View Full Version : MHW Fleece Wind-proof Hat
JokerJersey
01-29-2010, 15:45
Just picked up one of these a couple of days ago and it is the best hat, hands down, that I've bought. Light, warm, and wind-proof.
http://www.rei.com/product/703274
I've been wearing it during my late-night guard duty shifts (4pm-12am) for the last 2 weeks and it blocks the wind like no ones business. Last night, it really got put to the test, with temps around 15 degrees, a 15-20 MPH constant wind, gusts up to 30 MPH, and a windchill of 5 degrees. The only part of me that was still warm was my head. With hood up or down, I can't tell the difference. The ear flaps are awesome and the low back means you don't have cold wind on the back of your neck either.
Awesome hat, will definately be adding it to my thru-hike kit. If you are in the market for a good windproof hat, you should check it out.
Light weight peruvian style 100% wool hat with ear flaps.
Hand knit 100% wool neck tube, rectangle sewn into tube.
Fleece balaclava for over those as a final layer when really cold and windy.
Hood on wind shell or rain shell also a good option.
Snowleopard
01-29-2010, 17:37
You're both wrong, or both right depending on how you look at it. The best hat is the windproof fleece Peruvian style hat with ear flaps like this: http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___34730
Today you need the cord to keep it on your head. It's windy here today, the wind caught my storm door and destroyed my door frame.
I like wool under, fleece over.
Alligator
01-29-2010, 18:03
You're both wrong, or both right depending on how you look at it. The best hat is the windproof fleece Peruvian style hat with ear flaps like this: http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___34730
Today you need the cord to keep it on your head. It's windy here today, the wind caught my storm door and destroyed my door frame.That's a nice hat, especially for the price. I've had that hat for many years now, great windblocker. With the ear flaps up it does make one fit the bill for a Ricola commercial.
I seriously considered JJ's choice for a new one, but I went with this one (http://www.rei.com/product/786110) myself. I wanted a 300 wt. If interested it might go on clearance, it did last year. The Ricola factor has gone down a little bit since this one is not green:D. I'm pretty sure I saw that MHW Dom Perignon on sale last year as well during the clearance sale.
I don't like my wool inner hat to block the wind completely. I want it to breathe.
If I am still cold I add my wool neck tube, which also only partially blocks the wind.
If I am still cold I add my fleece balaclava, which blocks more wind, traps more heat, but still breathes.
Finally, only for extreme conditions, a shell with hood.
The first layer should not block wind.
It doesn't have to do everything all the time. It is only part of a system.
Snowleopard
01-29-2010, 18:12
Alligator, is that Northface hat 300 weight? If so, I'll probably get one. Mine is from EMS and it's just not as warm as it used to be, it's gotten a LOT of use.
It's gotten a lot harder to find good warm wool hats and mittens.
It is hard to find good wool hats and mitts.
Lot of crap on the market.
Alligator
01-29-2010, 18:23
Alligator, is that Northface hat 300 weight? If so, I'll probably get one. Mine is from EMS and it's just not as warm as it used to be, it's gotten a LOT of use.
It's gotten a lot harder to find good warm wool hats and mittens.Yes it is 300 weight. I just got it for the winter mainly. When it's warmer I bring a hat without the windstopper. I'm not sure it would be a good thruhiking hat. I think you'd want to switch it out come April. Unfortunately it's an expensive hat.
springerfever
01-29-2010, 18:46
JokerJersey,
Good choice. I picked up that same hat at my local REI and I was sold as soon as I put it on. Very comfortable and the windstopper fabric can't be beat. I love wool in my Smartwool socks and lightweight shirts, but wool, no matter how soft, always seems itchy around my neck/ears. This baby is SWEET !! Can't wait to try it out in some winter conditions...maybe this weekend !!
i have the OR peruvian hat linked. it's really nice.
however if i was contemplating spending $40 on a north face hat i'd pony up the extra $15 and get one of blackrockgear's pimped out down hats. oh how i lust for that hat
http://www.blackrockgear.com/
Kerosene
01-30-2010, 12:38
however if i was contemplating spending $40 on a north face hat i'd pony up the extra $15 and get one of blackrockgear's pimped out down hats. oh how i lust for that hat
http://www.blackrockgear.com/ That's the hat I've been looking at also. Looks like it's going for $49 through the end of January, although recognize that it isn't windproof nor would you want to wear it in a sustained rain.
Snowleopard
01-30-2010, 13:06
Ray Jardine has a hat kit that is similar to the Blackrockgear down hat, except it has synthetic insulation, $21.95 http://www.rayjardine.com/ray-way/Bomber-Hat-Kit/index.htm
The down hat would not be so good in a wet snow, though the shell has a good DWR. In Jardine's synthetic hat, you could perhaps replace the outer shell with goretex for rain proof.
I think both of these hats might too warm while you're moving, but are probably great for sleeping.
if it is snowing you'll likely be wearing some sort of rain jacket, presumably with hood...
Cabin Fever
01-30-2010, 15:27
I have this hat and LOVE IT!
that looks like a nice warm hat. what about something like a combo-clava? Works as a hat, or neck gaitor, or both. Ive been using a Seirus Hoodz 200wt. fleece mask. It's very versitle for me and keeps me warm in this lovely michigan weather. I'd leave a link for this item,but have no idea how to
Here's the link for the Seirus Hoodz: http://www.rei.com/product/725706