http://www.solarlightcap.com/SLC_KayakWork-email.pdf

I didn’t start out intending to buy this hat. I was after a legionnaires style cap, in bright orange, in a light waterproof fabric. I just happened to come across this unit for $50 as a clearance item.

Control of the light is achieved with just one button. Functions include on/off, dimmer, and three flashing modes. In terms of the actual hat the visor is fairly substantial stiff black rubber. There is an elastic adjustable head strap with a reflective strip, and there is a loop to attach a keeper of some kind. The legionnaires flap wraps right around the neck, and overlaps with two plastic snap domes to secure. In this position it covers your mouth, nose and cheeks. You can also tie the flap into a ‘ponytail’ at the back using the elastic strap, or you can snap together with the flap overlapped behind you to shade forehead, neck and ears

Charging of the unit is achieved by storing it somewhere it can get direct sunlight. A full charge from empty requires several days. Some charging is also achieved in ambient light levels. I just keep my hat on a shelf where it gets a bit of direct sun each day. It has never gone flat on me.

In terms of it functionality as a light source I find it really useful for doing things on the yak, or gearing up in the dark. On full brightness it is strong enough to walk around with in complete darkness. On its dullest setting, it provides enough light to work with tackle, unhook fish and the battery will last for many hours. I tend to leave it on the lowest setting the whole time. This is not a long range light and I still carry a bigger light for distance work, signalling or surf crossings.

The one button operability is very useful. A single press turns it on/off, press and hold activates the dimmer and “double-click’ cycles through the various flasher patterns including SOS. I personally don’t see the flashing functions as very useful, as the LEDs are not that powerful. Seems to be very waterproof though I have yet to fully dunk it.

In terms of wearability, the visor feels a little heavy, but adjusting the strap properly relieves that sensation. It has not bothered my neck in anyway. The fabric is very light, semi-perforated and breathable, but also blocks the sun effectively. It does not hold water, and dries quickly. The fabric that covers your head is unstiffened so feels soft to wear.

If you fully close the legionnaire flap then it traps a bit of heat on a still hot day. I tend clip it at the back unless windy. The heat trapping is a good thing for night fishing. The keeper loop is very handy, and I clip mine onto my PFD with one of those neck lanyards you get at conferences.

The hat is very visible, with orange day-glow on the wearers head it conforms with Maritime NZ advice to highlight your highest points. The silver reflective strip works well too, although not as well as SOLAS tape, more like the silver piping you tend to find on cycling gear.

All round I give this product a high rating. Its is a versatile, visible, sunsmart hat, and the built in light function is extremely useful. A clever comfortable and convenient piece of kit that you can wear all day and night. I haven’t had it for a long time, so durability remains to be proved. My only other caveat would be that you still need a torch or headlamp for longer range work. 8/10

Review by MikeAqua

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PRICE – RRP typically in the $120 – $130 range

WHERE TO GET ONE – Most sports/outdoor stores

PRO’s - Light (no pun intended), discrete, well balanced, water resistant, variable light intensity with infinite dimmer, variable beam from flood to spot. Brighter than my 3x D cell maglight with a spotlight beam that seems to be capable of starting fires! In my normal operation I find the dimmest setting is on a par with my other LED headlamp and is more than adequate for general use.

CON’s – Not waterproof, but would suit most kayaking conditions except rain or a dunking. The 3x AAA’s would have been better as AA’s for longer life

SUMMARY – I went into the store to evaluate this beastie on behalf of a friend who wanted to use it for floundering. As soon as I saw the performance, I bought one on the spot. I have since used it on search and rescue operations and night abseils and has been examined and commented on favourably by those peer groups. I honestly think you’ll want one too as soon as you see the punch this thing packs.

Cheers
HLD

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