TESTED HEAD TO HEAD

TOURING HATS

You need a good hat for the skin up. Something that keeps flakes out of your hair, sweat out of your eyes and sun off your face. And, just as important, bounces back into shape after repeated stuffs in a pack.

BUFF PACK BASEBALL CAP

On the surface, a trendy low-crown ball cap. Hidden, until you plop it on your head, are a mix of wool and polyester that’s cozy, a wicking liner and soft build that’s as flexible as Gumby. Even crushed in a pack for a day, it emerged intact. $45; buff.com

Choose it: for warmer locales and those who run hot.

OUTDOOR RESEARCH WOOLIE CAP

It’s more stylish than Elmer Fudd’s, but no less functional. The Woolie has fleece earflaps and a waterproof membrane sandwiched under the felt outer and fleece liner. When the wind picked up on a ridgetop, we could fold down the flaps and keep on trucking. $59; outdoorresearch.com

Choose it: for chillier spots or if your ears often get cold.