If you’re planning on hiking in cold weather, be sure to wrap up, so you stay warm and protected from the harsh conditions.
One essential accessory for winter hiking is a high-quality, insulated beanie.
While the marketplace is full of winter hats, searching for the best beanie for hiking requires special considerations.
Along with ensuring that it traps maximum body heat, you’ll need a beanie that’s breathable and does not absorb moisture.
We’ve tested many of the best hats for winter hiking and compiled a list of the top 5 hiking beanies.
Read on to discover the best beanie for hiking and learn what to look for when purchasing this winter trekking accessory.
Minus33 Merino Wool Ridge Cuff Wool Beanie
Merino wool is undoubtedly one of the best hiking beanie materials as it is naturally insulating and moisture-wicking.
The Minus33 Ridge Cuff Beanie is one of the best wool hats for hiking as it’s lightweight, evaporates moisture quickly, and continues to insulate when wet.
This merino wool beanie is suitable for all seasons. It won’t cause you to overheat as it absorbs sweat and quickly dispels it into the atmosphere, regulating your body temperature and keeping the hat dry.
This 100% 18.5 Micron Merino Wool beanie weighs just 68 grams, so it won’t weigh you down on the trail. It can also absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp or heavy.
It features a durable interlock knit construction with flatlock seams, and the fabric is double layered for extra warmth.
The Minus33 beanie comes in one size and stretches to fit most adults. There are 20 colors to choose from, and it is machine washable and dryable.
Cierto Fleece Lined Thermal Beanie
The Cierto beanie is possibly the best hat for hiking in cold weather. It features a thermal knit shell and warm polar fleece lining, giving maximum warmth in sub-zero temperatures.
In addition, it’s made from 100% high-quality stretch polyester fabric, so it is a fab option for anyone with wool allergies, and it’s just as soft and warm.
As the beanie is made from elastic fiber, it stretches to fit and mold to the head of most adults. It measures 8.27 inches high and 8.66 inches wide, so it’s also large enough to give full ear coverage too.
You can wash the beanie by hand in the washing machine; however, the former is recommended to maintain its high-quality construction for longer.
It weighs just 100g and feels soft to the touch giving a truly comfortable fit.
In addition, it fits securely to your head without feeling tight or falling off, making it ideal for hiking.
Skull Cap Helmet Liner Beanie
If you’re planning on climbing challenging peaks, you’ll need a beanie that will fit under your helmet, like this Skull Cap helmet liner beanie.
Or, if you like to mix your hikes up with some mountain biking, this under helmet beanie is also ideal.
The warm yet thin beanie is versatile and suitable for all winter outdoor sports and activities. Thanks to the flat-seam construction, it stays totally secure as you move and feels comfortable on your head.
Plus, it’s stretchy and big enough to completely cover your ears, too.
The all-season hiking beanie is made from a synthetic blend of polyester and spandex that is stretchy and breathable. In addition, the fabric quickly wicks away sweat and rain to keep you dry and warm.
Another excellent feature of the Skull Cap beanie is its brushed thermal lining for maximum thermal retention, no matter how low the temperature drops. Plus, the Poly Spandex fabric is wind-resistant, too.
It’s designed to fit perfectly under a helmet but works just as well when worn on its own. It even features a reflective icon that’s helpful if you’re hiking in low-light conditions.
Columbia Whirlibird Watch Cap Beanie
The Whirlibird watch cap beanie by Columbia is a super soft and warm beanie for backpacking and hiking purposes. It boasts excellent heat retention and moisture-wicking properties and features a lightweight and minimalist style.
Thus, it’s an essential accessory to have in your day pack when hiking in winter, spring, or fall.
The beanie is made from rich cashmere-like acrylic that feels incredibly comfortable against your skin.
Because it’s made using 100% synthetic materials, it’s a popular choice among hikers that do not want to wear wool.
It also features a featherweight microfleece liner for excellent temperature control no matter the season.
This Columbia hiking beanie boasts high-quality, durable stitching to withstand regular use and washing. It’s one-size-fits-all, although we find it gives an ideal fit for women as it is slightly on the smaller size.
It’s available in over a dozen colors, including many dark shades of gray and red.
MERIWOOL Unisex Merino Wool Cuff Beanie Hat
This 100% merino wool beanie by MERIWOOL is soft, warm, and breathable, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking.
It is manufactured using natural superfine 18.5-micron Merino wool, giving a lightweight, non-bulky look and a cozy, zero-itch feel.
This MERIWOOL beanie is the best beanie for hiking as it regulates your body temperature. It will keep you warm if the temperature drops, yet it will stop you from overheating after a few hours of wear.
This is partly thanks to the naturally breathable qualities of merino wool, making it suitable for every season.
This beanie is excellent at absorbing moisture, too, whether it’s sweat or rain. As a result, you’ll never be left feeling damp or cold.
What’s more, unlike synthetic fabrics, merino wool is naturally odor-resistant to keep you smelling fresh all day long. It comes in 10 colors, is washer and dryer safe, and features a 1-year warranty.
What To Look For When Buying A Beanie For Hiking
All beanies on our list of the best hats for winter hiking have excellent ratings and customer reviews.
However, there is no one beanie for all as everyone has unique needs and preferences.
So, when searching for a hiking hat for cold weather, consider the following aspects.
Material
Beanies can come in various materials, but some are more suited to hiking than others. Along with warmth and insulation, you’ll need a hiking beanie that has quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and breathable properties.
Wool, particularly merino, is one of the warmest materials and is excellent at trapping body heat and preventing cold air from seeping in.
Thus, wool is a popular choice for anyone looking for the best beanie for hiking in the winter. Moreover, merino wool is incredibly soft, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant.
A synthetic alternative to wool is polyester fleece. This fabric also offers excellent insulation for extreme temperatures and harsh conditions.
Polyester-based beanies are moisture-wicking and cheaper than wool hats, but they have poor odor resistance.
However, some modern synthetic beanies are treated with an antimicrobial agent such as Polygien to make them odor resistant.
Thickness
The season you’re hiking in will determine how thick you need your beanie to be. Of course, if you’re trekking in the cold winter months, you’ll want a high level of thickness.
However, if you’re hiking in spring or fall, a medium thickness will be sufficient in offering protection from the wind.
Also, consider if you’ll wear any other headwear over your beanie. For example, if you’re climbing up a challenging peak and wearing a protective helmet, you’ll need a thinner beanie.
Ear Coverage
Not every beanie for backpacking is the same, as some give more ear coverage and warmth than others.
For winter months and strong winds, it’s best to opt for a longer beanie that completely covers your ears, especially if you don’t plan to wear earmuffs.
Beanies with ear coverage can also have different designs, such as folded edges to offer more insulation.
Special Features
Nowadays, many of the best beanies for hiking have unique features like heat-retention technology or fireproof capabilities.
However, while these additional extras can be nice, they usually come with a higher price tag.
Therefore, we suggest only looking for the special features that will benefit your planned hiking adventures.
Durability
Like all hiking clothes, you need a beanie that can withstand the elements, prolonged usage, and regular washing.
If you’re a frequent hiker, it’s essential to choose one that will last you well beyond one season.
High-quality materials like wool tend to be long-lasting, but the stitching also determines durability.
So if possible, we recommend checking that your beanie is stitched well and feels strong before buying.
Final Thoughts On The Best Hiking Beanies
There are many reasons to go hiking in the winter, from quieter trails to serene, magical landscapes. So don’t let the cold stop you from getting outside.
A good-quality beanie will keep you feeling warm and comfortable.
And by following the guidance above, you’ll find the best beanie for hiking that meets your specific needs.
Need help with hiking gear? Read one of the following blog posts:
