With the weather turning, it’s time to consider a change of running headgear. It’s too cold to rock the visor, but it’s not quite cold enough for the beanie yet. Shoulder season, meet your match: The North Face Stormy Trail Running Hat.
The North Face Stormy Trail Hat Features:
- Lightweight HyVent 3L waterproof fabric
- Infused with FlashDry technology
- Terry cloth sweatband
- Taped seams
- Reflective logos
- MSRP: $35
The North Face Stormy Trail Hat Review
Fall is a great time for trail running. Cool weather, Technicolor leaves and grippy trails suck me in every time. But, with the shoulder season comes a variety of weather. In Utah, we can go from 75-degrees and sunny one day to 30-degrees and snow the next. All that has given me a ton of opportunity to test The North Face Stormy Trail Hat.
The combination of 3-layer HyVent fabric and FlashDry really extends the capabilities of this hat. HyVent already performs on par with the best fabrics in the business as rain has continued to bead up and keep my head dry. On the other side of the fabric, the FlashDry treatment allows perspiration to pass right through more effectively.
With FlashDry infused into the lining, the inside has a slight texture. It looks as if it’s crinkled, but that texture is essential to increase surface area and let the microporous FlashDry particles to work their magic. I’ve had but one other waterproof/breathable running hat and that one got relegated to rain duty in a jiffy. The Stormy Trail does an amazing job at weather protection while at the same time It’s breathable enough to wear into 70-degree temperatures without overheating.
FlashDry really steals the show here. After every run, I’ve removed the hat and investigated to see if any moisture was beading up. And, each time, the answer to that question was a resounding no. We’re talking not a single drip of water… anywhere. No, it doesn’t all dissipate through the fabric — the terry cloth headband captures and holds its fair share and water did bead up very slightly on the seam tape.
The hat is easy to adjust and features a one-sided elastic strap to enable some flexibility. That flexibility shines when running in the wind and you have to snug up the hat. You can do so without squeezing your brain. And, the diameter and cap depth is just right to let the hat sit properly on your head without interfering with sunglasses.
The Good
- FlashDry really allows this hat to breathe
- Very comfortable fit due to flex strap
- HyVent 3L fabric protects you from the elements
- Large bill offers great coverage for rain or sun
- Hat diameter and cap depth is just right for my average sized head
- Plays nicely with sunglasses
The Bad
- Quick release clip is difficult to open
- After several seasons of use, the HyVent is de-laminating
Bottom Line: The North Face Stormy Trail Hat
I’m sold on FlashDry and have found the Stormy Trail to be a great example of how the stuff should be used. The fabric kept me dry in the rain while remaining breathable. FastDry is very sweet.
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