Much like giving love to small races, we also enjoy highlighting new companies as well. Alpine Dam (whose name comes from a popular hill climb) is based out of Marin, CA and has been on the scene for only 8 weeks. We have reviewed a couple of trucker hats in the past and many runners out there may be familiar that famed runner Anton Krupicka wore trucker hats (albeit sometimes with tiny brims) as his headwear of choice. Alpine Dam keeps things straightforward and simple, while also offering a few cool designs and color schemes for those fitness individuals who are interested in something new.
They have 10 hat styles (2 for youth) and will be releasing an additional 4 styles in the next few months as well. I really like that each hat tells a different story with the name of each style being tied to something Marin and California. A quick glance at the names show that they are highlighting surf spots, mountain roads and summits, and beaches. I was sent their Muir Beach hat to try, named after a stunning beach at the foot of Mount Tamalpais.
All Alpine Dam hats have the same general design and construction, highlighted by their rectangular patch – inside of which, a simple mountain backdrop. Each hat varies in color, however, and the Muir Beach is a white hat with neon green rectangular outline and multicolored mountain. They feature an adjustable snap in the back for one-size-fits-all capabilities.
My favorite things are that the Muir Beach version actually looks and feels like a hat. While I have some great running-specific hats, it’s evident that they don’t look and feel like regular hats (for good reasons like air flow and moisture wicking). In the case of my Alpine Dam hat, it just looks “normal”. The brim is high quality with a relatively standard-sized bill (it’s a tad shorter) and the foam crown of the cap is positioned at optimum height. The mesh paneling is thicker (6mm) than many casual trucker hats, which is great if being exposed to the weather and moisture.
The Muir Beach is made 60% Cotton / 40% Polyester construction and has a flat bill. If that’s not your thing, there are other versions as well. For example, the Bolinas features a 47% Cotton / 25% Polyester / 28% Nylon split, distressed patch, and a more curved bill. And if trucker hats aren’t your thing, there is even a style called the Summit, which may fit your fancy.
It seems like these hats should hold up to the wear and tear, though I will admit I haven’t had it for a super long period of time. However, I can’t imagine it looking any worse than the sweaty and salty monstrosities my running hats have become over time. I will add that, while this does an admirable job at maintaining my sweat, I would love to see a future version of a sweat-wicking band lining.
We are doing a Rafflecopter giveaway for a FREE hat! All you have to do is head over to the giveaway page and like their Facebook page. It’s that simple! Our contest will end April 9th!
Company: Alpine Dam (Facebook)
Products:
- Muir Beach Trucker Hat ($30 with 30% off code on website) – Amazon
More about Alpine Dam:
Alpine Dam was a concept that came about over time. Almost 14 years ago after moving from Boston to San Francisco, I instantly found this amazing exposure to beautiful hills, mountains, the ocean all accessible by bike and some simply by running. It sounds strange to some people but it feels like every weekend is a vacation. I would take days off from work just to ride my bike. You can kayak, surf, swim in the bay, hike, or sit on Mount Tam, eat a burrito and watch hang gliders jump off the side then fly over Stinson Beach.
You’re surrounded by similar folks, young and old simply getting after it. In many towns and cities you find your tribe, the runners, the cross fitters, the cyclists.
We wanted represent the location, the colors, the feeling that is ultimately universal but few can appreciate.
Alpine Dam…. there are so many colors, concepts, themes and they are coming to life for everyone. I take so much inspiration from seeing the oldest guy in the pool grinding laps to a young gun crushing waves at Rodeo beach.
*”More About” information taken from the company’s website. We like to let their own stories speak for themselves, because we review companies that have real personality and passion about what they do.
Thank you to Alpine Dam for providing us with samples. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
