How to Buy A Hat For Extreme Cold Weather Conditions

In extreme cold, a lightweight stocking hat, or a baseball cap doesn't cut it. In fact, wearing a lightweight hat can be dangerous, not just because of frostbite, but because 75% of your body heat can leave through the head.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Look for thick wool hats.
   
   Wool is a time-honored insulator. You'll need to find a hat that is both large and thick. The weight should be so substantial that the wool hat would be unbearably hot if worn during the fall season. The main drawback of wool is it's bulk and scratchiness.

2. Look for a bomber hat.
   
   Bomber hats have gained in popularity in northern climates over the past twenty years. Bombers are generally synthetic fabric or leather on the outside, and synthetic or real wool on the inner lining. Bombers cover the side of the face and chin quite nicely, making a scarf less necessary. These hats are a favorite of dog mushers because the flaps can be velcroed up on top of the hat in warmer weather, and brought down during the cold. The hats are much more adjustable to varying weather than thick wool hats.

3. Consider a ski mask in conjunction with a snowmobile helmet or warm hat.
   
   These really need to worn in conjunction with something warmer, like a snowmobile helmet. An over-the-head ski mask provides good wind protection, but poor top of the head warmth retention. Many Alaskans rarely wear ski masks, even in subarctic conditions.

4. Avoid inexpensive acrylic hats. Unless they are specifically made for extreme cold, acrylic hats tend to have poor insulating properties.

5. Expect to pay $20 to $120 for a quality hat that can handle arctic conditions.