Walking Equipment and Accessories

Coal Provo UPF Trail Running Hat | Review

The Coal Provo UPF is a modern take on the classic running cap

Why we chose it: Breathable, comfortable, protective

While a trail running cap may just look like a fashion accessory to many, they also provide a fair bit of much-needed protection while you’re on the trail. The Coal Provo UPF trail running cap is a great example of this, featuring a streamlined five-panel design that promotes airflow while reducing sweat.

Who Is The Coal Provo Trail Running Hat For?

To put it simply; if you’re a fan of a five panel cap, then you’re going to get on with the Coal Provo, whether that’s on the walk into the crag, chilling at the pub or lapping your nearest hill rep. Thanks to the technical yet casual design, the Coal Provo is built to keep up with you through fast-paced activities in the hills.

On top of this, the Coal Provo UPF is sporting a ‘double diamond jacquard polyester’ that’s moisture-wicking and quick drying fabric for those warm days on the hill. This fabric will also help to keep the cap looking and smelling fresh even after miles on the trail.

Material

The Coal Provo UPF features a UPF 50+ rating for sun protection. UPF is essentially the same rating for SPF (the sun cream rating), just for fabrics. UPF 50+ is the highest possible rating for UV materials, protecting against 98% of harmful ultraviolet rays.

Features

On the features side of things, Coal has brought in a few handy designs. First up is the laser cut perforations that pepper both sides of the cap. These perforations are designed to keep you cool and promote airflow across your head. Next, you’ve got the moisture-wicking sweatband built into the liner of the cap. This sweatband works by keeping you brow free of any sweat, while also being made of durable and easy to clean materials.

This toggle system is unlike any we’ve seen on a trail running cap

Finally there’s the shock cord closure system found on the back of the cap. This toggle system is unlike any we’ve seen on a trail running cap. By neatly tucking the toggle off to the side of the cap, unwanted pressure points on the back of the head are avoided as it instead sits behind the softer sweat band. Thanks to the elastication of the cord, this also gives you a super-custom fit, depending on how tight or loose you prefer things.

Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, editor of Outdoors Magic

“I’ve worn this through a lot of different conditions and it’s been great in all of them. On hot and sunny days, the breathability was absolutely excellent, the sizeable peak kept the light off my eyes, and I didn’t overheat. In wet weather it kept the rain off my eyes and while it got damp it seemed to dry up really quickly. I never had any issues in windy weather either actually, with the elastic keeping it secure around my head but without ever feeling too constricting.”