52g (Size M)
55g (Size L)
Introduction
Wide-brimmed Hat for Hiking
Our new Stretch Mesh Hat is something we think has never been done before. Comfortable and ultralight, but doesn’t blow off even in strong winds.
The new hat inherits the features of the Stretch Mesh Cap, a breathable stretch material, shape-memory brim and a one-hand bungee adjuster, while offering a wider brim to protect your ears and neck from the sun.
Features:
- Hat version of the Stretch Mesh Cap
- Highly wind-resistant
- Brim that can be freely reshaped
- Adjustable elastic cord that can be operated with one hand
- Lightweight and compact
- Moderate stretch
- Highly breathable mesh material
- Shortened rear brim to avoid interference with backpack
- Slightly pointed crown design
- Neck cord compatible
Product Story
A Work of Confidence
One of the appealing aspects of a hat compared to a cap is its ability to protect the ears and neck from the sun. With this in mind, we wanted to create a new hat that has the same functionality as the Stretch Mesh Cap, but offers something entirely new. We wanted to make a hat version of the very comfortable Stretch Mesh Cap.
Masaru Kiyota, wearing the Cobalt Blue color.
At the start of development, we were concerned that the large brim might make the hat more likely to be blown off in strong winds. However, we found that the brim bends with the wind, deflecting it and preventing the hat from being blown off. We’ve tested it in various situations, including cycling downhill, and hiking in strong winds on Mount Nasu and Mount Tokachi. That said, there is no absolute guarantee that it won’t be blown off, so we made it possible to attach a neck cord if necessary.
It’s light, flexible, comfortable and wind-resistant. As a hat, I personally have never come across something like this. I also like the design where the crown is slightly pointed like a mountain when worn. This extra space at the crown likely improves ventilation as well.
-May 2024
Form and Function
Brim with Shape Memory Fabric
We placed a significant emphasis on the design of the brim during development. Through numerous prototypes and tests, we achieved a brim that met our satisfaction.
With our shape-memory brim, you can make precise adjustments to the brim to your liking. No matter how much you bend it you can shape the brim back to its flat state.
Moreover, its thin and flexible nature allows it to resist bending when strong winds blow, effectively deflecting the wind and making it less likely for the cap to be blown off.
Single-hand Adjuster
The low-profile adjuster offers quick single-hand fitting. When you sleep with the cap on, the adjuster does not cause any discomfort.
Details
To maintain the overall roundness of the deep fitting crown, the brim is stitched horizontally to maintain its shape when raised.
For maximum comfort remove the rebel by carefully cutting the thread.
For maximum comfort remove the rebel by carefully cutting the thread.
We’ve created a minimal brand tag that is delicately embroidered and doesn’t interfere with the simple design.
At just 50g (Size S), it’s so lightweight that you’ll forget you’re wearing it.
Product Review
We had Riku Yamamoto, the store manager of THE GATE SPORTING CLUB and HLC Hokuriku Ambassador, test the Stretch Mesh Hat under development during a section hike of the John Muir Trail (JMT) in the summer of 2023.
Riku Yamamoto (HLC Hokuriku Ambassador)
In his early twenties, he was introduced to the world of the outdoors by a colleague through trail running. In 2017, during his journey to do a full lap around Japan, he encountered the Yamatomichi team on an HLC tour in Hokkaido, where he was deeply impressed by the ultralight culture and its community. After finishing his journey, he was involved in the establishment of ‘THE GATE’ and ‘THE GATE SPORTING CLUB’, where he now shares the joy of mountain activities as a shop staff member. Centered around the fields of Fukui and Hokuriku, he enjoys hiking and trail running in spring, summer, and autumn, and telemark skiing in winter.
In the summer of 2023, my wife and I embarked on a honeymoon adventure, hiking a section of the John Muir Trail. During this journey, we had the opportunity to test the Stretch Mesh Hat, which was still under development.
As expected, the hat provided significantly more shade compared to a cap. It not only protected my face from sunburn but also lowered the perceived temperature from my head down to my neck and shoulders. Under the scorching sun, the hat proved to be much cooler than a cap.
However, hats have a downside—they’re more prone to being blown off by the wind. Whether you’re on a mountain or just going about your daily activities, anyone who wears a hat has likely experienced that nerve-wracking moment when a gust of wind almost takes it away.
On the fourth day of our hike, the climb to Koip Peak, the highest point on our route, was particularly tough. We zigzagged up over 20 switchbacks, steadily gaining altitude.
As we neared the ridgeline, strong winds blowing up from the valley made us stumble a few times. Remarkably, the hat deflected the wind perfectly and stayed firmly on my head. Throughout the hike, we faced strong winds several more times, but the hat never once felt like it would fly off.
For 11 days, we enjoyed perfect weather with no rain, and the clear skies allowed us to fully appreciate the JMT section hike. When we returned to Japan, people remarked, “You didn’t get as sunburned as we expected,” and I knew it was all thanks to this amazing hat.
Material
Elastic Material for Maximum Comfort
Except for the front panel and the brim, the cap is made of breathable mesh for comfort even during the hot and humid summer months. The elastic material offers excellent comfort.
Size guide
Recommended Size
Unit：cm
| Size | S | M | L |
|---|---|---|---|
| head circumference | 53 − 55 | 55 − 57 | 57 − 60 |
- Please measure the circumference of your head by placing the tape measure just above the base of your ear, going around the top of your head.
- Please note that individual experiences may vary, and the fit and feel of the hat may differ from person to person.
Product Size
Unit：cm
| Size | S | M | L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circumference | 59 | 62 | 65 |
Fitting
Misako – Circumference 53.5cm
Size S (Moon Gray)
Kanade – Circumference 55.5cm
Size M (Brick Red)
Yuko – Circumference 57cm
Size L (Black)
Junki – Circumference 54cm
Size S (Cobalt Blue)
Ichiro – Circumference 57cm
Size M (Smoke Brown)
Moss – Circumference 58cm
Size L (Nomad)
Instructions
Care Instructions
- Machine-wash gentle, at 30°C.
- Neutral detergent is recommended.
- Wash separately or use a laundry net bag.
- Use the detergent diluted in lukewarm water to wipe off the dirt.
- Do not tumble dry.
- Carefully stretch the seams of the cap to reshape and dry in the shade.
- Do not bleach. Do not use fabric softener.
- Iron low. Do not steam.
- Do not dry clean.
Care Instruction Page
For more detailed washing, drying and water repellent care instructions, visit our SUPPORT Page. With proper care you can prolong the funtionality of the product.
Payment
- We only accept payment by credit card. We currently do not accept payment via bank transfer from overseas accounts.
- We accept the following Credit Cards: Visa, Master, American Express, and JCB.
- To download your receipt, please click the link included in the Dispatch Notice, which we will send by email as soon as the items are dispatched.
Delivery
- Order Confirmation will be sent after the order.
- The items will be dispatched within 3 days after the payment is confirmed.
- The dispatch notice will be sent by email as soon as the items are dispatched.
- The delivery may be delayed by unforeseeable reasons such as natural disasters and other logistics issues. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
- We cannot ship multiple orders in one package due to how our delivery system is currently set up.
- We will ship to regions in North America, Oceania, and Europe (excluding Russia) via DHL. For regions in Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, Africa, and Russia, we use EMS (International Express Mail Service) for shipping.
- Shipping fees and delivery times vary depending on the shipping destination as well as the size and weight of the items.
Size Exchange
- Overseas customers who need to change the size of their order, should note that the time needed for shipping will vary greatly depending on your country of residence.
- We only accept exchanges when the item is unused (except for fitting).
- If you wish to exchange the size of the item, please contact us within seven days of receiving your order.
- Exchanges can only be made for the same color in a different size.
- If the size you wish is out of stock, we will suggest a different color.
- If the product is out of stock, we may simply have to ship the item back to you.
- All shipping costs to be carried by the customer.
- We will only send the exchanged item to you, upon receipt of return shipping cost via PayPal.
- Please be aware that some countries charge customs duties depending on the price of the item.
- We are unable to answer any questions on local customs. Please contact your local customs bureau.
Repair
We accept repairs for all of our Yamatomichi products. For inquiries on repair services including patching the holes, repairing with extra components, or fixing the items damaged over time, please feel free to contact us from the “Repair” section of the SUPPORT page.