Hey fellow adventurers! There's nothing quite like a crisp winter hike, but staying warm, especially your head, is absolutely crucial. I've learned the hard way that the wrong hat can ruin an otherwise amazing trip. Over the years, I've experimented with different options, and I'm excited to share what I've discovered about finding the perfect winter hat for ultralight backpacking.
On a recent backpacking trip, I was prepping for what I thought would be mild temperatures. The weather report showed temps that weren't too extreme, but as I got higher in elevation, things changed quickly. I realized my usual fleece beanie might not cut it. This got me thinking about different headwear options and what works best in various conditions. The forecast, even from seemingly reliable sources, can sometimes be off, especially in mountainous terrain.
I remembered one particularly chilly night where my feet and head were the only parts of me that felt truly comfortable. I was using a fleece beanie under my quilt, and it did the trick down to the 20s. But that experience made me start considering if I could do better, especially if I wanted to push my limits and backpack in colder temperatures.
That's when I started exploring other options. I'd heard about down hoods and how incredibly warm they are. Although I hadn't tried one before, the idea of having that extra layer of insulation was appealing. I already have a down jacket with a hood, which I use when things get really cold, but I wanted something more dedicated to keeping my head warm. I wanted a lighter alternative for my ultralight setup.
I decided to try a cheap down hood from Amazon. It cost around $22, and weighs only 3.5 ounces. If it gets really cold, I wear my beanie underneath it. For me, keeping my head warm is a MUST.
While researching, I came across the Winter Plush Balaclava Hat from Wholecustomdesign. The Winter Plush Balaclava Hat seemed like a great solution for hiking and cycling, providing wind protection. I was intrigued by the unisex design and cold protection. I was looking for something that offered full coverage and warmth without being too bulky. I decided to give it a try.
I found that a balaclava works great in moderate cold. It covers my face and neck, which makes a big difference. I've also found that layering a beanie under a balaclava can add a significant amount of warmth when the temperature drops further.
Here’s what I’ve learned about choosing the right winter hat for backpacking:
For most of my winter backpacking trips, I now rely on a combination of a merino beanie and the Winter Plush Balaclava Hat from Wholecustomdesign. The merino beanie is comfortable and warm, even when wet, and the balaclava provides extra protection for my face and neck. For extremely cold conditions, I add my down hood for maximum warmth. This setup has proven to be versatile and reliable in a wide range of temperatures.
I also use a merino beanie from Buff. I've found it warm enough in 10-20 degrees for me. I am usually a warm sleeper, though.