TripSavvy Trip Planning The 8 Best Men’s Beanies of 2023 By Nathan Borchelt Nathan Borchelt LinkedIn American University Nathan Borchelt has been working in the travel industry for more than 15 years as a writer, photographer, editor, and product manager. He covers everything from trail cameras to ski equipment. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 07/31/22 Share Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Leaving aside the hipsters who insist on wearing a winter hat 365 days a year, when you pull on your beanie on that first cool day of fall, it’s a clear sign that winter is coming. And today’s beanies boast as many variables as the winter’s many cold conditions, from hats tailored to handle the harshest of winds to more lifestyle-oriented options that blend a cool aesthetic with serious warmth. We did the research to find good bets for all kinds of wear. Before you buy, consider these factors. There are various material options, from natural wool and cotton to synthetics like acrylic and elastane. Added lining can provide extra warmth while streamlined designs are ideal for layering. As far as fit, take your pick of a traditional, snug fit or a slouchy aesthetic. These are the best men’s travel beanies. The Rundown Best Overall: Pistil Fergus Beanie at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: REI Co-op Polartec Fleece Beanie at REI Jump to Review Best Slouchy Fit: Dakine Tall Boy Heathered Beanie at Amazon Jump to Review Best Pom-Pom: Fjallraven Ovik Pom Hat at Backcountry.com Jump to Review Best Under Helmet: Smartwool Merino Sport 150 Beanie at Amazon Jump to Review Best Brim Beanie: Coal Hardwear Rogers Recycled Knit Fleece-Lined Beanie Hat at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Wind: Outdoor Research Wind Warrior Gore-Tex Infinium Hat at Backcountry.com Jump to Review Best Reversible: Pistil Sully Slouchy Beanie at Amazon Jump to Review Table of contents Expand Our Picks What to Look For Why Trust TripSavvy? Best Overall Pistil Fergus Beanie 4.9 REI View On Amazon View On REI What We Like Perfect fit Reliable warmth in any condition What We Don't Like May wet out if things get really wet Constructed of boiled wool that’s both soft and sturdy, the Fergus Beanie from Pistil will keep you toasty all winter long, even in wet, rainy conditions. The classic style fits snugly over the ears, with a plush inner fleece ear band for added warmth and no-itch comfort. The upper section of the hat has a bit of extra space, making the fit feel relaxed without looking sloppy, and the tight weave of the wool blocks out the wind. The four colorways all come with fun horizontal stripe patterns that provide sophisticated style without screaming with some over-bright color palette. Price at time of publish: $42 Tested by TripSavvy I love the Fergus—so much so that, when I managed to lose mine, I immediately ordered a replacement. It fits perfectly on my medium-sized head, and the fleece lining adds the right touch of plush, extra warmth. It’s my go-to for all winter outdoor outings in sports that don’t involve a helmet—and even then, it rides in my pocket for apres. —Nathan Borchelt, Product Tester Best Budget REI Co-op Polartec Fleece Beanie REI View On REI What We Like Affordable Simple design What We Don't Like Only comes in black REI Co-op’s line of apparel delivers high-end functionality without breaking the bank, and their Polartec Fleece Beanie is no exception. The use of recycled fleece Polartec adds warmth, comfort, and durability, with minimal overall seaming to help prevent chaffing. The fabric also wicks sweat and dries quickly, and the overall fit is suitable for wearing along with a lower-insulated helmet like those used in climbing or cycling. Price at time of publish: $20 Best Slouchy Fit Dakine Tall Boy Heathered Beanie Dakine View On Amazon View On Dakine.com What We Like Versatile Stylish What We Don't Like It doesn’t have a fleece ear collar or more active insulation If you prefer a looser feel than a traditional beanie offers, go with the Tall Boy Heathered Beanie from Dakine. This visually striking hat uses blended heathered acrylic yarn for a washed-out look, with a fine-rib knit that traps in the warmth. And if you occasionally desire a tighter fit when performing more high-octane winter activities, you can always cuff the lower section. Price at time of publish: $20 The Best Men’s Ski Jackets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Pom-Pom Fjallraven Ovik Pom Hat Fjallraven View On Backcountry.com View On Moosejaw.com What We Like Warm Stylish What We Don't Like Pricey Pom-pom-style beanies really evoke all the playful elements that come with winter, and the Ovin Pom Hat provides both the aesthetic whimsy you want with all the insulation you need, even when things get wet. Made of 80 percent ethically produced lambswool and 20 percent durable polyamide, it offers ample warmth, with a wide fold-up edge to make it easy to get the desired fit. A two-tone yarn adds a touch of class, and small neps add structure. Choose from three color options, including a dark navy and two shades of gray. Price at time of publish: $50 Best Under Helmet Smartwool Merino Sport 150 Beanie Smartwool View On Amazon View On Backcountry.com What We Like Simple design UPF 20+ protection What We Don't Like Some may want a thicker application of merino Most winter-specific sport helmets boast plenty of insulation (and venting to help adjust that insulation) but under-helmet beanies afford several advantages. They add a bit of extra warmth, but they can also wick sweat and prolong the life of your helmet. And Smartwool’s Merino 150 hits every element. The hat is very thin, making it easy to wear under your helmet without bunching or having the brim drop below where you want it to sit. The merino wool has been wrapped around a nylon core for added durability while still retaining all the values of that natural fabric; it wicks sweat, keeps you warm even if it wets out, and doesn’t retain odors. Price at time of publish: $25 Tested by TripSavvy I was initially skeptical of the performance value of the Merino 150 Beanie based on its thin overall construction, but it instantly won me over. It fits perfectly under a ski or bike helmet, and also provides the right degree of warmth when running in temps that hover around the mid-40s, enough to keep your ears from getting cold without overheating. In really windy conditions I tend to upgrade, but for milder temps or when wearing an insulated ski helmet, it’s fantastic. —Nathan Borchelt, Product Tester The 10 Best Duck Boots of 2023 Best Brim Beanie Coal Hardwear Rogers Recycled Knit Fleece-Lined Beanie Hat Coal Hardwear View On Amazon View On Backcountry.com What We Like Serious warmth Solid sun protection Comes in six colors What We Don't Like Brim hats don’t resonate with all winter travelers in terms of style Even in the coldest reaches of winter, the sun can keep shining—and when it’s shining on snow-covered grounds, the reflective light can feel even brighter than it does in summer. Brimmed hats like the Rogers Recycled Polyala Fleece-Lined Brim Beanie help combat the sun’s glare by offering a touch of shade over your eyes, offering some welcome respite from the elements. As the product name indicates, this hat is made from warm, recycled polyala, a very eco-friendly material similar to acrylic/wool blends, along with a fleece-lined band for added insulation and comfort. The curved brim provides that much-desired shade, while the low-profile design includes a finely-knit body for an overall soft feel and a ribbed cuff for added warmth around the ears. Best for Wind Outdoor Research Wind Warrior Gore-Tex Infinium Hat Backcountry View On Backcountry.com What We Like Serious cold-weather protection What We Don't Like Overkill for most general use It requires some serious armor to endure—and hopefully thrive in—winter's harshest windy, snowy conditions. Consider the aptly named Wind Warrior Gore-Tex Infinium Hat from Outdoor Research to be the perfect weapon in your arsenal. Designed for high-altitude mountaineering, it utilizes Gore-Tex Windstopper tech fleece—with a full fleece lining—to block strong winds and keep you warm when the temps plummet. A touch of spandex adds a bit of flex to make the fit feel snug without compression, with a back stretch panel and a contoured earband. Go for the classic blue color for a traditional beanie fit, or opt for either charcoal/black or all-black versions; the latter two come with drop Gore-Tex “WindPro” ear panels that add even more warmth without impacting your hearing. Price at time of publish: $38 Best Reversible Pistil Sully Slouchy Beanie Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Versatile What We Don't Like No fleece-lined ear collar Reversible beanies give you two style options for the price of one, but the Sully Slouchy Beanie from Pistil really offers you four different ways to sport the hat: either in solid color or a two-tone, and then in either slouch style or cuffed. The all-acrylic hat is double-layered for added warmth, with a wide-rib knit that adds a touch of sophistication. Price at time of publish: $36 Stay Comfy and Dry With the Best Men's Rain Jackets What to Look For When Shopping for Beanies Material Most beanies are made of either synthetic or natural materials (and sometimes a blend of each). Wool (merino, lamb, etc.) provides loads of natural benefits like the ability to wick sweat, keep you warm when it gets wet, and fend off body odors. But wool typically come with a higher price point. Synthetic fabrics like acrylic are less expensive, and often more durable. You should also consider the fabric thickness—generally the thicker, the warmer. Some brands also incorporate tech features like wind blocking or DWR water repellency, so you can handle the harsher elements of the season. A touch of stretch from materials such as spandex also allows for a more comfortable overall fit. Lining The best winter hats come with an inner fleece lining around the ears to provide an extra no-itch element of warmth, though some boast double construction (two layers of fabric) or total fleece insulation to really pack in the heat. Other brands opt for simplicity, removing any lining to instead provide a streamlined fit that’s ideal when you want to add another layer between your head and a sport-specific helmet. Fit Beanies generally break out into two fits: traditional (sitting snugly on the head) and slouchy, which adds more fabric to sit “looser,” rather than pulled directly onto the head. The latter is more about aesthetics than performance, though you can always roll the cuffs on a slouchy beanie for a snugger fit. Either way, you want the hat to fit well around the ears, since extra space introduces cold spots. And naturally, you want a snug fit—but not overly tight. Some brands make this easier by offering sizing options (typically small/medium, medium/large), though others lean into a one-size-fits-all approach. Why Trust TripSavvy? Nathan Borchelt has been testing, rating, and reviewing outdoor and travel products for decades—and is a particular fan of colder conditions that make a beanie a must. In addition to in-depth testing of several products, professional and customer reviews were also consulted, and all the key features (fit, insulation levels, tech features, and general aesthetic) were taken into account in making the product selections. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 8 below.