The Patrol Cap
The patrol cap is a classic piece of military kit, evolving from the French kepi and American Civil War, through to US soldiers today. It's a design that I can't argue with, after wearing one every day for nearly two years.
The brim is just the right size to shield the face from snow and rain, but not so big so as to catch the wind or protrude too far into your vision or object of focus. The cap is certainly a better hat to wear when driving, or carrying a load on the back, or just when you want a hat that reliably stays on your head, no matter what you're doing. The simple construction of the patrol cap, made to size rather than adjustable, keeps it light weight and compact. Treating its ripstop cotton fabric with a generous soaking of hot bee's wax and linseed oil not only keeps the rain off, but it also keeps the dirt, grit and grime out of the woven fabric, helping it to last much longer. Over time, the wax and oil forms that unmistakable leathery look of "oilskin" as it wears in and builds up with each treatment.
We'll keep a small supply is in our Gear store now, in sizes 58cm and 60cm at the moment, more sizes to come.