Gear & Guides
LÉ BENT Hats and Caps are Redefining Comfort and Functionality in Outdoor Wear
When you set out to buy running gear, your inclination will always be to pick out a supportive pair of shoes. Why should your feet pull all the focus? At LÉ BENT, we believe the best way for runners to use their heads is to choose their heads, starting with stylish, practical sports hats. A comfortable, breathable, well-fitting running cap can transform your daily jaunt, keeping sunburn away and dripping sweat at bay. Do you know what sets a quality sports hat apart and ensures a great run every time? We've crafted this guide to help runners like you discover the versatile sports cap that can keep you safe and in style, day or night. The Problem With Traditional Outdoor Hats When you head to the store to pick out a new sports hat, you probably start your search by choosing something that matches your style. The truth is that many attractive hats come with unfortunate downsides. Common problems with traditional caps include: Uncomfortable, low-quality headbands Poor fit No breathability Lack of versatility Most manufacturers know that style is your first concern when picking out a sports cap. That's why they cheat and use lower-quality materials and manufacturing standards below the brim. Quality-focused brands like LÉ BENT design products for appearance, practicality, and comfort, so you don't need to settle to achieve superior style. The Le Bent Approach to Outdoor Hats LÉ BENT has a unique philosophy in designing outdoor hats and caps. We've highlighted the key features and benefits that set us apart from the competition. Comfort At LÉ BENT, extreme comfort isn't an accident—it's a priority. We go out of our way to choose materials like bamboo and Merino wool that won't rub, chafe, or leave unattractive skin indentations behind. You can't duplicate the luxurious feeling of these natural raw materials. Our unique five panel construction, including a stretchy shock cord or leather strap back, ensures your run cap fits right every time. In addition, all our running caps are unisex and one size fits all. Our UPF 50+ recycled material will keep your head cool, even in direct sunlight. Airflow and breathability are part of the design. Comfort is one of the elements that our customers consistently rave about in reviews. We're so confident in the comfort of our product that we offer a 100% money-back guarantee for one hundred days, worn or unworn. Functionality When you don't have to think about adjusting and re-adjusting your sports cap, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your favourite high-intensity outdoor activities. LÉ BENT's caps are high-performance technical hats, ideal for running, hiking, cycling, and more. We've designed our products to keep athletes safe so they can push their bodies to extremes and enjoy every corner of the great outdoors. All of our women's and men's caps incorporate the following functional features: Moisture-wicking material to keep sweat out of your eyes Built-in temperature regulation for when things heat up UPF 50+ sun protection to keep the burn at bay Ultralight, fast-drying fabric that won't weigh you down A secure adjustable fit so nothing goes flying A floatable EVA brim for unexpected swims Laser cut perforations for added breathability A reflective logo, so darkness is no excuse to end the adventure Every cap is versatile, so you only need one sports hat for all your outdoor activities, from cliff diving to cross-country running. When a cap works this hard, you accomplish more with less gear. Sustainability If you love the great outdoors, we're sure you'll do whatever you can to protect the planet. LÉ BENT has committed to sustainable and ethical manufacturing so our products don't harm the beautiful natural world we love to explore. Responsible sourcing and production are always at the top of our list of priorities. Our passion for sustainability begins with our overwhelmingly Earth-friendly materials. In addition to its naturally anti-bacterial, moisture-wicking, and odourless thermoregulator value, merino wool is compassionately sourced and endlessly renewable. This all-natural substance is the gold standard for technical performance gear. Furthermore, we're dedicated to utilising bamboo-based fabrics whenever possible. Bamboo textiles are breathable and low-static, with the super-soft feel of silk or cashmere. Bamboo is a fast-growing, low-moisture crop that doesn't require pesticides or cause soil erosion. The prolific, low-maintenance plant is easy to replace and doesn't harm the communities where it grows. All of LÉ BENT's bamboo is OCIAI certified. We're also part of the Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production program. That means our manufacturing methods meet the highest ethical standards. Our commitment to green practices doesn't end when our product arrives in your hands. Our packaging comprises 95% recyclable materials, including compostable 'dirt bags.' Plus, the quality of our products means they last considerably longer than cheaply made fast-fashion alternatives. You won't find our sports caps in a landfill anytime soon! Get Quality Sports Hats From LÉ BENT! When it comes to protecting your head, face, and eyes, quality matters. Sports hats from LÉ BENT offer premium sun protection, laser cut perforations, and a secure, adjustable fit every time. The reflective logo provides high visibility to ensure you can hit the pavement safely, day or night. Every great run begins with versatile, trustworthy gear. Your new favourite five panel cap is waiting for you at LÉ BENT. Visit our website to explore our seasonal collections and transform your style.
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Brave the Cold: Dressing Tips for Cold-Weather Hiking
When gearing up for a hike, nothing can dampen the mood more than being underprepared by wearing the wrong clothing. Depending on where you live or where you are hiking, you can encounter cold weather regardless of the season, and it can make your trip uncomfortable or cause a serious problem. To ensure a pleasant adventure and safe conditions, you need to invest in the best cold weather gear. How to Dress for a Cold Weather Hike Beyond investing in the right materials, there is a dressing method to regulate body temperature. Start by wearing a base layer underneath that wicks sweat off the skin. These can be made of synthetic or natural materials like merino wool.. You also want to make sure to wear a middle and outer layer. The middle layer will insulate and help the body retain heat. Standard options include fleece or puffy down jackets. Lastly, the outer layer is designed to shield you from the wind, rain, or other elements. The same layering methodology applies to your bottom half as well. Depending on how frigid it is, you can wear base layer bottoms, an insulated pair of pants like these .75 Merino Insulated Pants and then a waterproof shell pant over the top to keep you dry. Purchase Proper Footwear No one can enjoy a hike if their feet are not getting protection against harsh conditions. The best option in the rough wilderness that can provide good traction in rough or wet terrain is hiking boots. These should fit snugly around the heel and ankle, allowing you to wiggle your toes. Important Accessories When it comes to keeping yourself comfortable, there are so many other snow gear items that you can purchase. You can lose heat through the top of your head quicker than you might think, which is why these extra accessories can be just as crucial as your bigger items. Here are a few things to purchase: Gloves Neck gaiters Hats or beanies Lightweight gloves can be great to keep your hands warm. You can wear lightweight gloves on their own in milder conditions, or wear them under more insulated and waterproof snow gloves when going out in harsher conditionsTo keep your head warm, balaclavas and neck gaiters come in different thickness weights from 160gm to 260gm. Check out some men’s and women’s headwear and neckwear. Take Breaks Make sure you take time to build in breaks and prioritise staying hydrated. This is especially important while in cold weather because staying hydrated helps keep our body temperature at a normal level. When we lack fluid, it can drop to dangerous levels and cause hypothermia to happen quicker than average. Canteens and reusable water bottles are great to take with you to stay replenished and are great to have in very cold conditions. In addition, vacuum-insulated bottles can allow you to pack hot tea or hot chocolate, which will go a long way to make you more comfortable. Taking regular breaks to keep yourself warm, catch your breath, or eat a snack will help you recharge. This will help you be more alert and stay safer along your journey. Tips and Tricks Make sure you know your limits before you embark on a long and unfamiliar hike. Even with the best equipment, if you aren't prepared for harsh conditions, you could find yourself in a dangerous situation. Here are a few tips and tricks to follow when hiking in cold weather. Let Others Know the Plan Beyond doing things to prep along the way, like grabbing a compass and using road or trail maps, you must remember to let others know your plan and route. This can help alert the authorities or get help in the case of an emergency. Also, if someone doesn't hear back from you they will know that something may be wrong and they should check in on you. Carry Extra Equipment Make sure to carry a complete first aid kit so that you can be prepared if an injury happens. These can help with minor injuries or more serious issues like broken bones or blood loss. It can also be helpful to have a GPS device or cell phone that can signal off the grid. Know The Signs If you want to ensure that you are prepared, you should know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite is the freezing of tissue, most common in the fingers, toes, and ears. Signs of this include cold or numb skin, soft and frozen feeling skin, or any formation of blisters. Hypothermia is when your body temperature drops to dangerously low levels, which can be life-threatening. Common signs are shivering, exhaustion, confusion, memory loss, drowsiness, or slowed speech. If you think you have the symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite, you should seek medical help immediately. Purchase the Best Cold Weather Gear Today When it comes to the best cold weather gear for extreme conditions, if you buy quality products and make sure to layer appropriately, you should start on the right foot. If you are looking for the best clothing products or hiking apparel, Lé Bent offers unrivalled comfort and performance. Lé Bent is your go-to place for apparel, whether you are skiing the slopes or taking a brisk morning walk.
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Merino Wool Base Layer: Choosing the Perfect Base Layer System
Getting outside to exercise in the winter months presents unique challenges. Those below-freezing temperatures increase your chances of getting frostbite or hypothermia, and that possibility can cause a lot of active people to want to stay indoors. The biggest challenge is striking the right balance between protecting your skin and body from low temperatures and harsh wind and avoiding the dreaded overheating. This is where your base layer becomes exceptionally important. A merino wool base layer can make all the difference when skiing, hiking, or even camping in the winter. Ready to learn more about creating the perfect base layer? Read on for our guide to the best base layer for cold weather and why a blend of merino wool is the way to go. Three Base Layer Factors to Consider Layering is a crucial part of navigating the outdoors in winter months. Unlike middle and outer layers, your base layer is tasked with managing sweat and moisture as much as it is tasked with keeping you warm. Let's take a closer look at the three most important base layer factors. Material When selecting a fabric for your ski base layer, you're looking for a material with strong wicking properties. Wicking is the ability some materials have to pull sweat and moisture away from the skin, leaving you dry even when you're cool. For example, Merino wool has strong wicking properties, which is why sheep can regulate their temperatures supremely well whether it is hot or cold. Moisture wicking and thermoregulation go hand in hand. Weight Weight refers to the material's density and the warmth it can provide. You're looking at three basic categories: lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight. We'll talk more about choosing your base layer weight later on. Fit Wicking fabric can only do its job if it's touching your skin. While you don't want to feel suffocated by your base layer, you want a slightly more snug fit than your typical long sleeve tee shirt. When doing something like skiing, you'll want to select a base layer that provides plenty of flexibility without losing its elasticity. Underwear Fabric Options The fabric you choose is quite important when putting together a base layer. Your skin is often more sensitive in the winter because that cold, dry weather can cause your skin to become flaky and irritated. Avoid fabrics that are harsh on sensitive skin, and opt for one of these soft, smooth, wicking fabrics instead. Synthetic Synthetic fabrics are often touted for their wicking abilities and may be the right choice for some skiers. However, a standard synthetic material used for wicking base layers is polyester, which may be tough on sensitive skin. Synthetic layers i.e. made from polypropylene (plastic) are also more harmful for the environment and don’t have the same odour suppressing properties as natural fibres like wool. For this reason they tend to be cheaper. Silk Silk has moderate wicking properties and is suitable for low-impact activities like leisurely hiking. Silk is quite supple and soft, available only as a lightweight option. It's worth noting that unless treated with an anti-odor finish, silk will retain odours and should be washed between each use. It is also not a very durable fabric. Ceramic Wool infused with ceramic particles is one of the newer materials to hit the base layer market. Ceramic base layers are designed for hot weather use and aren't a necessary base layer for skiing or other cold weather activities. The ceramic particles attract body heat and allow the skin to cool down rather than simply wicking away moisture. Merino Wool Finally, we have our favourite base layer clothing option: merino wool, which is far softer and less itchy than the wool of the past. Merino wool is an ideal base layer material for both cold and hot weather due to its ability to wick moisture and release heat. In addition, Merino wool is one of the most odour-resistant fabrics out there, and you can go days without washing your merino wool base layers before noticing a single unpleasant whiff. To build upon the benefits of merino wool, some base layers may also feature a blend of merino. LÉ BENT’s Signature Merino Blend for example, combines rayon from bamboo with the merino to provide further softness - akin to cashmere. A Note on Fabric Weight Now, let's talk a bit more about selecting your fabric weight. Fabric weight is crucial when putting together your layering system for cold weather activities. Fabric weight can be something of a personal preference and will also depend on the insulation of your ski or snowboard jacket as well as the temperatures in question. As a general rule, for the higher intensity activities, we’d advise a lightweight base layer paired with a mid layer and outer jacket. That way, as you start to heat up from exertion on the slopes, you have the option of shedding your mid layer and maintaining an even temperature. When you wear fewer layers, your options are more limited. A good rule of thumb to go by is; the heavier the weight, the warmer you’ll be. Lightweight Lightweight base layers can do it all. Typically in the 200gm range, these layers can be worn off the ski hill in mild conditions, or be used as the first building blocks in your layering system while skiing. They are the best selling base layer for good reason. Midweight Midweight base layers are built for those who feel the cold more or are skiing and snowboarding in harsher climates. These layers are around 260gm and are noticeably heavier. Comfort Is Everything When It Comes to Base Layers Remember, your base layer is coming into direct contact with your skin. You want something that will keep you dry, won't contribute to skin irritation, and will give you the flexibility you need to hit the slopes or trails. LÉ BENT has worked hard to perfect the base layer for both men and women (and even kids). Our men's base layer line includes boxer briefs, long underwear, long-sleeve thermal tops, and more. Each piece is made from our unique Signature Merino Blend. Similarly our women's base layer system includes underwear, leggings, long-sleeve thermal tops, and more. Once again, each piece is made from our unique Signature Merino blend. What Makes LÉ BENT Base Layer Technology Unique? Why is LÉ BENT merino wool different? We've combined traditional merino wool with a rayon material derived from bamboo to create a fabric that is as soft as cashmere, temperature-regulating as ceramic, ultra odour suppressing and moisture-wicking. Plus, our fabric has UV-blocking technology to keep your skin safe and healthy when you're outdoors. Stock Up on Base Layers at LÉ BENT If you're looking for the best base layer for cold-weather activities, you've found it. LÉ BENT is proud to offer top-of-the-line merino wool base layer options. Learn more about the LÉ BENT base layer technology or dive right into our base layer collections for men, women, and kids.
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