RIDGE / Enough Hat

[Shop Manager's Comment]

I think I really love this hat! I like hats in general, but I'm more of a hat person than a cap person. However, hats are bulky when not worn and easily blown away by the wind, so I often wore caps for outdoor activities. But this hat, like the Basic Cap, can be tightened with a cord for a snug fit, and the brim can be folded to create various styles. This is definitely going into heavy rotation for everyday use!

[Manufacturer's Description Quote]

【"Enough Hat" Born from the Small Annoyance of Sunburnt Ears】

For hikers, a ridge line walk in the high mountains during summer feels like a special place. An unobstructed, clear blue sky stretches out, and a gentle breeze caresses your cheeks. Countless small flowers bloom at your feet, and in the distance, mountain ridges stretch vividly, creating moments where you can't help but gasp at the magnificent panorama. In such a spectacular setting, you experience a feeling of physical and mental lightness, reaching a blissful state where you feel "just being here is enough."

However, during those luxurious moments, a concern about "sunburnt ears" always lingered in the back of my mind. After several days of walking along the ridge, my ear rims, exposed to intense UV rays, would always turn bright red, and the skin would peel off after descending. Beyond the pain, the subsequent bother and changes in appearance were also troubling. I kept regretting, "Oh, I've done it again," every time.

Of course, I didn't neglect taking precautions. I diligently reapplied sunscreen to my ears, and tried adding bandanas or neck gaiters under my cap. However, these methods always had some kind of problem. They were prone to stuffiness or slipping, ultimately sacrificing comfort, and I naturally stopped using them. Still, the day I would be free from the discomfort of sunburnt ears never came.

A small wish for "a hat that can protect my ears more simply and naturally" was the catalyst for the birth of "Enough Hat." Designed with my experience as a hiker in mind, this hat is based on RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR's classic "Basic Cap," with a brim of "just the right" length added to cover the ears securely. It achieves an exquisite balance that effectively blocks sunlight without obstructing vision.

We also focused on the design, aiming for a minimalist look that isn't excessively large. It's a versatile piece that can be comfortably used not only for strong sunlight in high altitudes but also for hiking in lower elevations and as sun protection in the city. Made with materials excellent in breathability and quick-drying properties, it remains comfortable even during sweaty summer mountain walks without feeling stuffy. Now, you can fully enjoy the scenery and wind without worrying about sunburnt ears.

This hat was born from the desire to solve the small problem of sunburnt ears. However, looking back now, I feel that this "small problem" is a common issue for many hikers. With "Enough Hat," hiking under the sun will be even more enjoyable. This is the thought I put into this hat.

[Features]

The greatest feature of the "Enough Hat" lies in the unique shape of its brim. While the brims of most hats are often uniformly open all around, the "Enough Hat" overturns this convention by meticulously adjusting the brim's opening at three points: front, sides, and back.

The front brim is designed at an exquisite angle to provide ample shade while ensuring clear vision. This ensures it doesn't obstruct your view when checking terrain or your footing during a hike. The side brims, on the other hand, are shaped to cover the ears, providing robust protection against strong UV rays. This design shields hikers from sunburned ears. Furthermore, the back brim subtly covers the neck, reducing sunlight reflection and UV exposure from behind when walking on mountain trails.

This design encapsulates extensive mountain experience. Rather than simply spreading uniformly, the "Enough Hat" is created to fit at "just the right" angles in necessary areas, which is its raison d'être and primary characteristic. Thanks to this shape, not only is its functionality in the mountains dramatically improved, but it also achieves a smart appearance that looks natural even in urban settings.

This brim shape is one answer to the question: "What is necessary to comfortably spend time in nature?"

Another appeal of the "Enough Hat" is its flexibility, allowing various ways to wear it depending on the scene and situation. This hat not only protects against UV rays but can also be freely arranged to suit the wearer's style and purpose.

For instance, on days with less sunlight, cloudy days, or when you want to ensure a wider field of vision in front while walking on a ridge, we recommend gently lifting the front of the brim.

This style reduces shadows on your face and expands your field of vision. It's very useful when enjoying distant scenery on a trail or when you need to clearly see the path ahead. Furthermore, raising the front brim gives the entire hat a light and refreshing impression, which is also convenient when you want a change of mood.

[Material]

The main body of the cap is made from Toray's Stunner®, a 100% nylon material that combines water repellency, wind resistance, and excellent moisture permeability. This high-performance material effectively protects against natural elements like rain and wind, while reducing stuffiness and discomfort caused by perspiration, maintaining a comfortable wearing experience.

Stunner®'s greatest feature is its excellent durable water-repellent function. It can handle light rain and sudden weather changes, and its water repellency lasts, allowing for long-term use. Moreover, it is highly wind-resistant, preventing cold air from penetrating, thus keeping you warm on chilly days. At the same time, its high moisture permeability allows excess moisture to escape, maintaining comfort even during intense activities.

Additionally, despite being a synthetic fiber, this material's natural and elegant appearance, akin to a cotton blend, is a major characteristic. Its natural look achieves a design that not only retains high functionality as outdoor wear but also blends seamlessly into daily life and urban styling.

Furthermore, a special coating applied to the back creates a moderately crisp and firm texture. This processing allows the lightweight material to maintain its shape well, and a significant advantage is that it is less prone to wrinkling during use.

The sweatband part uses COOLMAX® fabric.

It is made of 100% polyester in a pique weave, combining moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and UV-cut (UPF 40+) functions.

[Specs]

Material: Body 100% Nylon, Sweatband 100% Polyester

Size: One size

Depth approx. 16cm (when laid flat), Brim length approx. 6.5cm (front), Head circumference approx. 60cm (adjustable with elastic)

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

Weight: approx. 53g

Country of Origin: Japan

Manufacturer: Shimada Co., Ltd., Kannonji City, Kagawa Prefecture

[Care]

We recommend using a laundry net when washing.

Dark colored products may transfer dye, so please wash separately from other items as a precaution.

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 side.

The core of the brim is soft, so it will not break when bent, but if the brim is folded too finely, it will wrinkle and take time to return to its original shape. Please avoid intentionally folding it.

[Manufacturer Description]

RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR is a manufacturer that creates tools for spending time in the mountains and for living a simple daily life leading up to it.

It began when I made my own mountain gear for personal use. As I made various items with my sewing machine, more and more people expressed interest, so I started it as a brand within my capabilities.