Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

Back to REVIEWS
review
Headwear
Pactimo Alpine Thermal Cap Pactimo Alpine Thermal Cap
Pactimo Alpine Thermal Cap

Pactimo Alpine Thermal Cap

8
by Caven O'Hara
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jan 22, 2015

1
£18.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Does the job of keeping your head warm if not necessarily dry
Weight: 
38g
Contact: 
www.pactimo.com
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

What the road.cc scores mean

Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.

  • Exceptional
  • Excellent
  • Very Good
  • Good
  • Quite good
  • Average
  • Not so good
  • Poor
  • Bad
  • Appalling

You won't get many rides over the winter months when you can get away without having an extra layer on your head. If it's not wind, it'll be rain, or both, and you'll be surprised as to how much heat you can lose through your noggin.

A skull cap or peaked cap is pretty much an essential accessory for winter riding. Pactimo make a range of caps, skullcaps or headbands of which the Alpine Thermal Cap is their top of the range offering. It provides reasonable coverage on your head and for your eyes with a peak that can be flipped up if conditions allow. Overall the Pactimo cap is more than up to the job of being a winter warmer.

The Alpine Thermal Cap has been designed as a one size fits all piece. It's made from 82% polyester and 18% spandex so it will stretch to fit even the largest of heads without feeling tight. It is black with the logo and styling in a fluoro green. Nothing outlandish just adds a little style.

On the inside you have fleece lining to add protection from the chill. The design of the Alpine Thermal Cap allows you to cover your forehead and your ears if you feel the need. While this total coverage may sound as if things could get a little steamy, the cap breathes well and allows you to regulate your temperature.

Once on it is easy to forget you are wearing it as it fits well without impinging on comfort or digging into your head. It's a cinch to wear under a helmet as it isn't bulky so with a slight adjustment your lid will fit on top.

When the rain comes down the cap won't keep it out but will ensure your head stays warm. It's not there to be keep out all the elements but it will keep you warm when the mercury falls.

Verdict

Does the job of keeping your head warm if not necessarily dry

road.cc test report

Make and model: Pactimo Alpine Thermal Cap

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The Pactimo Alpine Thermal Cap is for those who want some head protection when the temperature falls or the wind blows. Fleece lined to ensure the heat is kept inside and keeping your head warm but it won't keep out the rain. The peaked cap will provide some protection from the rain getting into your eyes. If the sun does shine the peak can be flicked up to allow a little more light in and afford a better view.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

The Alpine Thermal Cap has been designed as a one size fits all. The fact that is made from 82% polyester and 18% spandex ensures it will stretch to fit even the largest of heads without feeling tight. It is black with the logo and styling in a fluro green. Nothing outlandish just adds a little style.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Given the materials used the Alpine Thermal Cap is stretchy which allows one size to fit all. The cap isn't tight but fits snugly without feeling as if the circulation has been cut off. The seams are well made so there has been no fraying or wear on the cap.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

As long as you appreciate that it's for keeping your head warm but not dry then you'll get on just grand with the Alpine Thermal Cap. The fleece lining does a good job of keeping the warmth inside the cap, ideal on those cold or windy rides.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

The Cap has been used thoroughly and in some severe conditions. As a result it has been through the wash many times without suffering.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

The cap doesn't weigh a lot and once on is easy to forget you're wearing it. As with any cap of substance you will need to adjust your helmet fit slightly to allow for the extra material.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

The combination of materials, the fleece lining and the shape make this a very comfy cap.

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

At £18 it is towards the higher mid range of caps but the Alpine Thermal cap does offer value for money.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Designed to be used for keeping in the warmth the cap does very well. It won't keep out the rain but it will work well in keeping you warm despite this. The peak also does a good job of keeping rain or sunshine out of your eyes and if necessary you can flick it up to give you more light.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Comfortable and doesn't squash your head. It has a nice design to allow you to protect your ears too.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

If Pactimo could have made this waterproof or showerproof you would have a terrific all weather accessory. As it is you still get a very useful addition to any cold or blustery ride.

Did you enjoy using the product? I did.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Keeping your head warm is important but so is comfort, the Pactimo Alpine Thermal Cap does both of these very well.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 45  Height: 178cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three  My best bike is: As above

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT

 

Pactimo Alpine Thermal Cap
Pactimo 2015
Pactimo

Add new comment

1 comments

Avatar
Accessibility f... | 9 years ago
0 likes

Good luck wearing that with spectacles...

Latest Comments