Beanie recommendations please

[Ltuddenham]

I've put up with an itchy beanie for too long. It has a fleece headband for comfort but the rest is wool and overall it's prickly. Have a smartwool merino wool beanie which has the same effect.

I'd be grateful for your recommendations. My criteria are: next to skin comfort, light, windproof but not completely weatherproof (my hood goes up if it's really inclement), and it must be available in a large size. Many of the beanies on the market are one size fits all which is demonstrably untrue.

[mrssanta]

Make one. a scrap of fleece and a sewing machine are all you need. I have a pattern if you want one.

[Ltuddenham]

Thought you were offering to knit me a hat for a moment mrssanta. I don't have a sewing machine and as a hardened gear junkie I am ready to pay for good kit.

[mrssanta]

I could knit you one but I reckon it would tickle as well!
All my hats are home made so I don't have any serious recommendations otherwise
I could easily knock you up a fleece beanie if you want. Wouldn't be very sophisticated though. And I'm not sure how windproof fleece is unless it is windblock, and I don't have any of that in my stash.

[Ltuddenham]

I think fleece on it's own wouldn't be windproof but thanks for the offer. I got some mittens recently made of the windbloc material, seems to work well but no chance to test them properly yet - sounds like I'll get a chance tomorrow night when Abigail pays a visit.

[BobMcBob]

Good luck finding a hat that isn't one size fits all. I too have the same problem. My Mum knits me beanies I've also got a couple of fluffy fleece hats from Craghoppers (appears they don't make them any more) and they completely keep the wind off me. Also you can turn a buff into a decent balaclava or knotted-hanky-style-thing (what's the bloody word for that? having a senior moment)

[tenohfive]

I've got a Rab Powerstretch jobbie, I think Powerstretch is a bit of a wonder fabric - warm, comfortable, wicks well etc. Wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

[Ltuddenham]

Some promising leads there guys, keep them coming.

[onsen]

Merino & Possum fur blend, double layer... lightweight, soft & oh so warm.
Google will help you out for availability in the UK......

[President Weasel]

I've got an incredibly yellow sealskinz one which hasn't been itchy so far. I realise you're not looking for weatherproof and this one is, but I'm assuming you don't mind if it also keeps the rain off? Comes in various sizes too.
I got mine on sportpursuit for 'bargains bargains, much cheapness' but I'm betting you could pick one up for cheaper than RRP on amazon or what have you.

Don't think I am allowed to post a link, but a search for sealskinz waterproof beanie ought to do it.

[jepsonscotland]

Icebreaker Pocket Beanie are damn near perfect!
Never too warm or too cold, excellent breathability too.
They don't keep out the noise of the wind much, but the trade off is comfort, as 'windstopper' is much less breathable and quite warm. I use either depending on the severity of the weather....
They come in many colours for all fashionistas and are all 'two colour' (inside and out) reversible.
Chris

[Ltuddenham]

Ossen - were any possums harmed in the making of that beanie? I'm fond of possums, one used to come into our garden when I lived in the States many years ago. The merino wool content would put me off, and the same goes for the icebreaker beanie. The sealskinz beanie looks good but might be too warm - the downside of weatherproofing, although the sealskinz beanies come in size XXL according to their website - which would be about right for me.

Just call me hard to please. Thanks for all your ideas.

[onsen]

Ossen - were any possums harmed in the making of that beanie? I'm fond of possums, one used to come into our garden when I lived in the States many years ago. The merino wool content would put me off, and the same goes for the icebreaker beanie. The sealskinz beanie looks good but might be too warm - the downside of weatherproofing, although the sealskinz beanies come in size XXL according to their website - which would be about right for me.

Just call me hard to please. Thanks for all your ideas.

They're a introduced feral species in NZ which
they are trying to eradicate, fur & meat not wasted in the proces....Similar issues with foxes,
rabbits & the dreaded cane toad in Australia.

Another option I just thought of is a stretchy
'Buff', handy multi-use lightweight piece o' kit.

Good luck with your search.

[rockhopper]

I tend just to use a basic fleece beanie - think I got it from Asda. Not windproof though. If I want windproof, I'd either use the hood of my waterproof or windproof jacket or one of my mountain biking skull caps, sort of like this - cheers

[mrssanta]

Icebreaker Pocket Beanie are damn near perfect!

Chris

I had one of these. It popped off the top of my over large head and failed to cover my ears at all.