What are the warm hats in winter and how to choose them? Let’s take a look together.
Introduction to common materials for wool hats
1. Merino wool
Merino wool does not have the prickly feeling of ordinary wool. The keratin contained in merino wool is rich in amino acids that easily combine with water molecules. In addition to the warmth advantages of ordinary wool, the soft texture of merino wool also has excellent temperature control capabilities and stronger odor suppression effects. It is also lighter and dries faster than traditional wool, making it suitable for a variety of outdoor sports.
2. Polyester fiber
It has good breathability, good moisture absorption and sweat wicking effects, light weight, and good elasticity (not easy to break), and is not prone to stinking. Many outdoor clothing are made of polyester fiber, which is usually cheaper than merino wool material, but the warmth retention of polyester fiber is not so good.
3. Acrylic fiber
Common material for wool hats, similar to the feel of wool, but not as warm as wool. Usually cheaper, but without moisture-wicking and sweat-wicking functions. Easier to clean than wool, the material is not prone to shrinking or wrinkling, but acrylic material is prone to pilling and less functional. For outdoor sports, acrylic material is not recommended, as acrylic fiber is more suitable for general daily life and travel.
4. Blending
Blending is the process of spinning two different types of fiber yarns into a fabric. Each material has different properties, and blending them allows each fiber to perform to its best potential. For example, the common T/C refers to polyester fiber blended with cotton, while T/W refers to polyester fiber blended with wool.
5.Primaloft
PrimaLoft material is designed to replace down that loses its warmth when it absorbs water. PrimaLoft’s main characteristics include softness, comfort, and the ability to maintain warmth even in wet conditions. PrimaLoft is currently widely used by outdoor professional athletes as a thermal layer option.
The selection of a mountain climbing hat is different from that used in daily life. The following are the main points for selecting a winter mountain climbing hat:
1. Keeping warm
Among the common materials mentioned above, merino wool is the most insulating material, and merino wool has a natural temperature control function. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a wool cap with merino wool or a blend of polyester fiber and merino wool (to increase elasticity) for winter mountaineering. Merino wool has good insulating properties, just like underwear. It is recommended to choose a high-gauge merino wool material for winter mountaineering to adapt to the cold climate on high mountains in winter, maintain head warmth, and prevent body heat from dissipating through the head.
2. Moisture absorption and fast drying
The moisture-absorbing, quick-drying, and sweat-wicking properties of the wool cap are also important. After all, mountain climbing is an outdoor sport, and the body is prone to generating heat and sweating during the journey. If the wool cap you carry does not have moisture-absorbing and sweat-wicking functions, it will easily get soaked with sweat. It is strictly prohibited to wear cotton clothing while climbing, as cotton loses its insulating effect once it gets wet. Of course, wool caps are also strictly prohibited from being made of cotton!
3. Breathability
It is easy to sweat when climbing, so it is also important to choose a wool cap with breathable features. Usually, wool caps with moisture-wicking and sweat-wicking features also have breathable features, such as merino wool, polyester fiber, and other materials suitable for outdoor sports.
A small reminder: Breathable and sweat-wicking clothes are important during mountain climbing! During the journey, the body will heat up and sweat. Some people will not wear a wool cap all the time, but will wear it during rest in the camp or mountain hut, as resting still makes the body feel colder and requires more warmth. In addition to the wool cap, it is recommended to wear a Merino wool scarf during the journey or during rest. The scarf and wool cap can be matched and complement each other.
In winter, the temperature on the mountain suddenly drops, and even the temperature during the day may be below zero. After reading this article about the material and selection of wool hats, go and check if your wool hat material is warm enough to cope with the cold climate on the mountain!
