The Bottom Line
This hat with three built-in ultra-bright, ultra-light LED headlamp bulbs is a great walking or running accessory in dusk, dawn, or after dark. It fits and feels like any other good cap, and you can wear it anytime. After dark, just push in the button to use a front spotlight and/or two under-brim lights that will illuminate your walking path. The lights add no weight at all.
Pros
- Three bright white LED bulbs built into bill of cap.
- Replaceable batteries lasts many 75 hours.
- Good illumination for your immediate walking path.
Cons
- Not washable
- May have to fiddle with it to get the right angle.
- Cotton fabric doesn't wick moisture
Description
- Cotton twill cap with generous bill.
- Three ultrabright LED spotlights run on four replaceable lithium CR2032 batteries - 75 hr capacity.
- To use, press on and press off switch under the bill.
- LED lamps are water resistant and impact resistant.
- Comes in a variety of colors.
Guide Review - Panther Vision LED PowerCap
Panther Vision has improved its LED headlight hats with the PowerCap. In addition to a spotlight lighting the way in the distance, two other lights shine down under the brim. For walkers and runners, the under-brim lights will better illuminate where your foot will be striking.
With the previous versions of Panther Vision caps, I could not get illumination where I needed it unless I was looking down -- which is bad walking and running form. You need to keep your chin up or level for good form. Now, the under-brim lights spotlight just where I need it, while the front spotlight can come into play when I need extra illumination and can dip my head to target it.
Headlight hats in general have the flaw that you can't adjust the angle of where the beam is unless you fiddle with its position on your head or move your head. Both are annoying when you are walking or running. But I found the PowerCap to be a big improvement in getting light where I need it.
Panther Vision PowerCap by Day
The cap is made of premium cotton twill, with a generous bill to shield you from the sun in daylight. The LED headlights are built into the bill and are barely noticeable by day. You don't need to worry about looking geeky. The drawback is that you can't wash this cap, so if you get it dirty, replacement or spot cleaning the only real option.Panther Vision PowerCap by Night
After dark, simply press on the switch under the brim. The three-way switch will power either the front light, the under-brim lights, or all. The design is much lighter than most headlamps. The battery pack is in the sweatband and adds almost no weight. It uses four replaceable CR2032 batteries, which should last for 75 hours of use.Other Uses
I immediately thought that this hat would be great for reading in bed, as did the wife of our Camping Guide who also reviewed this item. I like to take a flashlight or headlamp along when driving or traveling, and since I always take a cap, now I don't have to pack two items.Disclosure: Review items were provided by the manufacturer.
Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
