Living in a place with harsh winters means I'm always on the hunt for gear that keeps me warm and comfortable. This year, my mission was to find the ultimate winter hat. I wanted something that wasn't itchy, kept my head toasty, and ideally wasn't made of polyester. My journey led me down some interesting paths, and I'm excited to share what I learned!
I've always been a bit sensitive to certain fabrics, and polyester is one of them. It tends to make my head sweat and then get cold, which is the opposite of what I want in a winter hat! So, my search began for a merino wool or other natural fiber beanie that could stand up to the cold. I soon discovered that finding the perfect balance of warmth, comfort, and material wasn't as easy as I thought.
One thing I noticed right away was that many merino wool hats are surprisingly thin. While thinness can be a plus in some situations, I was really looking for something that would provide serious warmth on those truly frigid days. It seemed like I was going to have to broaden my horizons beyond just merino wool.
That's when I remembered my grandfather talking about his old military wool watch cap. He swore by it for years, and it always seemed to keep him warm. The olive green color wasn't exactly my style, but the functionality sounded promising. It was 100% wool and designed to be pulled down over the ears for maximum protection. I decided to keep that option in mind.
While researching different wool types, I stumbled upon alpaca wool. I had heard whispers of its superior warmth and softness, but I'd never really considered it seriously. Someone mentioned that they had "alpaca everything" and were even taking it to Antarctica! That definitely piqued my interest. They recommended Arms Of Andes and Paka as good sources for alpaca gear. I added those brands to my research list.
The more I read about alpaca, the more impressed I became. It's naturally hypoallergenic, incredibly soft, and even warmer than merino wool. Plus, it's known for its durability and resistance to pilling. It sounded like the perfect solution to my winter hat woes.
I even heard about someone who found an alpaca wool hat from a local farmer. They said it was absolutely amazing and suggested checking out local shops for similar treasures. While finding a local alpaca farmer might be a long shot for me, the idea of supporting local businesses and getting a unique, handcrafted hat was definitely appealing.
Before diving headfirst into the world of alpaca, I remembered that I actually owned a Minus33 merino wool beanie. I've had it for a few years, and while it's thin, I've always found it to be surprisingly warm. It's a great option for milder winter days or for layering under a hood when the temperature really drops. Plus, it's incredibly comfortable and doesn't itch at all. I should probably give it more credit than I have been!
For the past few years, I've relied on a couple of Minus33 beanies as my go-to winter hats. They're lightweight, comfortable, and provide decent warmth for most of my needs. However, I still wanted something a little more substantial for those extra-cold days.
While browsing online, I came across a beanie from WholeCustomDesign Unique that caught my eye. It was a Beanies Knitted Hats Solid Color Caps. I liked the simple design and the variety of colors available.
I decided to give it a try, and I've been pleasantly surprised. It's a knitted hat, which adds some texture and visual appeal. It's definitely warm enough for most winter days, and it's comfortable to wear for extended periods. I've found the WholeCustomDesign beanie is a good balance of style, warmth, and affordability. It's become part of my winter wardrobe.
Based on my experiences, here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing a winter hat: