Basic Cap Extra

Introduction

What I was looking for in a cap was a sense of security that wrapped around my head.

This "Basic Cap" was born from that idea.

Shallow caps always make me feel uneasy, especially when I'm on a windy mountaintop or strolling along the seaside, and I find myself constantly on edge trying to keep my hat from blowing away. Small stresses can get in the way of enjoying nature...After experiencing this many times, I decided to focus on a deeper cap that covers the ears securely and a shape that gently holds the entire head.

The visor is designed to be the perfect length to provide excellent sun protection while remaining unaffected by wind. It strikes the perfect balance between not flapping in strong winds and not obstructing visibility. The fabric is lightweight yet durable, made from high-density nylon, making it tough enough to withstand light rain and abrasion. The sweat-wicking section is made from moisture-wicking, quick-drying polyester mesh, preventing stuffiness and stickiness even during extended use.

The Basic Cap was born in 2019. The concept and design of this cap have been passed down unchanged to this day.

Whether it's for everyday use on a windy day or in the strong sunlight of midsummer, you can wear it with confidence at any time. All of this reliability is packed into one cap.

History

RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR began selling its popular product, the Basic Cap, in 2019. It is now a favorite product of many people. This product was originally designed to be a size that I could comfortably wear, as I have a relatively large head.

At first, we were considering offering different sizes. We thought, "Maybe it would be better to make three sizes, like S, M, and L..." The current Basic Cap is probably equivalent to a size L in a regular commercially available cap. Of course, there are many people with small heads, so we were worried about what to do, but when we had my wife and a female acquaintance try it on, we realized that when people with small heads wear this size, it creates a blouse at the back of the head, which gives it a different look.

I believe that clothing such as shirts and pants need to be available in a certain range of sizes to suit each person's body type, but when it comes to head size, which does not tend to vary that much, I decided to simply offer one size, and have been selling it in one size ever since we first started selling it.

A larger version of the Basic Cap has been released.

Requests from "Big Headers"

Soon after we started selling the Basic Cap, we began to receive inquiries like the following one.

"I want to wear the Basic Cap, but it's too tight for my head. It's a shame because I want to wear it..."

One of the things we were particular about with the Basic Cap was that it wasn't available in a wide range of sizes, so initially we thought it was unavoidable for people who couldn't wear the Basic Cap. To be honest, when we first started selling the Basic Cap, RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR was also very small, so we didn't have the luxury of offering a wide range of sizes.

Even so, we regularly received inquiries from various people saying, "My head size is too small to wear this."

"I have no choice but to make this!" I thought to myself, and finally decided to make the "Basic Cap Extra," which is one size larger than the regular Basic Cap.

*We will affectionately refer to those with large heads who have patiently and repeatedly requested RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR as "Big Headers."

Big Headers Kakki tries on the "Basic Cap"

We asked Kakki, one of our "Big Headers," to try on the regular "Basic Cap" and the "Basic Cap Extra."

Kakki is a staff member at SUNDAY MOUNTAIN, a store that stocks RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR, and we met while hiking about 10 years ago. Kakki had previously commented, "I want to wear the Basic Cap, but it just won't fit..."

Just to be sure, I tried on the regular "Basic Cap" first. It seems a little tight...

As you can see in the image above, it got caught halfway and I couldn't put it on any further.

Kakki's head circumference is 62cm. The red line in the image above indicates the circumference. This is the measurement taken around the tightest point from the forehead to the temples to the back of the head.

Big Headers Kakki tries on the "Basic Cap Extra"

Next, we asked them to try on the "Basic Cap Extra."
Kakki, whose head circumference is 62cm, was able to wear it without any worries.

Kakki has a lot of hair so I was worried about whether it would fit, but it still seemed like there was a little room for it.

Size comparison

*Please note that there may be an error of approximately ±1cm in the finished product size.
It will expand slightly when you actually wear it.

The size can be easily adjusted by pulling the plastic tab at the back to tighten the elastic. This adjustment feature improves the fit when worn and ensures a stable fit even in windy environments. This is particularly effective in outdoor situations where strong winds are expected, such as on mountaintops or ridges.

RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR's "Basic" series

At RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR, we place special importance on products named "Basic." As the name suggests, the "Basic" series is a group of products that pursue the essential elements for everyday life and outdoor activities. This series embodies our design philosophy of "stripping away the unnecessary and leaving only what is truly necessary."

[Essential simplicity and functionality]

The name "Basic" embodies the philosophy of eliminating ornamentation and focusing on essential functions. Its simple and sophisticated design is intuitively easy to use and reduces the burden on the user. It also embodies the importance of being "basic," with a design that can be used effortlessly both outdoors and in everyday life. Within its simplicity, the essence of functionality is firmly embedded.

[Ability to accommodate 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, blending naturally into a variety of situations, from everyday life to active outdoor activities. Its versatility allows it to adapt to the user's style and purpose, and it aims to be "usable not only for special occasions but also for everyday use." This series is sure to 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 the times or trends. We focus on selecting 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, rather than from the moment of purchase, you will grow to love it more as you continue to use it, and it will become a piece that naturally blends into your lifestyle.

The name "Basic" conveys more than just simplicity. It is a product that is close to the user and serves as a foundation that allows you to be at your best in any environment. As its name suggests, the RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR "Basic" series continues to exist as a foundation that you can rely on at any moment.

Material

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

The greatest feature of Stunner® is its excellent durable water-repellent properties. It can withstand light rain as well as sudden changes in weather, and its water-repellent properties last for a long time, allowing you to enjoy it for a long time. In addition, it has excellent wind resistance, preventing cold air from entering, so you can keep warm even on chilly days. At the same time, 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 reminiscent of a cotton blend. Its natural appearance allows it to maintain high functionality as outdoor wear while also achieving a design that blends perfectly with everyday life and urban styling.

Furthermore, a special coating on the back of the fabric gives it a firm and resilient texture. This processing allows the fabric to retain its shape well despite its light weight, and it is also attractive in that it is less likely to wrinkle during use.

The sweatband is made of COOLMAX® fabric.
Made of 100% polyester pique material, it is quick-drying and has UV protection (UPF 40+).

Spec

Material: Main body 100% nylon, sweatband 100% polyester
Size: One size fits all. Depth: approx. 18cm (when laid flat), brim length: approx. 6cm, head circumference: approx. 63cm (adjustable with elastic)
*Please note that there may be an error of approximately ±1cm in the finished product size.
It will actually spread out a little when you put it on.
Weight: Approx. 41g
Country of origin: Japan Producer: Shimada Co., Ltd., Kannonji City, Kagawa Prefecture

Color

※About the color of the product

We strive to make 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.

Grey

Wearing Grey

Black

Wearing Black

Rust Tan

Wearing Rust Tan

Sage Green

Wearing Sage Green

Burnt Olive

Wearing Burnt Olive

Peach Dust

Wearing Peach Dust

Milk White

Wearing Milk White

Collaborateur

Collaborateur introduces you to the people who produce these products.

Shimada Co., Ltd. is in charge of all headwear for RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR.

Shimada Co., Ltd. is located in Toyohama-cho, Kannonji 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," there are many different specifications. Shimada uses two cutting methods, CAD-CAM (computer-aided design) and molds, and selects the method that best suits the product. In addition, for products that cannot be handled using these two methods or for small-lot production, craftsmen will individually create molds and cut the hats. They always proceed with their work while choosing the best method for the hat and the customer.

The sewing is done by experienced craftsmen who support the production of Made in Japan hats, which is a commitment that we have always made. They sew each hat with care, pouring in the knowledge and skills they have gained from their experience, such as using lock stitching and chain stitching, which have different elasticity levels, depending on the material, purpose, and finish, to ensure a consistently high level of consistent quality.

When sewing apparel (clothing), a seam allowance of about 1cm to 2cm is common, but for 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 variations in the finished product can be reduced. As a result, even though hats are made by hand, there is little individual variation, 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 of skill and ideas that cannot be imitated anywhere else. He also hopes that through product creation he can bring the "countryside craftsmen" who have until now solely worked behind the scenes to support Japanese manufacturing more and more into the spotlight.

"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 these craftsmen.

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 try his hand at fashion in the face of a shrinking farm straw hat business, where he trained for about six months at the shop. This is how the current business model began.

Having started out with straw when it was founded, the company has experience, skills and facilities that are rare even in Japan, and has now evolved into a wide range of businesses, from felt molding to sewing woven fabrics, with the company primarily receiving 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 high-level technology and ingenuity that cannot be replicated anywhere else, 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.
And from Toyohama Town, the idyllic "Udon Prefecture" surrounded by the sea and mountains, we will continue to create high-quality products with passion every day, with the desire to share our all-Made-in-Japan products, conceived and made in Japan, with the world.

Shimada Co., Ltd.
1876-1 Wada, Toyohama-cho, Kannonji 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.
Avoid tumble drying.
When ironing, always use a pressing cloth and iron from the back.
The core of the bill is soft, so it will not break when bent. However, if you bend the bill too tightly, it will wrinkle and take time to return to its original shape. Please avoid bending it intentionally.