One of the appealing aspects of a hat compared to a cap is its ability to protect the ears and neck from the sun. With this in mind, we wanted to create a new hat that has the same functionality as the Stretch Mesh Cap, but offers something entirely new. We wanted to make a hat version of the very comfortable Stretch Mesh Cap.

At the start of development, we were concerned that the large brim might make the hat more likely to be blown off in strong winds. However, we found that the brim bends with the wind, deflecting it and preventing the hat from being blown off. We’ve tested it in various situations, including cycling downhill, and hiking in strong winds on Mount Nasu and Mount Tokachi. That said, there is no absolute guarantee that it won’t be blown off, so we made it possible to attach a neck cord if necessary.

It’s light, flexible, comfortable and wind-resistant. As a hat, I personally have never come across something like this. I also like the design where the crown is slightly pointed like a mountain when worn. This extra space at the crown likely improves ventilation as well.

-May 2024

We had Riku Yamamoto, the store manager of THE GATE SPORTING CLUB and HLC Hokuriku Ambassador, test the Stretch Mesh Hat under development during a section hike of the John Muir Trail (JMT) in the summer of 2023.

In the summer of 2023, my wife and I embarked on a honeymoon adventure, hiking a section of the John Muir Trail. During this journey, we had the opportunity to test the Stretch Mesh Hat, which was still under development.

As expected, the hat provided significantly more shade compared to a cap. It not only protected my face from sunburn but also lowered the perceived temperature from my head down to my neck and shoulders. Under the scorching sun, the hat proved to be much cooler than a cap.

However, hats have a downside—they’re more prone to being blown off by the wind. Whether you’re on a mountain or just going about your daily activities, anyone who wears a hat has likely experienced that nerve-wracking moment when a gust of wind almost takes it away.

On the fourth day of our hike, the climb to Koip Peak, the highest point on our route, was particularly tough. We zigzagged up over 20 switchbacks, steadily gaining altitude.

As we neared the ridgeline, strong winds blowing up from the valley made us stumble a few times. Remarkably, the hat deflected the wind perfectly and stayed firmly on my head. Throughout the hike, we faced strong winds several more times, but the hat never once felt like it would fly off.

For 11 days, we enjoyed perfect weather with no rain, and the clear skies allowed us to fully appreciate the JMT section hike. When we returned to Japan, people remarked, “You didn’t get as sunburned as we expected,” and I knew it was all thanks to this amazing hat.