About CrazyCustomCaps
CrazyCustomCaps is an independent running gear review site focused entirely on running caps. We review caps the way runners actually use them — on roads, trails, in rain, and in heat — and publish our findings without sponsor influence.
Who We Are
We're a small team of runners. Between us we've run everything from 5Ks to 100-mile ultramarathons. We started CrazyCustomCaps because we got tired of "best cap" roundups that were clearly assembled from Amazon listings, not from actual running.
Jake has been running for 15 years across roads, trails, and everything in between. He's a 100-mile ultramarathon finisher (Leadville 2022, Bighorn 2024) and has tested over 60 running caps in the process of building this site. His rule: every cap gets a minimum of 50 miles before a verdict is written. Jake covers all brand reviews and best-of roundups on CrazyCustomCaps.
What We Test
Every cap featured on this site has been tested by a member of our team over a minimum of 50 miles. We test in multiple conditions where possible: road and trail, hot and cold, wet and dry.
We score each cap on six criteria:
- Weight — measured on our own scale, not taken from brand specs
- Breathability — perceived heat buildup on 45-minute runs at 70°F+
- Sweatband performance — wicking speed and drip control after 60 minutes of effort
- Fit security — stays put at tempo pace without manual adjustment
- Packability — stuffs into a running vest pocket without permanent crease
- Durability — condition after 100+ miles and at least 20 machine washes
We don't accept review samples in exchange for coverage, and we don't disclose paid placements because we don't take them. Caps we recommend are caps we paid for and ran in.
Our Editorial Standards
We follow three rules that guide every piece of content on this site:
- No verdict without field time. A cap doesn't get a rating until it's been run in for 50+ miles. We've killed review drafts mid-writing when a cap failed at mile 60.
- No hedging without data. If we say cap A beats cap B in heat, we have temperature logs and sweat-rate notes to back it up. "It depends" is only acceptable when followed by a clear decision table.
- Update or remove. When a brand releases a significant update to a cap we've reviewed, we re-test and revise. Stale data gets pulled, not left to mislead.
How We Make Money
This site earns a commission on purchases made through affiliate links to retailers including Amazon, Running Warehouse, REI, and Ciele Athletics. Our editorial decisions are independent of these relationships — we don't take paid placements or accept review samples in exchange for positive coverage. The affiliate relationship has zero influence on ratings or rankings. See our Affiliate Disclosure for full details.
Contact
Found a factual error? Have a cap we haven't covered? Running a race in unusual conditions and need a recommendation? Use our contact page — we read every message and reply within 2–3 business days.