Walz Caps Wool Cycling Cap

Walz Caps are handmade in California and we've got a couple of the Wool ones in for testing. The material and the look mean you can get away with wearing it in any weather, on or off the bike, and it's become my go-to hat for practically every ride.

Regardless of whether I'm wearing a helmet or not I've been a cap convert for the last few years so I've used plenty of good and bad ones. The Walz is definitely in the former camp thanks to a great fit and using 100% wool allowing for breathability or insulation regardless of the conditions.

Commuting first thing in the morning with frost on the ground and the Walz is perfectly warm enough even before you've got the blood pumping. The contrasting ride home in the current mini heat wave has seen temperatures nudging the high teens and while I'd say this is nearing the Walz's comfortable limits any perspiration is easily absorbed by the microfiber sweat band running around the inside. I've yet to have it get overwhelmed and even the wool doesn't seem to hold on to any moisture for long either.

The strip through the middle of the hat is a lighter yarn so this helps a little with breathability.

Fit is taken care of by an elasticated rear section and it holds the cap firm on the head. Even after plenty of washes and wearing it's not showing any bagginess. The wool actually feels a bit scratchy in your hand but once perched atop your head it feels much softer and really comfortable to wear no matter how long you are riding.

The peak is well rounded for side visibility with a length to keep the sun out without restricting what's going on in front of you. It's stiff enough to flip as well if you want that hipster look.

The stitching is all neat and tidy with a really good quality finish. It feels tough as old boots as well. The only thing you need to remember is that it's hand wash only or dry clean. The good thing about wool is that it doesn't stink too quickly so washes are few and far between.

On the whole the Walz is one of the best caps I've worn, staying put at high speeds plus its ability to cope with a range of temperatures and conditions means it's ideal for year round use. The price of £25 is well worth it especially considering the versatility of looking cool with both lycra and civvies you can wear it all of the time.

Verdict

Traditional looking cap that performs regardless of the conditions; hardwearing too