Swim cap: what is it, and should you take it with you when traveling abroad?

What is a swim cap?

• A swim cap is a close-fitting cap that you wear over your hair while swimming.
• Swim caps are usually made of:
  • silicone.
  • latex.
  • elastic fabric.
  • combinations of fabric and silicone.
• Some models are primarily intended to keep the hair dry, while others are focused on comfort, visibility, or reducing resistance in the water.
• The most practical swim caps for travel often look a bit like the swimming caps worn by water polo players: sturdy, comfortable, and reasonably easy to put on and take off.

What can you use a swim cap for while traveling and backpacking?

• To protect your hair from chlorine.
• To limit drying out caused by saltwater and sunlight.
• To follow swimming pool hygiene rules in certain countries.
• To keep your hair from getting too wet.
• For extra comfort while swimming.
• For better visibility in open water.
• A brightly colored swimming cap also makes you more visible to lifeguards, rescue teams, and people in boats. This can be especially useful when swimming in the sea, lakes, or busy recreational areas.
• Additionally, a swimming cap can offer some protection against getting cold while swimming in cold water.

When should you take a swimming cap with you on a trip or while backpacking?

• When you use swimming pools frequently.
• When you regularly swim laps while traveling.
• When your hair is sensitive to chlorine, sun, or saltwater.
• When you are going to swim in cold water.
• In some swimming pools, especially in parts of Europe, and also in Japan, for example, wearing a swimming cap is mandatory. When you visit many swimming pools, having your own swimming cap can be handy. Especially for those who prefer not to wet their own hair, or who do not wish to do so for practical or cultural reasons.

Where can you buy a swimming cap locally when traveling?

• Swimming caps are fairly easy to find worldwide:
  • in sports shops.
  • at swimming pools.
  • in seaside resorts.
  • in water sports shops.
  • sometimes in supermarkets or souvenir shops.
• In tourist coastal towns, you often find simple models, while sports shops usually offer better quality and more comfortable fits.