Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap

Summary

A revelation for summer running, Janji's AFO Hyperlight Cap is (as the name suggests) super lightweight, at only 29g. It also stretches gently to your head, so it doesn't move about, but it also doesn't feel tight. Magic.

Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap

£32

Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap

£34

Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap

£32

Features

Super lightweight: 29g
Soft, crushable brim that can flip up
Soft, sweat-wicking band inside
Reflective bungee at the back
Stretch-woven AFO (Air Flat Out) fabric – highly breathable
88% recycled polyester; 12% elastane
One size

Pros

So lightweight, soft and stretchy you barely feel it at all
Stays comfy even in hot weather, due to the breathable AFO fabric, and the soft sweat-wicking knitted band
Has just the right amount of stretch to mould to your head so it stays still, but without it feeling tight
Incredibly forgiving: you can scrunch it up in your hand, or stuff it in a pocket, and it will come out acting like nothing happened
Brim flips up if you need more visibility (or if that's just your style choice)
88% recycled polyester, and bluesign® certified, so gets a tick for sustainability
Got long hair? No problem – it works well with a ponytail

Cons(iderations)

Can't find any

In Testing

Full disclosure: I don't like caps. I haven't even owned one for years, but I needed one for an event. Secretly I resented spending money on something I was bound to dislike, but thought: if I'm going to buy a cap, it may as well be a really, really good quality one.

I now confess that I love this cap. I catch myself putting it on when I don't even think I'll need it. I've used it in a range of weathers – from glaring hot sun to a torrential hailstorm – and have been amazed that something so unassuming can give so much protection against the elements.

The fabric itself is stretchy, but holds its shape. The band inside is soft and wicking, so even when you're breaking a sweat, it doesn't feel clammy. For a snugger fit, you've got the bungee, which is really easy to reach and tighten on the go. It also gives plenty of space for long hairstyles!

It's machine washable, which is a non-negotiable for me. Janji suggest a cold setting, but I've stuck it in at 30 with my other running gear, and it's come out good as new. (Don't tell anyone, and definitely don't take this as an official recommendation).

If you decide you don't need it while you're out on a run, you can squish it into your hand or a pocket, and it will easily forgive you afterwards, bouncing back like nothing happened.

It would be great for any outdoor activity – hiking, mountain-biking, walking the dog. Apart from running I've actually only used it for gardening, but on a hot day, even that was a game-changer.

Verdict

Whether you love caps or loathe them, I highly recommend this one. There's really nothing I can find about it that I don't like. For running it's just brilliant – unobtrusive, user-friendly, and incredibly versatile. I might even wear it for fun.

Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap

£32