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Stay warm with our favorite beanies, bucket hats, and more.

A person standing in a mountainous area wearing winter gear

Credit:Travel + Leisure

Its a mantra I tend to live by because most of my favorite pastimes take place outdoors.

I especially love fabrics like Merino wool and cashmere that offer impressive warmth while keeping bulk to a minimum.

The oversized pom-pom may not appeal to all tastes.

SmartWool Isto Retro Beanie

Credit: SmartWool

Several seasons after purchasing the Smartwool Isto Retro Beanie, it remains our go-to pick for winter fun.

In terms of aesthetics, the beanie makes a statement with a chunky ribbed cuff and an oversized pom-pom.

The large logo may be a downside for those who prefer subtle branding.

A person wears the SmartWool Isto Retro Beanie

Credit: Travel + Leisure

You may need a lint roller to keep the fleece free from fluff and pet hair.

The fit can be adjusted slightly using the tab installed along the inside rim.

Our bucket hat has held up well after several seasons use, including packing it for the occasionalski trip.

A person stands outside while wearing the SmartWool Isto Retro Beanie

Choose yours in black, white, gray, taupe, or dark olive.

The vibrant print is definitely a standout design that may not be suitable for all.

Its also naturally moisture-wicking, provides insulation even when wet, and odor-resistant.

A person wears the SmartWool Isto Retro Beanie

Weve worn ours through four Iowa winters, for everything from cross-country skiing to running errands.

Its become a go-to, both for its warmth and its non-itchy, non-constricting fit.

The fact that it sits fairly loosely is great for long-term comfort and for avoiding hat hair.

A person wears the SmartWool Isto Retro Beanie

We also love that the beanie is thin enough to wear seamlessly under aski helmet.

you’re able to even pair it with Kari Traas matchingbase layers.

The beanie is machine washable, but must be dried flat.

A person wears the SmartWool Isto Retro Beanie outside

Its a bit impractical to pack.

A smooth, itch-free lining makes it comfy to wear for extended periods.

Having said that, weve also found that its sufficiently breathable to wear inside for short periods without overheating.

A person wears the SmartWool Isto Retro Beanie

Its designed for a specific purpose rather than as a versatile all-rounder.

An added touch of spandex provides four-way stretch for freedom of movement and a secure yet unrestrictive fit.

We particularly like that the panel can be folded up to prevent overheating as you work up a sweat.

A person stands outside while wearing the SmartWool Isto Retro Beanie

All seven colors include reflective accents for nighttime visibility.

If we had one complaint it would be the lack of stretch or adjustability.

After wearing each hat, we also washed them following care instructions to determine their durability and long-term quality.

A person wears the SmartWool Isto Retro Beanie

Thats not to say that all one-size hats will fit everyone perfectly.

When shopping online, read reviews and size guides carefully to get an idea of the fit.

If packability is a priority, Merino offers the best bulk-to-warmth ratio out there.

A person wears the SmartWool Isto Retro Beanie

Frequently Asked Questions

The best material for a winter hat depends on what you want it for.

You should always check the care label carefully for specific instructions.

Shes also packed them for cold-weather trips to places like the Yukon and the Norwegian Arctic.

A person wears the SmartWool Isto Retro Beanie outside

She also utilized testing results to determine which winter hats were the warmest and best options for travelers.

Carhartt Knitted Cuffed Beanie

Credit: Amazon

A person wearing the Carhartt Knitted Cuffed Beanie outdoors

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A person wearing the Carhartt Knitted Cuffed Beanie outdoors

A person wearing the Carhartt Knitted Cuffed Beanie outdoors holding a cup

A person wearing the Carhartt Knitted Cuffed Beanie outdoors feeding animals

A person wearing the Carhartt Knitted Cuffed Beanie outdoors

A person wearing the Carhartt Knitted Cuffed Beanie outdoors

A person wearing the Carhartt Knitted Cuffed Beanie outdoors

A person wearing the Carhartt Knitted Cuffed Beanie outdoors holding a cup

A person wearing the Carhartt Knitted Cuffed Beanie outdoors feeding animals

A person wearing the Carhartt Knitted Cuffed Beanie outdoors

Turtle Fur Stomp Bucket Hat

Credit: Turtle Fur

A person wearing the Turtle Fur Stomp Bucket Hat outside

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Side view of a person wearing the Turtle Fur Stomp Bucket Hat in the snowy outdoors

Side view of a person wearing the Turtle Fur Stomp Bucket Hat in the snowy outdoors

Side & back view of a person wearing the Turtle Fur Stomp Bucket Hat in the snow

Front view of a person holding the Turtle Fur Stomp Bucket Hat in front of snow

A person wearing the Turtle Fur Stomp Bucket Hat outside

Side view of a person wearing the Turtle Fur Stomp Bucket Hat in the snowy outdoors

Side view of a person wearing the Turtle Fur Stomp Bucket Hat in the snowy outdoors

Side & back view of a person wearing the Turtle Fur Stomp Bucket Hat in the snow

Front view of a person holding the Turtle Fur Stomp Bucket Hat in front of snow

Aritzia Cashmere Hood

Credit: Aritzia

Person Wearing Sunglasses Tying Aritzia Cashmere Hood Over Head Standing In Front Of Window with City Skyline Background

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Person Wearing Aritzia Cashmere Hood Over Head Standing In Front Of Window with City Skyline Background

Person In Sunglasses Wearing Aritzia Cashmere Hood Over Head Standing In Front Of Window with City Skyline Background

Person In Sunglasses Wearing Aritzia Cashmere Hood Over Head Standing In Front Of Window with City Skyline Background

Person In Sunglasses Wearing Aritzia Cashmere Hood Over Head Standing In Front Of Window with City Skyline Background

Person Wearing Sunglasses Tying Aritzia Cashmere Hood Over Head Standing In Front Of Window with City Skyline Background

Person Wearing Aritzia Cashmere Hood Over Head Standing In Front Of Window with City Skyline Background

Person In Sunglasses Wearing Aritzia Cashmere Hood Over Head Standing In Front Of Window with City Skyline Background

Person In Sunglasses Wearing Aritzia Cashmere Hood Over Head Standing In Front Of Window with City Skyline Background

Person In Sunglasses Wearing Aritzia Cashmere Hood Over Head Standing In Front Of Window with City Skyline Background

Kari Traa Rose Beanie

Credit: Kari Traa

A side view of a person wearing the Kari Traa Rose Beanie

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The inside of the Kari Traa Rose Beanie

A side view of a person wearing the Kari Traa Rose Beanie

The inside of the Kari Traa Rose Beanie

Nordstrom Cynthia Rowley The Snow Bunny Faux Fur Trapper Hat

Credit: Nordstrom

Person Wearing Burgundy Cynthia Rowley The Snow Bunny Faux Fur Trapper Hat On City Street

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Person Wearing Burgundy Cynthia Rowley The Snow Bunny Faux Fur Trapper Hat On City Street

Person Wearing Burgundy Cynthia Rowley The Snow Bunny Faux Fur Trapper Hat In Elevator

Person Wearing Burgundy Cynthia Rowley The Snow Bunny Faux Fur Trapper Hat In Building Lobby

Person Tying Under Chin A Burgundy Cynthia Rowley The Snow Bunny Faux Fur Trapper Hat In Building Lobby

Person Wearing Burgundy Cynthia Rowley The Snow Bunny Faux Fur Trapper Hat On City Street

Person Wearing Burgundy Cynthia Rowley The Snow Bunny Faux Fur Trapper Hat In Building Lobby

Person Wearing Burgundy Cynthia Rowley The Snow Bunny Faux Fur Trapper Hat On City Street

Person Wearing Burgundy Cynthia Rowley The Snow Bunny Faux Fur Trapper Hat On City Street

Person Wearing Burgundy Cynthia Rowley The Snow Bunny Faux Fur Trapper Hat In Elevator

Person Wearing Burgundy Cynthia Rowley The Snow Bunny Faux Fur Trapper Hat In Building Lobby

Person Tying Under Chin A Burgundy Cynthia Rowley The Snow Bunny Faux Fur Trapper Hat In Building Lobby

Person Wearing Burgundy Cynthia Rowley The Snow Bunny Faux Fur Trapper Hat On City Street

Person Wearing Burgundy Cynthia Rowley The Snow Bunny Faux Fur Trapper Hat In Building Lobby

Amazon TrailHeads Ponytail Trailblazer Hat

Credit: Amazon

A person wears the TrailHeads Ponytail Trailblazer Hat

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A person wears the TrailHeads Ponytail Trailblazer Hat

A side view of a person wearing the TrailHeads Ponytail Trailblazer Hat

The back of the TrailHeads Ponytail Trailblazer Hat

The inside of the TrailHeads Ponytail Trailblazer Hat

The TrailHeads Ponytail Trailblazer Hat on a wooden table

A person wears the TrailHeads Ponytail Trailblazer Hat

A person wears the TrailHeads Ponytail Trailblazer Hat

A side view of a person wearing the TrailHeads Ponytail Trailblazer Hat

The back of the TrailHeads Ponytail Trailblazer Hat

The inside of the TrailHeads Ponytail Trailblazer Hat

The TrailHeads Ponytail Trailblazer Hat on a wooden table

A person wears the Turtle Fur Merino Watch Cap outside

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