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5.11 Women’s Havoc Training Cap Review
Quick Take
If you have a difficult time finding a cap that properly conforms to your head and doesn’t have an oversized bill, the 5.11 Women’s Havoc Training Cap is a rare win. The low crown actually fits smaller/average heads without gapping, the material is light and airy, and the curved brim plays nicely with sunglasses. I normally avoid caps altogether because of how awkward they look on me, but I kept reaching for this one for hikes, runs, and travel days. The reflective brim trim is a smart touch; the hook‑and‑loop strap can fuzz up over time if you’re constantly re‑adjusting it.
At‑a‑Glance Specs & What Matters
- Construction: 6‑panel crown, pre‑curved brim; ponytail‑friendly back opening.
- Fabric: 86% polyester / 14% elastane with Enduro‑Flex
(4‑way stretch), 3.7‑oz wicking finish.
Ventilation: Four perforated camo panels in back; Vent‑Tac breathability. - Sweatband: Wicking, odor‑resistant liner that stays comfortable against skin.
Adjuster: Low‑profile hook‑back closure with strap; micro‑adjustable. - Visibility: Reflective logos (front and back) plus reflective trim along the brim edge.
- UPF: No published UPF rating; brim provides shade but don’t skip sunscreen.
- MSRP: $32.
- Colors Tested: Black; also offered in Sage Green.
Why it matters: The combination of a low crown and stretch fabric helps this cap actually sit down on smaller heads instead of hovering. The perforated rear panels and wicking sweatband keep sweat from pooling on climbs or intervals, and the high-ish ponytail opening accommodates both mid and high ponytails without tugging hairline.
Test Methods & Conditions
I wore the Women’s Havoc Training Cap on ten outings over three weeks: two ridge hikes (8–12 mph gusts), three runs, yard work, two travel days, and a long dog‑walk loop. Temperatures ranged from 56–90°F with low to moderate humidity. I timed sweatband saturation and a 30‑minute dry‑time in shade after each hard effort. I also ran three gentle cold‑wash cycles in a garment bag and air‑dried to check stitching, brim memory, and adjuster wear. My head measurements run on the smaller side; hair worn both loose and braided.
Try‑On & First Impressions
Right out of the bag, the crown sat low without the “hat floating above hair” look I get from most one‑size caps. The pre‑curve didn’t fight my sunglasses, and the bill was symmetrical with a medium stiffness that felt protective without blocking uphill vision. Inside, the seam tape lies flat; nothing scratchy under the sweatband. The hook‑back strap has a sufficient adjustment range. The ponytail opening sits high enough to clear a mid or high pony, and the reflective trim around the brim is visible but subtle.
Rating: 9 / 10
Performance in the Field
Sun & glare: The bill can easily be curved to your liking to cut glare effectively on open sections and water crossings, and the edge trim adds a pop of visibility on pre‑dawn starts. With no published UPF, I treated this as a shade aid, not my sole sun protection.
Breathability and heat: The perforated rear panels and Vent‑Tac fabric move air well. On climbs, I hit “damp but not dripping” rather than the dreaded forehead drip by mile three. The sweatband clears quickly between intervals and never feels swampy.
Stay‑put security: Even on windy ridge tops, the cap stayed planted with minimal bill flutter due to the smaller size than most other caps. Running bounce was low, and it layered under a lightweight hood without shifting.
Hair compatibility: The ponytail opening plays nicely with both braided and loose hair. No hot spots under the adjuster, and no pinching at the temples with sunglasses.
Packability: Stuffed in a daypack and under a seat‑back pocket, the bill popped back with a quick hand‑reshape and didn’t crease.
Rating: 8.5 / 10
Durability, Materials & Build Quality
Stitching is tidy with straight seams and no loose ends out of the box. After three cold washes and air‑dries, the bill held memory, and the sweatband didn’t collapse or develop odor. The hook‑and‑loop shows the typical early signs of fuzzing you get with frequent micro‑adjustments, but the bite remained solid. The reflective trim and logos haven’t lifted or peeled, and there’s no dye transfer on the sweatband.
Rating: 8 / 10
Fit, Comfort & Adjustability
This is where the Havoc earns a permanent hook by the door. The low crown finally sits where it should on small/average heads, avoiding that poofy look on top. Pressure at the temples is absent—even with sport sunglasses—and the sweatband stays comfortable beyond an hour. I didn’t need to adjust throughout the wear time since the cap stayed in place and was as comfortable as when I first put it on. The crown depth leaves a bit of air for hair volume without looking boxy.
Rating: 9 / 10
Care & Washing
There’s no detailed online guidance, so I defaulted to a gentle cold wash in a garment bag and air‑dry. The brim kept its shape, the perforated panels didn’t snag, and the sweatband didn’t stiffen. If you’re hard on hook‑and‑loop, consider washing with the strap closed to minimize linting. Avoid high heat.
Rating: 8 / 10
Value & Price‑to‑Performance
At a $32 MSRP, this lands in the middle of technical caps but outperforms many “one size fits no women” lifestyle pieces. The breathable panels, reflective touches, and genuinely better small‑head fit justify the price. If you’ve all but given up on finding a stylish but functional cap, definitely give this one a try.
Rating: 9 / 10
Who It’s For / Who Should Skip It
Buy it if:
- You have a smaller or average head, and most caps sit too tall or gap at the temples.
- You run, hike, or travel and need real ventilation plus a sweatband that actually works.
- You wear mid/high ponytails and want an opening that doesn’t tug hair.
Skip it if:
- You insist on a slider or snapback adjuster—the hook‑back works, but it’s still hook‑and‑loop.
You need a rated UPF cap for all‑day sun exposure.
The Verdict
I’m picky about caps because they rarely fit me. The 5.11 Women’s Havoc Training Cap actually fits comfortably and securely, looks good, and handles sweat and wind better than the typical lifestyle hat. A slider adjuster would be the cherry on top, but as is, this is my new default for trail days and travel.
Overall Rating: 9 / 10
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