There's nothing quite like waking up refreshed after a night under the stars. But sometimes, staying comfortable, especially in the summer heat, can be a challenge. I've always struggled with finding the right headwear for sleeping while backpacking. It needs to be lightweight, breathable, and keep the sun out if I want to catch a few extra winks in the morning. My search for the perfect summer sleeping cap led me down some interesting paths, and I’m excited to share what I've learned. I've come to realize that choosing the right sleeping cap is essential for a good night's rest outdoors.
I used to just grab whatever beanie I had lying around, usually a heavy wool one. Big mistake! I'd wake up sweating and uncomfortable, often with a headache from the pressure. Other times, the morning sun would blast through my tent, waking me up way too early. I needed something that could block light and wick away moisture without feeling constricting. I found myself constantly adjusting my beanie throughout the night, which disrupted my sleep and left me feeling more tired than when I went to bed. It was a frustrating cycle, and I knew I needed a better solution. I even considered just going without a cap, but I quickly realized that wasn't an option either. The bugs were relentless!
I started experimenting with different types of headwear. My first thought was a buff. I had heard about their versatility, and I already owned one. It worked okay, but I found it didn't quite block out the light as well as I hoped, and it wasn't as comfortable as I wanted for all-night wear. While a buff is a good option for many, I wanted something more purpose-built for sleeping.
Then, I remembered an old army surplus fleece beanie I had tucked away. It was incredibly lightweight, probably around an ounce, and surprisingly comfortable. When I pulled it down over my eyes, it blocked out the light almost completely. The fleece was also surprisingly breathable, although I did have some concerns about odor buildup after multiple days on the trail. However, I quickly discovered that it washed and dried easily, so that wasn't as big of an issue as I initially thought.
I also stumbled upon the idea of using a Polartec fleece beanie in addition to a wool buff. The fleece beanie was great for blocking light and providing a bit of warmth, while the wool buff could be used for extra insulation on colder nights or as a neck gaiter during the day. This combination seemed to offer the best of both worlds – lightweight comfort and versatile protection.
Someone suggested an Alpha Direct beanie. I was intrigued because I have a bald head and am always looking for something comfy. I found that it’s fine up to about 75°F, which is perfect for most of my summer backpacking trips. I also saw Justin’s UL sells an Alpha 90 beanie. I haven't tried it myself, but it sounds promising.
While searching, I also came across a great option from Wholecustomdesign. They offer a Parent-child Solid Beanie. This beanie, designed for both adults and children, is made from soft, warm wool blends, making it a comfortable choice for cooler summer nights or early morning chill. It’s a knitted cap, so it allows for some breathability, and the style is versatile enough to wear around camp or even during the day. The fact that they offer matching parent-child sets is a bonus for family camping trips! It's definitely something I'm considering for future adventures. You can see more great options from them.
Here are a few things I've learned that might help you find the perfect sleeping cap: