Trip Planning Tech & Gear The 9 Best Winter Hats of 2023 By Erika Owen Erika Owen Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Erika Owen is a self-proclaimed Professional Iceland Enthusiast, covering everything from boutique hotels to ATV tours. She's also a product reviewer who's tested out everything from airplane pillows to travel adapters for TripSavvy. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 10/17/22 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. Chloe Jeong / TripSavvy Keeping your head warm in sub-freezing temperatures is serious business. A wool hat can make all the difference, even in a slight breeze. No matter what you’re doing—skiing, going out for a quick run, strolling through the woods and taking in the changing foliage, playing with your kids in the snow—there’s a winter hat fit for the occasion. We’ve pulled together some of our favorites for all kinds of winter activities below. Make sure and consider the things that bother you most about winter weather. Hate that feeling of too much wind in your ears? Look into a trapper-style hat or something with ears for more coverage. Does your hat need to fit underneath a ski helmet? Need something that will stay put during your interval training? There’s a hat for each scenario. We researched all—and tested some—of the hats below for fit, price, material quality, and temperature control. Read on and have a cozy winter season. The Rundown Best Overall: Patagonia Brodeo Beanie at Backcountry.com Jump to Review Best Budget: KBETHOS Unisex Winter Trooper Hat at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Winter Sports: Smartwool Merino 250 Beanie at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Skiing: Tough Headwear Skull Cap Running Beanie at Amazon Jump to Review Best with Pom-Pom: Helly Hansen Ridgeline Beanie at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Kids: Carhartt Acrylic Watch Hat A18 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Over-the-Ears: L.L.Bean Maine Guide Wool Cap with PrimaLoft at L.L.Bean Jump to Review Best Wool: Minus33 Ridge Cuff Beanie at Amazon Jump to Review Best Style: The North Face Recycled Ridge Fleece Trapper at Dick's Jump to Review Table of contents Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust TripSavvy Best Overall Patagonia Brodeo Beanie Patagonia View On Backcountry.com View On Dick's View On Blue-tomato.com What We Like Versatile Made with recycled materials What We Don't Like Runs small It's no secret that Patagonia makes some of the most reliable and stylish outerwear on the market today. The Brodeo beanie will keep your head toasty warm and pairs well with any winter outfit, from cable knit sweaters to oversized quilted jackets. Designed for work and play, this beanie is ideal for winter trekking and comfy pub outings. Still on the fence? The Brodeo features recycled wool and nylon, so it has less impact on the planet. While it comes in one size, it has the right amount of stretch to accommodate most people. It is machine washable and backed by Patagonia's satisfaction guaranteed policy. Price at time of publish: $49 for slow going patch: cabin gold Best Budget KBETHOS Unisex Winter Trooper Hat Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Super warm Multiple ways to wear What We Don't Like Some reviews mention defective parts When winter arrives, a good hat becomes your best friend. If you must brave truly frigid conditions or are particularly fond of cold weather aesthetics, the Winter Trooper hat from KBETHOS is the answer. The faux fur-lined ear flaps are secured with a small buckle underneath the chin or at the cap's crown. The cotton polyester fabric allows enough give to adjust to your head. For a fraction of the price of many trapper hats, value for money is the standout feature of this pick. And they make great gifts! Price at time of publish: $15 Best for Winter Sports Smartwool Merino 250 Beanie Amazon View On Amazon View On REI What We Like Warmth Thin design Soft material What We Don't Like Visible logo Wool is an excellent material for insulating, and this beanie from Smartwool will combat the strongest winds and the coldest of chills while heading out on the trail (or street). The unisex hat is moisture-wicking, so you won’t have to worry about sweat dripping into your eyes. It may seem thin at first touch, but don’t let the slight design throw you off. If anything, the minimal construction means it’s easier to toss in your running bag. It’s also small enough to wear under a bike or ski helmet, making it a great option for those who take on lots of winter sports. Price at time of publish: $30 The 15 Best Ski Clothing Brands of 2023 Best for Skiing Tough Headwear Skull Cap Running Beanie Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Modern silhouette Lots of color options Inexpensive What We Don't Like Can get too stretched out after lots of use This winter hat from Tough Headwear is part liner, part beanie, thanks to its thin construction and modern silhouette. We love this unisex option since it looks just as natural under a ski helmet as it does without anything hiding it. There’s a reflective patch on the front of the hat—a bonus for runners—and the cap has enough stretch to pull over your ears for extra protection. The flat-seam construction and added lining make it a comfortable pick for layering underneath a helmet without creating any sore spots. Price at time of publish: $17 The 12 Best Beanies That Offer Both Warmth and Style Best with Pom-Pom Helly Hansen Ridgeline Beanie Amazon View On Amazon View On Hellyhansen.com What We Like Warm Retro design What We Don't Like Only comes in one size Winter hats with pom-poms are just more fun. Check out Helly Hansen's Ridgeline beanie if you want to add some whimsy to your winter outfit. We often steer clear of overt logo usage when it comes to gear, but the iconic Helly Hansen font has become a winter sports staple and something to celebrate come snowstorms and sub-zero temperatures. This particular hat comes in six colors and patterns and has a special retro flair. Don't expect to fit it underneath a ski helmet, but it'll look great in the lodge for a midday warm-up. Price at time of publish: $35 Winter Sports Best for Kids Carhartt Acrylic Watch Hat A18 Carhartt View On Amazon View On Carhartt.com View On Tractor Supply Co. What We Like Machine washable Lots of color options What We Don't Like Not water resistant Carhartt made a smaller version of its iconic Watch Hat for smaller heads, which couldn’t be cuter. Available in eight colors, this beanie will keep your little one toasty. You can also toss it in the washing machine (cold water to prevent shrinking and tumble dry low), which is a must when it comes to anything kids will wear as they explore the outdoors. The acrylic material also has a good amount of stretch, so your child won’t immediately grow out of this winter staple. Price at time of publish: $20 Best Over-the-Ears L.L.Bean Maine Guide Wool Cap with PrimaLoft Courtesy of L.L. Bean View On L.L.Bean What We Like Size variety Warmth What We Don't Like No chin strap or tie Available in sizes small through extra-large and two colors, this unisex wool hat from L.L.Bean has ear flaps that can be pinned up or down, depending on how much protection you’re looking for. The hat runs big, meaning you can layer a thin beanie or liner underneath. A short brim also protects from sun, snow, and rain. Price at time of publish: $40 The 10 Best Balaclavas of 2023 Best Wool Minus33 Ridge Cuff Beanie Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Minus33.com What We Like Color options Machine washable What We Don't Like Not water repellant This double-layered wool hat from Minus33 comes in a myriad of colors. It's also incredibly well-priced—so buying a few to match all of your winter outfits won't break the bank. Merino wool is naturally moisture-wicking and also insulates when it gets wet, meaning it will absorb a good amount of its own weight in water without feeling damp to the touch or clammy on your skin. This hat also has UV protection, which will help keep sunburns at bay. Price at time of publish: $23 Best Style The North Face Recycled Ridge Fleece Trapper The North Face View On Dick's View On The North Face What We Like Sherpa texture Warmth What We Don't Like Not water resistant You can always get by with a basic beanie, but if you’re looking for a statement winter hat, consider a retro silhouette in a bold texture. This unisex fleece trapper from The North Face stands out in four neutral colors (black, white, brown, and a less-neutral camo pattern) and would look great atop a monochromatic winter outfit. Plus, it’s really warm. The sherpa fleece lining keeps heat in, and the ear flaps can be worn down with a chin tie for extra wind protection. Price at time of publish: $55 What To Look for When Shopping for a Winter Hat Material When choosing a winter hat, consider the environment in which you’ll be wearing the hat most often. Wool is insulating and moisture-wicking but not exactly water-resistant. Look for sports-focused hats with water-resistant finishes if you want to stay dry or expect heavy rainfall while wearing it. There are different types of wool, as well. If the itchiness of the material gets to you, look for merino wool, which is finer and not as scratchy while still trapping heat. Price Winter hats can get quite expensive, but you’re paying for the branding, not necessarily the features or materials, at a certain point. If you aren’t worried about representing a certain brand, you can find winter hats made of merino wool and other luxe materials for under $30. Fit Wool hats will have a bit of stretch, especially beanie-style hats. You’ll have to consider size and fit when looking at trapper-style hats, which have ear flaps and less stretch. Some hats also have adjustable chin straps, which help keep the hat in place on windy days. Polyester and nylon fabrics tend to have less stretch. Frequently Asked Questions How do I wash my winter hat? Many hats are machine washable using cool temperatures and tumbling dry low to avoid shrinking, especially wool hats. Hats with a heavy-duty lining like sherpa or PrimaLoft may not be machine washable and should be spot cleaned with soap and water. Make sure to check with the manufacturer for washing instructions before washing your hat. Do I need a hat with an extra layer of insulation? This depends on what you will be doing while you wear the hat. If you tend to have a cold head during the winter or heavy winds bother you, look for an option with an insulation layer. You can also buy liners to wear separately if you’d like the option of extra warmth. Is one style of hat better for warmth than others? Trapper-style winter hats have ear flaps, providing more wind protection. Hats with sherpa or other fleece linings will also be warmer. Beanie-style hats don’t offer much protection to the ears unless worn over the ears. Why Trust TripSavvy Erika Owen is a travel writer and a fan of all kinds of cold environments. She has a beanie on hand at all times during the winter months and loves an excellent trapper-style hat for extreme environments. She spent more than eight hours researching these hats with all kinds of winter environments in mind. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 9 below. Continue to 9 of 9 below.