I've fallen in love with wool gear over the years, for more than just the barn. Lounge pants, tanktops, socks, shirts. Merino isn't the heavy, itchy stuff I used to think of when I thought of wool. And it naturally repels the body oils that other fabrics pick up more readily, allowing it to go longer between washes than, say, a technical fabric.
My grandma got me a Minus33 Lightweight Ridge Cuff Beanie - 100% Merino Wool for Christmas, and I have to say that after using it for a few weeks, hats are no longer the forgotten "whatever works" part of my winter wardrobe.
It's lightweight: by far the thinnest winter hat I own. I notice it a lot less than my other winter hats. But despite that, it's incredibly warm. All the way into the low single digits F, I have yet to miss any of my heavier hats. That said, when it does get warmer, wool is a lot more temperature-forgiving than other fabrics, so I expect when (if?) it ever warms up again, it will be comfortable to wear up into the 50s F just like my wool shirts.
Minus33 does have a heavier weight hat, but so far, I haven't felt the need to spring for it.
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| Another "OMG I can't believe I'm feeding in a t-shirt" photo |
It also had the unexpected benefit of playing much more nicely with the Carhartt Montana Puffer Jacket hood, which is sherpa lined. My other hats would catch on it to where I couldn't turn my head inside the hood. This hat is so thin and smooth, it slides nicely underneath it.
Like all wool, you need to follow the manufacturer's recommendation on care, which can vary between brands. This one wants to be machine washed on cold/delicate with gentle detergent and then tumble dried on low. They also suggest storing it in an airtight box in the offseason.
Bottom line: It's a hat - there's not a lot to say, but it's a great hat.
What: Minus33 Lightweight Ridge Cuff Beanie - 100% Merino Wool
Sizes: One size
Price: $22.99 from Minus33.com, also available on Amazon
Colors: SO MANY COLORS. 26 different colors to be exact.
I also love my wool gear - but mostly only have some really nice wool ski socks atm. This hat looks great! Based on how much you like the hat, how do you think their balaclava would work? I'm wondering if it would be thin enough to go under a helmet. I currently have a couple different brands of balaclavas that work well enough, but wool is so much more breathable in all temps. I have to push all of the head pieces back a bit on my current ones so my helmet sits properly. I would expect to have to do the same with the wool, but wondering if that might still be too bulky.
ReplyDeleteI just looked at their balaclavas and the only one that's as thin as this hat is the multi-clava, which they do show in one of the pictures the lady wearing it over her head. The other two are likely to be thicker and would probably not fit as well.
DeleteAh, I didn't see that one. I'll take another look - thanks!
DeleteI'm loving these reviews, thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt’s hard to be wool for lightness and warmth. I love wool socks.
ReplyDelete