Review: GripGrab Summer Cycling Hat

Tell us what the product is for

GripGrab says: “The GripGrab Lightweight Summer Cycling Cap is a super lightweight cycling cap with a wide brim for shade and protection. The mesh fabric lets your head breathe and wicks moisture away from your forehead.”

I think it is well designed and performs extremely well, either on its own or under a helmet. Despite the summer label it is very comfortable in colder weather. The small/medium came up a bit smaller than I expected though, so check the chart and measure carefully if you can’t fit one.

Tell us more about the technical aspects of the product.

From GripGrab:

18 colours

24 grams

UV protection (UPF 40+)

* Lightweight

* Breathable

* Fits under helmet

80% polyester, 20% cotton

Seems very well made and has washed well.

Works great on all fronts, and the peak is particularly effective.

Hard to comment on long term durability but it wears and washes very well. No shrinking, fraying or similar deterioration so far.

It turned out a little smaller than I expected, but that hasn’t been a problem in the past few weeks.

Fabric regulates temperature very effectively and wicks moisture away quickly, even from heavy showers and persistent, steady rain. It has also proven surprisingly comfortable in cooler conditions, but beware, I have thick hair.

Not the cheapest, but beats more expensive competitors in terms of moisture removal and airflow.

How easy is the product to maintain? How did it react to washing?

Can be washed by hand or in the machine at 30 degrees.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its intended purpose.

I was immediately impressed with how efficiently air circulated through the cap and my scalp, keeping everything cool but not cold – a surprise on some blustery descents. The peak is also really effective, providing excellent protection from the sun, wind and even rain. It packs down really small, easily stashing in a jersey pocket or compact handlebar bag when you don’t need it. Moisture wicking and odour control are also impressive and it always washes very well, either hand or machine.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Beautiful peak, nice panels and light but sturdy materials.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

It turned out a little smaller than expected.

How does the price compare to similar products on the market, including those recently tested on road.cc?

Buff’s Pack Cycle Cap is almost a tenner more expensive at £29.95. It’s also designed to be helmet compatible and offers UV50 protection. Lusso’s Pain Cave Summer Cap is £14.99, while Primal’s Neon Crush impressed Benjamin and is another lightweight, packable choice made from polyester and is £15.

Use this box to explain your overall score

It’s very good: competitively priced with nice materials, lots of color options and great performance. Just watch the sizing.