Our Guide to Winter Hats: Stay Warm in Style
Whether for outdoor adventures or everyday activities, your head needs to be protected from winter’s extreme temperatures and winds, especially if you’re outside for longer periods.
Here, we’ve outlined our best tips for discovering the perfect winter hat and the best products available. Read on to learn more!
Winter Hat Tips
Material: Wool and synthetic fibers, or a mix of the two, are the most likely materials to keep your head warm. But don’t forget, there are hundreds of wool varieties out there, like alpaca and merino, that make great lightweight winter hats. Synthetic materials are often more durable, wind-resistant, and highly insulating.
Warmth: Winter hats come in various styles and can keep your head warm in different ways. For example, liner hats are great as a base layer underneath a midweight hat like a beanie, while trapper hats will provide all the warmth you need on a freezing day.
Breathability: Wool hats are generally more breathable than synthetic materials, making them a fantastic choice for hiking or walking. However, breathability will be less of a concern if you’re not moving around much at camp or in your backyard.
Visibility: If you plan on jogging at night or spending time outdoors during hunting season, consider buying a bright hat. An orange hat, for example, will give you more visibility in dark places like woods or roadways. Plus, drivers are more likely to spot you if you’re wearing a reflective or bright hat.
Our Favorite Winter Hat Brands and Models
Women’s Hats
The TrailHeads Trailblazer Ponytail Hat ($32) is a polyester-spandex mix-brimmed hat that offers protection against whatever the weather decides to throw at you. A hidden inner elastic band keeps the hat in place when it’s windy, and its ponytail hole is perfect for keeping long hair untangled and away from your face when running.
Buff’s CrossKnit Beanie ($24) is a midweight cuffed beanie with an inside cuff that’s a 100% polycotton sweat-resistant band. This wicks moisture away quickly, so you can always stay active on cold days while remaining breathable.
The Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Beanie ($48) has a polyester shell with a responsibly sourced downmix, making it windproof and incredibly warm. It also has a reflective logo to keep you visible in the dark and is surprisingly lightweight and comfortable in your pocket or bag.
Men’s Hats
Tracksmith Varsity Runner’s Cap ($38) is a pure merino wool beanie that traps body heat and wicks moisture away from your skin while effectively regulating temperature. This makes it ideal for winter runners, but it wouldn’t look out of place on a walk around town either.
The Columbia Whirlibird Watch Cap ($11) is an excellent budget option with a sleek, minimalist design. It’s made of durable, soft acrylic fabric for snow shoveling, as well as a featherweight microfleece liner to improve warmth retention.
CAMOLAND’s Winter Beanie ($17) blends a beanie and cap with a brim to shield your eyes from the elements. The acrylic-wool blend exterior has a thermal fleece lining and also offers stow-away ear flaps to keep out the cold.
That’s a Wrap on Winter Hats
Let’s face it – breathability, visibility, high-quality materials, and warmth are the most crucial factors to look for when choosing your next winter hat.
Follow our tips to find the right hat for your winter needs, whether you’re planning your next big hike or simply picking the kids up from school!