Salomon's running cap lineup comes down to two models: the XA Cap—designed for trail runners chasing ventilation—and the Cross Cap, a packable option for minimalists. Both perform well in heat and hold up decently, though you won't find anything groundbreaking here. You're buying trail-specific engineering (lightweight build, quick-dry fabric) and the Salomon name.
Salomon XA Cap: The Trail Standard
This is Salomon's flagship. Trail runners get a laser-cut perforated front panel, stretch headband, stiff brim that won't wilt when soaked.
AdvancedSkin ActiveDry polyester makes up the fabric—light, dries fast, breathes. Those perforations? They actually work. Air moves across your forehead during climbs. The brim stays rigid enough to block sun without drooping, which helps when you're scanning technical ground.
42 grams. Lighter than most trucker caps. Heavier than ultralight options (Ciele GOCap, for instance). Hook-and-loop closure on the back—it adjusts, nothing fancy.
Trade-offs exist. Perforation cuts sun protection on your forehead. Burn easily? Pack sunscreen. Fit skews small—go up a size if you're between measurements or have a larger head.
Salomon Cross Cap: Ultralight and Packable
The Cross Cap ditches structure for compressibility. A lightweight shell with a soft brim that collapses into your pocket or pack.
Fast-and-light missions make sense for this cap. Every gram counts. Fabric's thinner than the XA Cap, dries faster, packs tighter. But that soft brim? Loses shape when wet. No ventilation engineering—just moisture-wicking fabric.
28 grams. Stuffs into a running vest pocket without adding bulk. Useful when weather shifts and you start without a hat.
Here's the catch: durability suffers. Thin fabric wears faster than the XA Cap, especially where the brim edges take friction. It's specialized gear, not your daily trainer.
How Salomon Caps Compare to Competitors
| Model | Weight | Ventilation | Packability | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salomon XA Cap | 42g | High (perforated) | Medium | $30–35 |
| Salomon Cross Cap | 28g | Medium | High | $28–32 |
| Ciele GOCap | 35g | High (COOLwick) | High | $38–42 |
| Nike AeroBill | 50g | Medium | Low | $28–32 |
| Patagonia Duckbill | 68g | Low | Low | $35–39 |
Salomon lands in the middle: lighter than traditional caps, heavier than ultralight specialists. The XA Cap vents better than Nike's AeroBill but shields less sun than Patagonia's Duckbill. The Cross Cap weighs less than GOCap but won't last as long.
Is a Salomon Running Cap Worth It?
Depends what you need. The XA Cap works if you run hot, value ventilation, want a cap that holds shape in wet conditions. Trail runners logging hours in humid or exposed terrain—this is a solid pick.
The Cross Cap? Only worth it if packability trumps durability. Fastpackers, ultralight hikers, runners who travel light will appreciate how small it compresses. For everyday training, it's too specialized.
Revolutionary? Neither cap qualifies. Salomon's strength comes from trail-running credibility and wide availability—most running shops stock these. Materials and construction rate as good, not exceptional. You won't get premium touches like Ciele's reflective details or UPF 50+ ratings found on dedicated sun hats.
Running in Salomon shoes or packs already? These caps match that quality level. Brand-agnostic? Compare them against Ciele's lineup (more refined fit) or Brooks' running hats (better value).
Practical Tips for Choosing Between XA and Cross
- Pick the XA Cap if: technical trails, heavy sweating, or needing a stiff brim when wet describe your runs. Better all-around choice for regular training.
- Pick the Cross Cap if: packing light for races or long runs, needing a hat that vanishes into a vest pocket, or wearing a cap only occasionally.
- Consider sizing up: both models run snug. Wear a 7⅜ in baseball caps? You might want the larger size in Salomon's adjustable range.
- Wash carefully: hand-wash in cold water to keep perforations and fabric structure intact. Machine washing cuts lifespan, especially on the Cross Cap.
- Replace every 12–18 months: running 4+ times per week means headband stretch and fabric wicking degrade faster than visible wear. When sweat stops evaporating quickly, time for a new cap.
Where to Buy and What to Pay
Both caps retail $28–35. Seasonal sales at Salomon's website, REI, and Running Warehouse often drop prices 20–30% in spring or fall.
Don't pay more than $35 for the XA Cap or $32 for the Cross Cap. At full price, they're decent but unremarkable value. On sale, they compete with any trail-running cap in their weight class.
Частые вопросы
Is the Salomon XA Cap good for road running?
Works fine, but it's overbuilt for pavement. Perforated design and trail-specific features function on roads—you're just paying for durability and ventilation you might not need. A lighter road cap like the Nike AeroBill or Tracksmith Hawthorne feels less substantial but costs less and dries faster.
Does the Salomon Cross Cap have UPF sun protection?
Salomon doesn't publish a UPF rating for the Cross Cap. Thin fabric provides basic coverage but wasn't designed for maximum UV protection. Sun exposure a priority? Look for caps with certified UPF 50+ ratings like the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure or Outdoor Research Swift.
How do you clean a Salomon running cap without damaging the perforations?
Hand-wash in cool water with mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, air-dry. Don't wring or twist the fabric—squeeze gently and lay flat to dry. Machine washing distorts the XA Cap's perforations and weakens the Cross Cap's thin fabric.
Can you adjust the fit on both Salomon caps?
Both use a hook-and-loop back closure. Adjustment range spans about 2–3 cm, works for most head sizes but may feel tight on larger heads (58 cm+). No buckle or sliding mechanism—just a simple strap.
Which Salomon cap is better for ultramarathons?
For ultras, the XA Cap proves more reliable. Handles sweat and rain better, structured brim stays functional 10+ hours. The Cross Cap weighs less but loses shape when saturated—annoying on long efforts. Pack weight matters less in ultras than performance over time.
Автор: CrazyCustomCaps Editorial. Обновлено: 2026-10-09