Patagonia Duckbill Cap Review

Thinking about buying the Patagonia Duckbill Cap? Then you’re definitely in the right place because this detailed review will tell you all you need to know about Patagonia’s ultralight cap!

The Duckbill Cap is made with runners in mind. It’s lightweight, breathable, and remarkably durable, making it an excellent option for anyone who prioritizes performance over fashion. It’s not the prettiest cap out of the bunch, but all the other features are good enough to make up for that. Read on to see what those features are and figure out if the Duckbill cap is indeed a good option for you!

Materials and Durability

What’s the Patagonia Duckbill Cap made from and how long will it last with frequent use? Find out in this section.

Materials

The Duckbill Cap is made from post-consumer recycled nylon that’s actually sourced from recycled fishing nets. In terms of sustainability, the Duckbill Cap is easily one of the best products you can get your hands on.

Recycled nylon is a very tough material that performs extremely well in different weather conditions. This cap is also coated with DWR (durable Water Repellant), for excellent performance in wet weather. DWR is able to repel water in light precipitation, but it won’t keep the cap from getting soaked in heavy rain.

Another thing to note here is that, while DWR coating is an excellent addition, the cap is made from a meshy fabric. The mesh is incredibly breathable and makes the cap even more lightweight, but it doesn’t mean that the elements can seep in through the tiny holes.

Also, it’s important to pay extra attention to the mesh in case you are bald. It’s easier to keep your scalp protected from the sun if you’ve got some hair on your head, but if you’re totally bald and don’t apply enough sunscreen, you could wind up with some very weird tan lines on your head. The mesh fabric is present on most of the cap, with only the front featuring a solid-nylon panel.

Durability

Nylon is an extremely tough and durable material, which is one of the main reasons why the Patagonia Duckbill Cap is such a great garment. It is water and abrasion-resistant, and it takes a lot of effort to tear it up.

The chances of the cap getting torn accidentally are next to none. If you take good care of the Duckbill Cap it should last you years.

Also, the foam brim plays a big part in the overall durability of the cap. Hardside brims can easily get broken and they can lose shape and some of their functionality if they get soaked. That’s not going to happen with the Duckbill Cap, precisely because of the foam brim.

You can squeeze it, fold it, and do whatever you want with it – eventually, it just pops back into shape and the cap looks as good as new.

Brim and Other Features

What about the brim, bands, and other little things on the cap? I’ll talk you through them in this section.

Packable Foam Brim

The foam brim is one of the best things about this cap. It folds into a pocket for effortless packing and carrying, and it quickly rebounds into its original shape when you’re ready to wear the cap.

The brim is also easily adjustable, and because it’s soft and made from foam, it can handle pretty much anything. You can ring out the cap if it gets wet, without worrying that you will crush or damage the brim.

One thing worth noting here is that the brim is quite short, but it’s just the right size for improved visibility on extremely sunny days.

Additionally, it’s important to mention that a very strong wind could invert the brim and just lift the hat off your head. Because of that, it’s not recommended to wear the Duckbill Cap on extremely windy days, at least not without something sturdier over it.

Moisture Wicking Sweatband

The inside of the Patagonia Duckbill Cap has a super convenient hidden feature. There’s a sweatband made from recycled Capilene Cool fabric, which helps keep your head cool and sweat-free, even after you’ve worn the cap for hours in hot weather.

The sweatband is treated with HeiQ Pure technology, which helps control odor and minimize sweat. It’s a great feature for temperature and moisture management, and one of the main reasons why this cap is such an excellent option for runners.

Comfort and Fit

How comfortable is the Duckbill Cap and who is it made for? Are there enough sizes for everyone? Read on to find out.

Sizing

The Duckbill Cap from Patagonia is one-size-fits-all. The hat fits the head up to 61 cm, but it’s worth noting that the adjustable back of the cap really helps you get the perfect fit.

Also, the round shape of the cap is great because it fits various head shapes and sizes perfectly. Even if you normally wear 62 cm hats or bigger, the Duckbill Cap should fit you without any major issues. It’s also very comfortable to wear thanks to the stretchy back and fabric, and it won’t cut into any parts of your head.

Adjustable Closure

The Patagonia Duckbill Cap features an adjustable band in the back, which allows you to get just the right fit. The band in the back is elastic and features a rear buckle, so it’s very easy to adjust and secure it in place.

That’s one of the major pros of this cap – there’s no fussing around with the rear buckle, and you definitely don’t need to take off the cap to adjust it, as is the case with those caps that have Velcro or tiny pins.

The elastic band also helps you get the most comfortable snug fit, without cutting into your skin and leaving any marks on your head.

Weight

The Duckbill Cap weighs a mere 1.5 ounces (43 g), which is one of the key reasons why it manages to be so comfortable. You’ll easily forget that you’re wearing it, especially since there’s no rigid brim to cut into your forehead.

However, the weight can be a bit problematic on extremely windy days. Strong winds could just lift the cap off your head, so it’s best to avoid wearing it in those weather conditions. If you decide to wear this when skiing or mountain biking, it’s recommended to wear it under a helmet, just to ensure that it doesn’t fly off your head while you’re moving.

Comfort

One of the best things about the Duckbill Cap is how comfortable it is. The fabric is soft and fits well, plus all that mesh on the cap means it’s super airy and lightweight. You’ll feel a nice breeze on your head, which is certainly a pro during hot summer days.

The foam brim also helps ensure you’re as comfortable as possible. You can pull it a bit up or down, so you can easily adjust where you’re most protected from glares.

Value For Money

The Duckbill Cap is one of Patagonia’s most affordable products, but it is on the pricier side when it comes to caps. However, at some $30 it’s more than reasonably priced, especially considering all the excellent features of the cap.

It’s worth the money for sure, especially if you’re looking for a comfortable, lightweight, and breathable cap that’s suitable for all kinds of outdoor activities. The excellent durability is another reason why this cap is worth every penny, especially with the foam brim that can really take a beating and just pop into its original shape in a matter of minutes.

Verdict

The Patagonia Duckbill Cap is an excellent cap for runners and outdoor adventurers. It is lightweight, breathable, and exceptionally durable, making it a great option for anyone who is looking for a really good cap.

It’s also reasonably priced – it’s not the cheapest cap out of the bunch, but it’s in the same price range as Under Armour and Adidas caps which are not quite as good as this one. The only issue with this cap is that the meshy body doesn’t provide that much protection from some, meaning that some bald folks might get the weirdest sunburn pattern on their heads if they don’t apply enough sunscreen.