Summer camping is my absolute favorite, but let's be honest, getting a good night's sleep can be tricky. One of my biggest struggles has always been finding the right headwear. I toss and turn if my head gets too hot or if something feels too tight. This year, I was determined to solve this problem once and for all. I needed a loose fitting sleeping cap that wouldn't make me overheat.
I remember one particularly stuffy night on the trail. I woke up several times, peeling off my beanie and then shivering a few minutes later. It was a constant cycle of discomfort. That's when I decided I needed to find a dedicated sleeping cap that was lightweight, breathable, and most importantly, not constricting. I started looking for options that would allow me to sleep comfortably even on the warmest nights.
My initial thought was to just use a regular beanie, but I quickly realized that most of them were too warm or too tight. I needed something specifically designed for warmer weather and comfort. The goal was to find something that would keep my head covered without causing me to overheat or feel restricted. I wanted something that felt like I wasn't wearing anything at all!
After some trial and error, I stumbled upon a few great options. One of the first things I tried was using a buff. I found it incredibly versatile. I could wear it in various ways, and it was lightweight enough for summer nights. It's definitely one of those multi-functional items that are perfect for backpacking. It's great for keeping hair out of my face during the day too.
Another option I explored was a fleece beanie. I even looked into some army surplus options. These are super lightweight, often around an ounce, and surprisingly comfy. Plus, if you need to block out light, you can simply pull the front down over your eyes. The downside is that some fleece can trap heat, so it's important to choose a lighter version.
I actually ended up picking up a polartec fleece beanie in addition to my wool buff. The fleece beanie is lightweight, comfy, and blocks light well. It also washes and dries super easily, which is a huge plus when you're out on the trail. Odor buildup can be a real issue with some materials, but I haven't had any problems with the fleece. It's become a staple in my camping gear.
While researching online, I also came across an Alpha Direct beanie. Apparently, it's super comfy, especially for those with bald heads. It's supposed to be comfortable up to about 75°F. I haven’t tried this myself, but it sounds promising. I even saw someone mention Justin’s UL sells an Alpha 90 beanie which might be worth checking out if you're looking for something lightweight and breathable.
During my search, I also found some interesting options on Wholecustomdesign's homepage. They have a wide variety of hats, and I actually ended up trying the New Summer Sweet Bow Decoration Hollow Pullover Hat. It's designed for women and is thin, loose, and breathable. It seemed perfect for my needs.
At first, I was a little hesitant about the "bow decoration," but I decided to give it a try anyway. I was pleasantly surprised! It’s incredibly lightweight and the hollow design allows for excellent airflow. I’ve been wearing it on warmer nights, and it's made a huge difference in my sleep quality. It's definitely a great option if you're looking for a loose fitting sleeping cap that's both functional and stylish. I've found that this beanie is a good fit for larger heads too, which is often a problem for me.
Here are a few things I learned during my search for the perfect loose fitting sleeping cap: