Ciele Vs. Satisfy, Tested: Who Makes the Best Running Cap?

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Which headwear holds the top spot in this race between two of our favorite running brands?

Look, running shoes might get all the attention when it comes to must-have running gear, but what about the other end of the spectrum — i.e., your headwear? Aside from looking downright stylish when on the road or trail, running caps serve plenty of purpose — from keeping your face shielded from the sun's rays, to adding another sense of reflective visibility and a barrier to keep all that flow from falling out.

When it comes to fashionable, functional running gear, it's hard to ignore Ciele Athletics and Satisfy. These brands have frequently shown up among our top running picks, from sunglasses to running shirts and, of course, running caps.

But which road-ready crown is king? To answer this headwear-to-headwear debate, I dawned each cap across multiple running routes and experiences, giving each hat its chance to prove its worth in my training wardrobe.

If there's one brand redefining running caps for today's athletes, it's Ciele Athletics. The brand's signature GOCap first hit shelves in 2014, and has since created a faithful following thanks to stylish-yet-thoughtful build components. The typical five-panel frame is comfortable, while UPF +40 protection on the brim, front panel and back panel keep you shaded and safe from harmful rays.

The GOCap also features reflective detailing at the front and back of the profile, allowing for improved visibility in low light conditions. While browsing the available colorways on the brand's site can get strenuous — they’re individually listed and plentiful — you’re sure to eventually find a top piece that matches your pace.

Known for innovative fabrics and fashion-centric designs, Satisfy's lineup is built for those wanting zero distractions as they pursue that ever-elusive runner's high. The PeaceShell Running Cap works with you as you log miles, easily wicking away moisture and dirt thanks to the PeaceShell fabric.

A SilverShell and TechSilk brim provides comfort and breathability with a splash of heightened visibility, too — especially when flipped up. While a shallower profile can give some fit issues for athletes with longer, thicker hair, the Magic Tape back strap allows for that truly personalized fit that's sure to keep its place when running down a new PR.

When looking for the perfect running cap to complement your get-up, there are a handful of components to consider. While you can take to the streets and trails in any ball cap you so choose, the tech specs probably aren't up to snuff for the training demands.

First, you want to look for a hat that's well-ventilated, meaning you should pay close attention to the materials used in the cap's construction. Many running caps integrate mesh, laser-perforated holes or thoughtfully-placed venting for better airflow, or utilize lightweight materials that keep your noggin cool during those particularly hot sessions.

Second, look at the brim of the running hat. While running caps can vary in terms of brim length and stiffness, you want to make sure this feature provides enough coverage and shade to make wearing a running cap worth it. If you want more structure, consider choosing a running hat that uses cardboard or plastic in the brim construction. If you want to easily store your caps in a waistband or pack, look for more pliable options.

Lastly, and most naturally, you want a running cap that fits, so ensure the cap you choose features easy adjustability — or is at least sized properly to your head. Both the GOCap and PeaceShell Running Cap feature adjustable straps at the back, allowing you to find that premium fit straight out the box.

You can also look at other components, like reflective details and full-ear coverage, but these aren't entirely necessary unless you plan on running through extensive sun exposure or like to jog at night.

There's a reason we named these two headpieces as top picks in our roundup of the best running caps. Both the GOCap and PeaceShell cap boast lightweight materials that practically disappeared on top of my dome. The breathability is top notch, and sweat never had a chance to pool up and rain down into my eyes. This was a welcome benefit during testing, as I — a heavy sweater with longer hair — have been known to drench caps even after just a few miles.

While the COOLwick fabric in Ciele's offering is slightly softer than Satisfy's PeaceShell, I wouldn't feel uncomfortable wearing these in any training scenario — if both had the same fit. While I had no qualms finding the perfect settings with the GOCap thanks to the adjustable strap, I can't say the same about Satisfy's PeaceShell cap. This is mostly due to the lower profile, which didn't mesh well with my thicker hair. The hat sat higher atop my head, which gave a sense of losing it when traversing downhill routes. The GOCap sat lower on the cranium, more aligned with my go-to daily wear: New Era's 59Fifty.

As previously stated, how much coverage your brim offers is entirely up to personal preference. With that said, however, I routinely opted for Ciele's GOCap over Satisfy's PeaceShell, as the pliable brim provided similar coverage to your run-of-the-mill baseball cap. This fit my style and preferences better, but that doesn't mean Satisfy didn't have its moment in the sun — pun intended.

The PeaceShell Running Cap does feature a shorter brim, which made normal styling less available, but I found it looked and felt best with the brim flipped upward, like you would wear a cycling cap. Not only did this ease any fitment dilemmas — it also allowed for the SilverShell undercoating to shine, literally. The reflective material enhanced my visibility tenfold, which made this a must-have when my runs stretched into the evening hours.

If you just dropped a few hundred dollars on an efficient pair of running shoes or a durable, dependable running jacket, odds are you aren't ready to spend a ton on a running cap, as well. Thankfully, Ciele's GOCap is available for just $40, and given the style, technical features and coverage baked into the profile, it's well worth those four sawbucks. The PeaceShell is nearly double that at $85, but premium prices and the Satisfy brand sort of go hand-in-hand at this point.

Additionally, running caps are one of those easy add-ons to your get-up that can provide the exclamation point to any attire. With that said, if you want to mix and match, it helps to have some variety in color schemes. Ciele offers the GOCap in dozens of colorways fit for any preference or setting, whereas Satisfy's PeaceShell is only available in a limited — albeit fashionable — five hues.

With a softer feel, extended coverage and a wide variety of colors to choose from, I give the crown to the Ciele GOCap. Not only did the COOLwick fabric keep sweat and sun from interrupting my jaunts, it's just too damn stylish to not stand out from the pack. Plus, if I wanted to build a collection of this impressive running cap model, I could curate a wider collection at less of a cost.

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While the Ciele GOCap was the better fit for my cranium, I still believe the Satisfy PeaceShell Running Cap is one heck of a headwear option. Especially for short-haired individuals or those that often wear a cycling hat, this pick can be a fantastic — albeit premium-priced — addition to any running ensemble. Plus, if you often run at sundown and your light conditions change mid-route, the SilverShell undercoating can be a great way to stay visible as you log those last few stretches.

Is a running cap a must-own piece of equipment? No. But when it comes time to block out the sun — and look good doing it — these two top picks can get the job done and then some.