itself won't break when bent; however, folding the brim too tightly will crease it and it will take time to return to its original state. Please avoid bending it intentionally.