The EcoFlow Sun Hat is better for the planet than your style

Another CES, another chance for the tech industry to throw a catapult’s worth of molten lead at the last vestiges of my dignity. This year, it is Ecoflow That’s the view of this cheerful sun hat that does more for the planet and your phone than it does for your personal brand. Granted, if you’re wearing well-fitting outerwear, it probably won’t look out of place, but its aesthetics come second to its function.

As the name suggests, the EcoFlow Power Hat has small solar panels built into the brim that will help you when you are outside. Charge your mobile devices. The edge is segmented, and each section contains a small array of monocrystalline silicon cells with a rated efficiency of 24 percent.

On the underside of the brim, there is a small plastic box with an LED light that shows you that the cap is generating a charge. Pull back the attached rubber tabs and you’ll find a USB-A and USB-C port, allowing you to charge one or two devices at a time.

EcoFlow says it will produce a maximum of 5V/2.4A, so you can expect it to keep your phone or tablet charged rather than producing anything life-saving. There’s no battery on board, of course, so you’ll need to keep a long cord handy to pass from your hat to whatever pocket you keep your devices near.

The company says it’s sturdy enough that you can fold each panel into a separate piece to roughly pocket size. It is rated IP65 for water and dust ingress, but avoid submerging it in water or putting it in the washing machine.

The EcoFlow Power Hat is currently on sale for $129, plus or minus the cost of your dignity.