Most hunters know how important it is to take care of their hunting gear, especially their lights, boots, and apparel. However, hunting caps, especially the ones with lights attached, often get overlooked. The lights themselves get wiped down and powered off, but the hat itself is left alone.

Whether you’re using a bump cap, hybrid, or soft cap, it pays to keep your hunting cap in good condition. Without this essential piece of gear, you’d lose your ability to carry your light hands-free. These hats also protect your head from low branches or falling debris.

So how exactly do you take care of your hunting cap? That can vary based on the type you own, but let’s take a look at some of the general things you can do to keep your Bright Eyes hunting cap in the best condition.

Clean & Dry

While you’re wiping down your light, take the time to clean your cap as well. Bump caps can easily be wiped down with a rag. Hybrid and soft caps may be a little more difficult to wipe clean, so consider hand washing them. A quick wipe-down should be sufficient if your hat doesn’t seem terribly dirty. Only use mild soap and water when cleaning your hunting cap.

If you’ve managed to get some dirt or mud on your cap, or you’ve worn it a few times and it’s soaked in sweat, you may need to do a more thorough cleaning. In this case, you’ll need to detach your light system so that you can clean every part of the hat. For hybrids and soft caps, you can use a rag or a soft brush to help scrub out any spots or stains.

Make sure you’re also washing the inside of your cap. Sweat and dirt from your head will transfer to the surface, especially the headband. If you’re concerned about the scent, you can use a little bit of baking soda to get rid of the smell.

Bump caps are easy to dry with a rag or towel. Hybrids and soft caps should be allowed to air dry completely before storage.

Regular Inspection

For the most part, you don’t need to inspect your cap after every use, but it’s a good idea to check it over every so often to look for damage, cracks, or any distortion. If you’ve had a particularly rough hunting trip and felt your hat get snagged on branches or hit your head, it’s critical that you inspect your cap when you get home.

Hybrid and soft caps provide many benefits, such as feeling more comfortable and lighter, but that comes at a slight cost. These caps are more likely to suffer damage such as scratches or tears in the fabric.

Proper Storage

You’re probably already storing your hunting cap correctly if you’re leaving your light attached. The light itself needs to be kept in a cool, dry place to avoid damage. Your bump cap is the same. Strong sunlight or excessive heat could potentially damage your cap.

Hybrid caps and soft caps are a little more resilient, but it’s always a safe bet to store your cap somewhere dry and out of the heat and sunlight. The back of your truck, car, or garage are not the best options, so consider finding a storage spot indoors and away from windows.

If you’re taking care of all your other hunting gear, it only takes a few extra minutes to tackle your cap. Keeping your hunting cap in the best possible condition will help prolong its lifespan, saving you the hassle of trying to replace it in the future.