Buff Go Bucket Hat and Speed Cap
That Float Life
A few buddies and I loaded up the yaks and hit the Buffalo River in early June, right as the Ozarks were starting to hit peak green. Temps were hovering in the mid to upper 80s and the sun barely dipped behind a cloud all weekend. I brought both the Buff Speed Cap and the Go Bucket Hat because I figured I’d want options depending on the weather and the stretch of river we were on. I wore the Bucket Hat most of the time while paddling, then switched to the Speed Cap in the evenings. Gotta admit, I liked having the combo. It gave me a little more flexibility and, yeah, I won’t lie, I felt pretty dialed in gear-wise. The only thing I may not have thought through all the way was not clipping the Bucket Hat to the boat… but I’ll get to that later.
Rating: ★★★★★
Design and Aesthetics
Both hats have that clean, minimal Buff style that doesn’t scream “technical” but still clearly knows what it’s doing. The Speed Cap has a super low-profile fit and that bright apricot color honestly looked cooler in person than I expected. It kinda popped against all the greens and blues around us. The Go Bucket Hat, on the other hand, has that casual vibe with the wider brim and a slightly washed “Solid Ginger” tone that fits right in with the river guide look. One’s sleek and fast-looking, the other’s relaxed and laid back, just like the days I wore ’em.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Functionality on the River
This is where the two hats really showed their personalities. The Speed Cap was my go-to when I was off-water. The lightweight design and side ventilation kept my head from cooking under that midday sun. I appreciated the elastic band fit—it stayed in place without giving me that tight-head feeling. It also dried quickly after a surprise splash or two.
The Go Bucket Hat came out when we were floating and paddling. It’s got a flexible brim that gave decent shade all around, and the adjustable drawcord was handy when the breeze picked up. It is a really comfortable hat that provides the shade I needed for my neck and ears.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Durability
Both hats are made with 100% polyester, and after a full weekend of sun, sweat, and a few dunks in the river, they held up like champs. The Speed Cap especially impressed me. Even after I stuffed it in my dry bag a few times, it kept its shape and structure. The Go Bucket Hat got a little softer (in a good way) after being wet, and didn’t show any signs of fading or fraying. Seams are tight, and the fabrics are clearly built for outdoor wear and tear.
Rating: ★★★★★
Value
The Speed Cap runs at $29 and the Go Bucket Hat is priced at $39. For performance hats that’ll last more than just one season, I’d say both are fair. The Speed Cap, in particular, is a good deal for how versatile and reliable it was. I’d maybe like to see the Bucket Hat include a strap or clip at that price point, just for some added security, but overall, they are well worth the price.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Final Thoughts
All in all, I’m pretty stoked I brought both hats on the trip. The Speed Cap was a perfect match for high-output moments on the water, and the Go Bucket Hat was clutch when I needed full shade and a more chill vibe. They’re both lightweight, packable, and clearly made with the outdoors in mind. If you’re planning a river trip, hiking loop, or even just a sunny day on the lake, these Buff hats have you covered—literally.
You can view the Speed Cap here
And the Go Bucket Hat here
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