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In winter, you have to wear warm clothes when you go outside. And I will stand on a mountain top and shout it at the top of my lungs: Winter is the best time to be outdoors! A few years ago, I made it a goal to go hiking at least once a week for a year. I set out in late November and spent many winter nights in a tent. During my southern trek on the Appalachian Trail, I lived in the mountains from early June to mid-November and experienced extremely cold weather. Cold weather brings new challenges, but they are worth it because you can be outdoors all year round.
The line between what’s wrong and what’s not is blurry, but the right cold weather clothing can keep you safe, warm and active in cold weather. The best winter hats are a cold-weather essential and can serve as a protective layer at any time of year. Unpredictable weather and winter months mean it’s more important than ever to maintain your body temperature to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. To find out which hats are best for different activities and conditions, I tested a range of innovative winter hats from big-name brands.
When I choose the best winter hats to test, I look for ones that are safe, moisture-wicking, soft, and provide good warmth. Your body heats up quickly when you’re active and cools down quickly when you sweat. I tested the best winter hats while hiking and running in upstate New York. Then I asked my fellow long-distance hikers, runners, hunters, and skiers to give me their opinions on design, comfort, and fit. Finally, I weighed each product and listed my measurements in the Key Features section. Surprisingly, winter hats can weigh as much or less than the manufacturer’s stated weight.
Overall, a winter hat should be suitable for a variety of use situations. It should be warm on the outside, but not too hot on the inside. You won’t feel a headache or tingling sensation in your head when wearing it for a long time. Finally, I believe that the best winter hat is one that is small and can easily fit into a jacket pocket or backpack when you are active. The Outback Merino Wool Hat fits the bill.
The Outback from Sunday Afternoons is a cuffless knit beanie made from soft, fine merino wool for dynamic warmth. Currently available in three gradient colors, the square knit pattern is a departure from the standard rib. Not only is the pattern aesthetically pleasing, but the knit creates a tighter fabric that blocks drafts while still remaining breathable. The inside of the beanie is made from a second layer of merino rib for added comfort and shape. While this style only comes in one size, the beanie is long enough to completely cover your earlobes and stay in place. It easily accommodates larger head sizes without stretching them too much. It would be nice to see more size options, though.
One of the highlights of the Outback Beanie is the built-in microfleece earflaps. The insulated fleece earflaps won’t get too hot indoors or during light exercise, keeping your forehead and ears warm. The natural wool fibers won’t cause any burning sensation. It’s not the lightest option, but it’s easy to stash in the bottom of your pack until you need it. I can easily see how this hat will keep you warm during everyday activities like running, snowshoeing, and backpacking in sub-zero temperatures. But if you’re looking for a super warm beanie with fleece earflaps, check out the Sunday Afternoons Cuffed Northernly Merino Beanie, which weighs 3.5 ounces.
The double-layer cuff construction combined with the natural insulating properties of merino wool makes the Meriwool 250 Cuffed Beanie a great choice for lightweight warmth. The fit of this hat puts it at the top of the list. I’ve tried a lot of lined beanies — natural fiber and polyester, cuffed and uncuffed — and had a hard time finding a lightweight winter hat that wasn’t too short or too tight. The cuffs on this cold-weather beanie can be adjusted around the ears or around a low ponytail for those with longer hair. This merino wool beanie is sized for medium to large heads. For me, it’s the perfect size, staying in place without being too tight.
When I go hiking, I usually layer a lightweight beanie, a scarf to cover my ears, and a mid-layer or down jacket for warmth. This fitted hat is easy to wear with a classic design, looks great indoors without overheating, and comes in a variety of rich colors. The super soft fleece keeps you warm when wet and dries quickly in cold temperatures. There’s little to no skin sensitivity. Overall, the Meriwool 250 Lightweight Cuff Beanie is a top pick for comfort and style.
Gear Deputy Editor Ashley Tess loves this beanie because she can roll the brim down and use it as a sleeping mask. It also keeps her perfectly warm while skiing in the snow. It’s her all-season favorite beanie, keeping her cool on many trips.
Designed for cold to very cold weather, the Proximity Beanie from Kuiu combines advanced technology to provide all-day comfort. Some people have found this beanie to be too warm, and that it’s best suited for camping, ice fishing, or late-season tree-hunting. Kuiu designed the beanie to be ergonomically shaped to cover the ears without the need for tight bands or cuffs. For a mid-weight option, check out the Peloton 240 Beanie. The front view is unobstructed, and insulated, breathable polyester panels cover the ears. The back of the hood provides comfortable, extended neck coverage. The Proximity Cap keeps your head and shoulders secure, allowing you to move freely.
This DWR-treated beanie features a multilayer construction for maximum warmth, with a brushed fleece outer layer, a windproof open-cell foam midlayer, and a waterproof inner layer lined with soft, high-pile Sherpa fleece. This hat is a great choice for weather protection, but it doesn’t have much stretch. I tested the material in Valo, and it fit true to size.
In the winter, I like to run in a hat with a brim that protects me from the sun, snow, and wind. However, I always have to layer hats to achieve the desired volume and warmth. The best thing about this model is the thin fleece ear pads that roll down, which provide additional protection for the ears and neck. However, it can easily roll up when the body and air temperature rises. There is also a hidden elastic band inside that keeps the hat in place in high winds. The ponytail hole is very convenient, as it prevents long hair from getting tangled and falling in your face while running. The Trailblazer cap is also available in a slightly larger men’s size without the ponytail hole.
The entire hat is lined with soft, warm, four-way stretch fleece that blocks the wind without affecting your hearing. For safety, the Trailblazer also features reflective details on the brim and ponytail opening. Also available in bright orange. I love wearing this winter hat while hiking, running, and walking around town. The hood will attract particles like lint or fluff from your jacket, but these can be easily brushed off. The Trailblazer is also available in merino wool.
Wow, this is so soft! This is the first time I’ve seen this comfortable, mid-weight, cuffed beanie from Minus33. Other testers had the same reaction. This packable fleece beanie is easy to pack for both the ski slopes and the backcountry. This hat was recommended to me by my Canadian friend Ducky, who recently wore it during a 200-mile snowy hike along the John Muir Trail in the Sierra Nevada. This two-layer, breathable beanie helps regulate body temperature in cool and cold weather. Merino wool has many benefits, including moisture wicking, antibacterial properties, and flame resistance, as well as the ability to provide insulation when wet. This is a mid-weight beanie that you can wear while hiking without worrying about overheating.
What I like most about this hat is that it is very roomy, thanks to the double knit and elasticated adjustable cuffs. Compared to a previous beanie I bought with cuffs, this hat is comfortable and does not restrict movement. Without the cuff, it is long enough to cover your entire face, which means it can be used as a sleeping mask in the wild. The loose fit makes this winter hat a great choice for a variety of head shapes. I have not found this wool hat to be uncomfortable. This comfortable, functional everyday cap is available in a variety of colors, including brights and neutrals.
What I love most about this winter hat is that it stays in place. Overall, the Buff CrossKnit is a standard medium-weight cuffed beanie. It’s relatively soft, warm, discreet, and form-fitting, but it has an important hidden feature: a 100% polyester moisture-wicking band on the inside of the cuff. It wicks away moisture quickly, keeping you dry and breathable. The gray polyester areas are also knit a little tighter to ensure a secure fit around the widest part of your head. I think this hat is best suited for women because of its fit. It’s perfect for people who want a smaller beanie.
There is a reflective element on the bottom edge. Personally, I like the bright iris color. The ribbon-like edge is attached to the body of the hat in two places. At first, this was annoying. However, after a lot of use, I found that the attached visor keeps the Polycon strap in the best position and is deep enough to completely cover the ears. If I had to nitpick one thing, it would be that the advert says it is easy to care for; so people may be surprised to learn that this synthetic material is recommended to be hand washed.
The Better Sweater Wool Hat is a warm, low-profile, loose-fitting hat. My partner Tom bought this hat late last winter to replace his favorite old hiking hat. It’s a lightweight hiking hat that he wears around camp, while sleeping, and in the cold for the first few miles of the early morning. It’s already gotten the nod on a few short backpacking trips.
Thanks to its recycled fiber content and obvious durability, I gave it the title of best eco-friendly winter hat. It is made from 100% recycled polyester fleece and is gently dyed in a variety of calming colors. This hat is lightweight compared to the tight knit. The thick outer layer provides natural resistance to wind and abrasion. Fully stitched double cuffs and soft inner fleece provide extra warmth. It fits securely on the head and completely covers the ears without the use of elastic. This cuffless hat runs large and has little stretch.
This hat is a great value for money and functionality. It’s not the most expensive winter hat on the market, and it’s not included in this gear roundup. However, I’m a guy who values ​​versatility. This hat is best used as part of a sleeping kit or for low-impact activities in the coldest conditions, as ripstop and down don’t wick away moisture well.
The Coldfront Down Beanie is an ultra-lightweight winter hat with four sewn-in baffles that stretch and fit securely on your head. It compresses to zero when you put it in your pocket or backpack. I was very surprised at how warm it was while camping or on cold mornings. This hat runs small. I tried on a size S/M and was hoping for a larger size earmuff for more comfort and better ear coverage. Since your ears are completely covered by the polyester ripstop, you can hear sounds coming from the fabric. I find it looks best when paired with a thin hat or headband.
The Meridian Thermal Beanie is highly functional. This style features comfortable earflaps for full neck coverage, temple slots to hold sunglasses, hidden ponytail holes, and reflective details to stay visible. The lightweight, four-way stretch outer material helps block wind, keep out the cold, and provides durability without snagging. The inner layer is made from hollow-core microfleece that provides warmth without overheating you during active activities.
Ideal for sports and leisure. However, it hasn’t won any awards for casual style. The Meridian Thermal Beanie is a winter hat that is ideal for professional use in recreational hiking, including as a helmet for cyclists, climbers, cavers, triathletes or horse riders in cool and cold weather. The fitted style fits snugly around the head and ears, providing comfort for many hours, even when worn overnight away from civilization. This hat runs large and is best suited for medium to large sized heads.
I have a large collection of winter hats, and while they fit great, they are not always perfect. Finding a hat that fits my head shape has always been a challenge. Cold weather hats always seem to gain popularity. Double-layer, single-layer, and flanged – it seems to make no difference. I have spent too many nights in my sleeping bag fidgeting to adjust my hat, much to the annoyance of myself and my tent mates.
However, comfort always depends on the user. Is it safe in bad weather? What are the activity requirements? Can it be layered? Is the material stimulating? Just as no single approach always works, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Buying a hat without trying it on is a bit of a risk. We’re dealing with tiny variables to get the perfect fit. When shopping online, I look for retailers that offer sizing charts, the ability to exchange sizes, return policies, and verified customer reviews. I’ve found that most hats I’ve tested are about true to size. Local retailers are a valuable source of information for determining the correct depth, expected warmth, and ear protection for a particular model.
Unlike published R-values ​​for sleeping pads, there is no published standard to easily determine the warmth of a hat. It is recommended to wear several layers of medium or light weight clothing that can be easily removed to avoid excessive sweating in cold weather. Dry layers are always the best option for keeping warm. When shopping for winter hats, consider the following categories:
Lightweight, insulated single-layer hats, sometimes called balaclavas, are a thin layer of insulation that provides minimal protection. They are ideal for short bursts of intense activity in mild or cool weather. Many winter hikers layer a mid-weight hat over the balaclava and plan to remove it as the temperature rises.
A warm, medium-weight hat should have a number of features. A medium-weight winter hat will cover most of your cold-weather needs while being very portable, stylish, and usually available in a variety of interesting colors. The material should be breathable, but not so breathable that the wind will affect the warmth.
A maximum heat shrink hat will provide warmth. Due to reduced breathability, these accessories are best used during low-intensity activities or when working in low and sub-zero temperatures. Skiers, late-season hunters, cyclists and climbers may need additional layers of insulation to maintain a safe body temperature.
If the garment is going to absorb sweat, it’s best to choose something that’s easy to care for. Machine washing is obviously the easiest option, especially if you’re going for a stroll around town or after a long day on the slopes. You should consider the impact of heavy shock on the lifespan of the garment. High-performance products usually don’t take long to dry. Wool is generally odor-resistant and antibacterial, meaning it doesn’t need to be washed as often. Wool items on the market today can be machine washed for heavy soiling according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, while some synthetic fibers may need to be hand washed.
Both wool and synthetic fibers are good choices. Keep in mind that there are hundreds of varieties of wool, including merino and alpaca. Wool is lightweight, breathable, warm, flame-resistant, and wicks moisture away from the body. These materials are less likely to retain odors and harbor bacteria. Merino and alpaca items should be stored properly to avoid moth damage or treated with permethrin to prevent moth damage when shipped long distances. However, some wool items, depending on how they are made, may cause itching or skin irritation.
Synthetic hats are a little more durable and windproof due to the tight weave of the fibers, and they are not as flexible as other materials. I find that synthetic hats repel water easily and dry quickly, but once wet, they do not provide the warmth that they deserve. As a runner, hiker, and backpacker, I have worn both wool and synthetic hats. When I am hiking, I usually wear a wool hat because it is breathable and warm, but when I am camping, I prefer the warmth of synthetic fabrics.
Bright colors provide visibility. Visibility in the outdoors is good. Orange hats are highly recommended for anyone going hunting during the hunting season, which varies depending on your location. If you are traveling, be sure to check it out. Bright colors also help find people in extreme survival situations, help in low light conditions, and generally make them easier to spot in a dimly lit tent. Reflective details provide additional visibility in low light conditions in the woods or on the road. Reflective or glowing accessories that improve visibility are necessary for the safety of drivers and pedestrians when running or walking on dark roads.
Wearing a hat can reduce heat loss from other parts of the body. A 2008 study found that adults lose about 10 percent of their body heat through the top of their head. While that’s less than the 40 percent myth, heat loss is essentially proportional to the amount of skin exposed. By wearing a hat, you probably won’t have to wear as much clothing below the neck. For hikers, this means that wearing a hat is actually quite easy.
Wool hats are a popular choice for cold weather. The natural structure of wool effectively traps tiny air pockets around and within the individual fibers, providing excellent warmth. For best results, choose a hat thickness that matches the intended use. Knitted wool hats are great at retaining heat, and because they are fairly open in design, they won’t feel as hot as other hats.
Although not the best material, I would still avoid wearing cotton hats when exercising in cold weather. Cotton hats are best worn dry. When exposed to moisture, the individual cotton fibers and the space around them become completely saturated. Cotton hats wring out less and take longer to dry than hats made from other fabrics. Cold fabrics wick warm air (heat) away from the body rather than trapping it, increasing the risk of hypothermia.
Overall, safety and comfort are paramount when choosing the best hat. Find a comfortable winter hat that matches your style, and you’ll be more likely to wear it. For adjustable warmth, I always choose hats with cuffs; however, my favorite hat in this roundup is the single-layer beanie. As someone who spends time outdoors year-round, I wear a few hats in rotation to keep my head warm and avoid life-threatening exposure to the cold.
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