# Warmest winter hats **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 26, 2024, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798 "2024-11-26T13:14:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Cardigan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cardigan/32/187_2.png) [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798/1 "2024-11-26T13:14:53Z")
What sorts of winter hats do you like best for use in cold temperatures? ---
**Author:** ![dolphinboy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dolphinboy/32/330_2.png) [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798/2 "2024-11-26T13:54:16Z")
For me it’s a Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie. It’s 28 degrees outside and that’s what I wore to take my dog out for his morning walk. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798/3 "2024-11-26T13:57:07Z")
I like medieval-style woolen hoods. ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798/4 "2024-11-26T14:19:47Z")
Most people seem to call them “Sherpa hats”, a knit wool hat with built-in ear flaps, and strings attached to the flap. If the strings are actually functional, you can use them like we used to when I skied cross-country in high school. Wear the hat, have the strings tied loosely below you chin. If you get too hot, just a swipe with one hand removes the hat, and it hangs down your back securely because of the tied strings. Much better ear coverage, without covering your eyes, than trying to pull a toque down far enough. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798/5 "2024-11-26T14:37:42Z")
I go with a head band and a hood if I need it. If it’s below 10f, I don’t generally spend time outside. And that’s getting too cold for the dogs to walk… ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798/6 "2024-11-26T14:41:20Z")
I have a fur hat that’s shaped like that. It’s warmer than knit, because it’s wind-proof. I got it in Finland. ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798/7 "2024-11-26T14:47:13Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > It’s warmer than knit, because it’s wind-proof. I had one in highschool that was somehow double-layered with a very tight weave, which was virtually wind-proof. I wish I could find such a thing commercially these days, but I’m pretty sure it was hand-made by someone’s mom at the time. No idea where it ended up 30+ years ago, alas. ---
**Author:** ![hogarth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hogarth/32/1773_2.png) [@hogarth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hogarth)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798/8 "2024-11-26T15:04:39Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > I have a fur hat that’s shaped like that. It’s warmer than knit, because it’s wind-proof. I got it in Finland. I have a fuzzy earflap hat made out of synthetic material. I got it at Hot Topic. It features the Japanese mascot Domo. Similar (if not identical) to the one pictured below: [![](https://pixl.varagesale.com/http://s3.amazonaws.com/hopshop-image-store-production/53603729/aec633d960b8d3410b1a2b829cc1110a.jpg?_ver=large_uploader_thumbnail&w=640&h=640&fit=crop&s=dff1f599e4e0ed7f06654f4a6c660460) ](https://pixl.varagesale.com/http://s3.amazonaws.com/hopshop-image-store-production/53603729/aec633d960b8d3410b1a2b829cc1110a.jpg?_ver=large_uploader_thumbnail&w=640&h=640&fit=crop&s=dff1f599e4e0ed7f06654f4a6c660460) ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798/9 "2024-11-26T15:17:50Z")
Those ear hats are pretty common in Russia, Finland, Canada, etc. Thing is, the really warm ones are made of fur, so the furrier’s is where you would have to look for that sort of thing. However, unless you live in the (Ant)arctic you can probably get away with a non-fur one. I have a couple of them. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798/10 "2024-11-26T15:44:01Z")
I have a hat with a light on the front so I can effectively pick up poop when I’m walking the dog after work. It’s some sort of synthetic stretchy material. I don’t really need a hat other than for the light. I prefer having a hood with fur (helps with the wind and snow!) and a [face mask](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018BJSQC). Having a big mop of curly hair helps with the heat retention up top. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798/11 "2024-11-26T15:48:13Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > I have a hat with a light on the front so I can effectively pick up poop when I’m walking the dog after work. That poop is from your dog, right? Your not one of those collectors you hear about, right? ETA: If a hat is needed for warmth (windy, temp in the teens or less) I’d prefer to be indoors. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798/12 "2024-11-26T15:51:48Z")
I pick it up and fling it on the porches of the owners that left it. I see all!! ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798/13 "2024-11-26T16:04:48Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > That poop is from your dog, right? Your not one of those collectors you hear about, right? If not from a dog, who is leaving it that he’s collecting it from? 😲 I like a runners hat, thin, windproof & amazingly warm if you're moving at all. If’ I’m going to be still for a long time, like sitting at a Dec/Jan football game then I just use one under a regular ol’ knit hat. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798/14 "2024-11-26T16:48:12Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > I don’t really need a hat other than for the light. I prefer having a hood with fur (helps with the wind and snow!) and a [face mask](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018BJSQC). Yes. Incredibly helpful. I have a number of simple neck gaiters that you can pull up to your nose. They can double as a hat too. As long as we are talking warmth. Leg gaiters help a lot too. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798/15 "2024-11-26T17:08:37Z")
> [@Horatius](#): > > knit wool hat with built-in ear flaps, and strings attached to the flap Sounds like an Andean _chullo_. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798/16 "2024-11-26T17:13:12Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > I have a hat with a light on the front [. . .] > > I don’t really need a hat other than for the light. You can get headband flashlights, if you want the light and not the hat. I generally go for a hood; but for really cold weather what I want under it is a wool balaclava. They’ve unfortunately become next to impossible to find – they’re all made of synthetics or lined with polyester. Polyester tight next to the skin makes me itch. Good wool doesn’t. My old balaclava wore out and I found one at a yard sale several years ago and was very gleeful about the find; but it won’t last forever, either. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798/17 "2024-11-26T17:15:30Z")
Does _Merino_ wool work for you? Those don’t seem as hard to come by these days – example: > **[Expedition - Balaclava 100% Merino Wool](https://www.minus33.com/collections/wool-balaclavas/products/expedition-wool-balaclava#description)** > > Minus33 Merino Wool Clothing Expedition Wool Balaclava Face Mask > **[Thermal Merino Balaclava - Smartwool US](https://www.smartwool.com/en-us/men/accessories/thermal-merino-balaclava/SW0SC967.html)** > > For cold and windy days, protect your head and face with our soft Merino wool balaclava. A hat and neck gaiter in one, this piece is perfect for skiing. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798/18 "2024-11-26T17:16:30Z")
I wear a tuque/Navy watch cap (black or red)/beanie/whatever. I have a [Russian Navy ushanka](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/tomclancy/images/4/40/Marko_Ramius.jpeg); but it looks too big on me when I wear it, it seldom gets very cold here (teens and 20s in Winter), I seldom wear a peacoat, and I wouldn’t feel right wearing it giving the current world situation. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798/19 "2024-11-26T17:16:40Z")
The warmest hat I have is made from cross-fox fur and has earlaps. I bought it at the dog races in Anchorage many years ago and it is impervious to cold. It hasn’t had much wear since, sadly. I usually go with a lined knit hat, which keeps the wind out. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798/20 "2024-11-26T17:18:12Z")
Ski caps, even the relatively lightweight ones, work fine for me. I try to spend as little time outdoors on truly cold days as possible. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798.md?page=2)