Ciss Outdoors

Disclosure: This cap was provided for review by Sunday Afternoons.

A comfortable, packable cap that combines practical sun protection with a folding brim, making it just as useful for travelling as it is for hiking.

I have been using the Sunday Afternoons Sun Tripper Cap since the beginning of May, wearing it mainly for hiking and everyday outdoor use. I wanted a cap that would provide reliable sun protection while packing down small enough to carry easily in a rucksack or suitcase, and the folding Clamshell Brim immediately caught my attention. Over the past two months, it has become one of the first things I pack whenever I’m heading outdoors or travelling.

A Cap That Is Easy To Take Everywhere

What sets the Sun Tripper Cap apart is its folding Clamshell Brim. Most caps are surprisingly awkward to pack because the curved peak takes up space and can easily become misshapen in a rucksack or suitcase. This design folds neatly in half, making the cap far easier to store without worrying about damaging the brim.

I use this feature constantly. Folded down, it measures approximately 11 cm x 16.5 cm x 4 cm. Whether I’m slipping the cap into an elasticated side pocket, a zipped compartment or the top of my pack, it takes up much less room than a conventional cap.

Another unexpected benefit is comfort. Because the brim has a small amount of flexibility through the centre joint, it adapts to the shape of my head rather than forcing a fixed curve. I find this noticeably more comfortable than some traditional curved caps, particularly over longer days.

Fit And Comfort

I wear the Large in Timber, and the sizing has worked well for me. I often struggle to find hats and caps that are big enough, but this one feels generous without being loose. For reference, my head circumference is around 61–62 cm, and I still use the rear adjustment to secure the fit.

The adjustment is simple and effective. It uses a bungee-style toggle at the back, which is easy to use, intuitive and dexterity-friendly. I can tighten the cap enough for it to feel secure without creating pressure points. Also, because the brim has a small amount of flexibility through the centre joint, it adapts slightly to the shape of my head rather than forcing a fixed curve. I can wear it all day without headaches, rubbing or soreness. I am quite sensitive to hats feeling too tight, so that matters.

Sun Protection And Weather Performance

For sun protection across the face and eyes, the Sun Tripper Cap performs well. Alongside the UPF 50+ sun rating, the 6 cm brim is generous enough to provide good coverage; the folding design makes the peak quite wide.

The cap handles light rain and drizzle well. The PFAS-free DWR finish helps shed moisture, and the brim keeps rain out of the eyes. The cap dries quickly after getting wet and is easy to rinse clean after sweaty use.

In the wind, the Sun Tripper is better than I expected. Caps are often prone to lifting or flying off, but this one fits securely without needing to be uncomfortably tight.

Breathability And Warm Weather Use

The Sun Tripper Cap is breathable enough for hiking and general outdoor use, but it is not the most ventilated cap I have used. Sunday Afternoons lists hidden crown ventilation, and there are also the Sunglass Lock points themselves, but I would not say you feel air moving through it in the same way as a cap with mesh panels.

For me, that places it firmly in the hiking, travel and everyday outdoor category. I am happy wearing it on warm hikes, and I would expect to sweat in any cap while walking uphill in hot weather. However, if your priority is maximum airflow for running or very hot conditions, I would look at a more ventilated design. The Timber colour proves a practical choice. After sweating in it, you do not notice obvious white salt staining.

Sunglass Lock And Internal Pocket

I use the Sunglass Lock feature a lot. I have lost sunglasses before after storing them on top of a cap, so having dedicated slots to hold them in place is genuinely useful rather than just a small extra.

It is easy to use without needing a mirror or reflection, which is important when you are out walking. With my sports sunglasses, the rubberised sections on the arms make them a little trickier to slide through the slots, but that is more about the sunglasses than the cap. With standard sunglasses, the feature is still straightforward and secure.

The cap also has a small internal crown pocket. I have not needed to use it yet, but it would be useful to hide something small, such as a key.

Hiking Cap Or Travel Essential?

Although I mainly used the Sun Tripper Cap for hiking, I think its real strength is that it bridges outdoor use and travel. It works with technical hiking kit, but it also looks at home with more casual clothing. I have had compliments on this cap, which is not something I can say about my other caps.

The shape helps. It is not a rounded dome-style cap, and the slightly squarer profile makes it look a bit less like standard sports headwear. That makes it easier to wear casually, whether travelling, walking around a city, or heading out for a casual outdoor day.

For me, it has become one of those items I automatically pack for a trip. It is light, compact, easy to store, protective enough for hiking, and smart enough to wear away from the hills.

Durability

After around two months of use, including several hand washes after hot hikes, the cap still looks much as it did when I first received it. There are no signs of wear, fading, loose stitching or changes in shape. Sunday Afternoons also backs their hats with a lifetime guarantee covering materials and workmanship, which adds confidence that the cap is built for long-term use.

The folding brim has remained reliable. That was the part I was most interested in before testing the cap, and so far it has delivered exactly what I wanted: a cap that is easy to carry without the brim becoming misshapen.

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