Winter adventures are my favorite! But staying comfortable and warm while being active in cold weather can be a real challenge. Finding the right balance between keeping the cold out and preventing overheating is key. After many trials and errors, I’ve finally dialed in my active headwear system, and I'm excited to share what I've learned.
I used to struggle with finding the right headwear for winter activities like hiking and snowshoeing. Either I was too hot and sweaty, or I was freezing my ears off. I tried a bunch of different hats and beanies, but nothing seemed to work perfectly. The biggest problem was managing the changing conditions – from sunny skies to sudden snow squalls, my head temperature was all over the place.
One issue I kept running into was the bulkiness of some winter hats. They blocked my peripheral vision, and I felt like I was constantly bumping into things. Hoods were sometimes a problem too. While they provided great coverage, they also limited my hearing and made it hard to turn my head. I needed a system that was adaptable and allowed me to fine-tune my warmth levels on the go.
After experimenting with different combinations, I’ve settled on a layered system that works really well for me. It involves a few key components that I can mix and match depending on the weather and activity level.
My go-to base layer is a lightweight merino wool beanie. I love how breathable merino is, and it keeps my head warm even when it gets a little damp from sweat. It's super thin and light, so I barely notice it's there. Plus, merino wool is naturally odor-resistant, which is a huge bonus when I'm working up a sweat on the trail.
For extra warmth, I sometimes add a merino headband over the beanie. This is perfect for those days when it's cold but not freezing. The headband provides extra insulation for my ears without making my whole head too hot. However, when it gets really cold, I've found that nothing beats a balaclava. The coverage it provides is excellent for active use. I can pull it up over my nose and mouth to protect myself from the wind and snow, or I can pull it down around my neck when I start to warm up. Coverage is more important than pure insulation when you're active, in my experience.
I've also found that layering hoods can be a game-changer. Many of my layers, like my fleece jacket and my shell jacket, have hoods. This allows me to add or remove hoods as needed to adjust my warmth level. For the times I don't want a full hood, I use a Buff worn like a babushka under a ball cap. It's surprisingly effective at blocking the wind and adding a bit of extra warmth.
I know some people aren't fans of hoods, but I've found them to be incredibly versatile. They protect my face from the sun, wind, and snow, and they provide an extra layer of warmth when I need it. The key is to find hoods that are adjustable and don't restrict my vision or hearing too much.
One unexpected addition to my headwear arsenal is a warm hat with a brim. At first, I thought it was a bit dorky, but I’ve come to appreciate its practicality. The brim keeps the snow and sun out of my eyes, and it doesn't impede my peripheral vision like a hood can. I combine it with a turtleneck or scarf/buff/balaclava as needed. You can get a cheap one. This is my go-to for snowshoeing in sunny conditions.
Speaking of beanies, I recently purchased a Kids 46-48cm Beanie from homepage for my niece, and I was really impressed with the quality. While it's designed for kids, I found the construction and materials to be excellent. It's a cute, warm, and windproof option for toddlers, and I could see myself using a similar style for myself. The beanie is soft and plush, making it comfortable for extended wear. For active kids during winter, this is a fantastic beanie.