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Essential Overland Gear: Hats protect from all New Mexico has to offer: sun, wind, cold
“Caps for Sale” has always been one of my favorite children’s books.
Keeping your noggin warm and protected from cold weather, sun and deadly rays is key, whether you’re an adorable monkey or not.
Hats with lights, though not worn by all the cool kids, serve the dual purpose of keeping your head warm while lighting the path around the campsite. Ace Hardware has Diamond Visions Beanie Light hats for less than $10 and the lights recharge via USB.
For the road and trail, I prefer water-resistant hats with large bills and flaps or trapper hats in winter. You can go upscale in an American sewn Northwoods Trapper Hat for $100. Not the most flattering look, but essential to keep the rays of the sun off your neck, which can be intense, even in winter.
Carry a few extra hats in your rig to cover up passengers who arrive bare headed. In the sun or in the cold, they will appreciate it.
It’s the smart thing to do.
Share some of your essential overland gear with us at go@abqjournal.com. Go New Mexico highlights essential items and reviews gear each week in The Sunday Journal.
