Winter Hats?

[Balldboy]

I combine 2 different hats for the NJ winters:
Mountain Hardware skull cap with ear flaps and a Boonie hat that I've treated with waterproofing.

We get nice freezing rain and or snow.

 

[BigFootSurvival]

Big fan of wool beanies myself, I love the MH Dome Perignon for the over-ear coverage, and my Marmot Summit for it's wool shell and good looks.

 

[pinnah]

So I need something a little more practical. I do want something that covers the ears and would be nice if it could stop the wind from rip thru to your ears and head.

Preacher,

I'm sort of surprised nobody has really asked you this before over 2 pages worth of suggestions, but what sort of activities do you do in the winter?

Once upon a time in a former life, I worked as a ski instructor. I've been winter hiking and ski camping for over 20 years and cycle year round. My house is awash in winter hats. I can't believe anybody could get by with just one, anymore than getting by with a single knife or single pair of skis or a single bike. Just nutty.

And like knives, which is best really depends on what I'm doing. That's why I have so many.

IMO, the hats you posted pictures of are made for fitting under climbing and skiing helmets. They are relatively thin and close fitting for that reason. I don't care for fleece hats of this sort. Plain fleece allows too much wind through and windproof fleece is too sweaty. I strongly prefer knit wool or knit wool/acrylic blend hats for general purpose wear for this reason.

For general around town wear, I prefer something like this.

I find the knit wool or wool blend gives a better mix of wind resistance and breathability and light XC style hats pack up small. Downhill skiing, mountaineering and winter camping would require warmer hats, but I won't discuss options there until you say more about what you do.

I'm also a big fan of wool hunting hats. But again, it really depends on what you're doing.