Early in 2022, I acquired a Rothco 100% Wool Jeep Cap. I have worn it while walking the dog, stoking the outside wood boiler, clearing snow, and caring for other outside tasks. I have found it to be both warm and comfortable. The cap keeps my head and ears protected from the cold, while the visor protects my glasses from precipitation. It is made in the U.S.A. It has become my default headgear for winter outdoor work.
At the time of this writing, the cap was available from Rothco’s website for $11.99.
The Backstory
During warm weather, I typically wear a ball cap when I am working outside. The cap protects my bald spot from sunburn, and the visor protects my glasses from precipitation.
When more extensive exposure to sun or rain is expected, I typically wear a broad-brimmed hat. This provides additional protection from the elements for my ears and the back of my neck.
During cold weather, I used to wear a watch cap. It helped to keep my head and ears warm, but it did little to protect my glasses from falling snow or sleet.
A number of years ago, I found a jeep cap knock-off at a local thrift store. I snatched it up. The knit portion of the cap helped to keep my head and ears warm. The visor helped to protect my glasses. That jeep cap received a lot of heavy use over the years.
Because the knock-off cap was acrylic rather than wool, it was not quite as warm as I would have liked. I kept my eye out for a wool jeep cap in the local thrift stores, but I never found one.Continue reading“Rothco Genuine G.I. Jeep Cap, by Thomas Christianson”