Best 10 Backpacking Winter Hats Of 2024

Getting a backpacking winter hat to protect your face from the cold is one of the most important things that you can do while in the outdoors. Cold winds can ruin your ears and make your face very uncomfortable. A good winter hat can solve a lot of your problems while backpacking in the winter. Keep your face, ears, nose and other parts of your face warm. One of the best ways to do this is by getting a very good winter hat. I have listed a few amazing ones below that should help a lot of people. They are very durable and very warm at the same time.

Best Backpacking Winter Hats – Quick Chart

How To Choose A Backpacking Winter Hat

Types Of Hats

Beanie Hats

This is a very head-hugging brimless cap that is often made from very warm fabric. This can provide protection to the head and to the ears. This type of hat tends to be very warm especially if it is made out of warm fabric. This is not water repellent though so this is not good for the rain.

Bobble Hat

A bobble hat is a form of beanie hat with a pop-pom at the top. There is this ball of fabric at the top. This is very warm also and this provides protection to the head and to the ears. Originally, this is made from wool but now, companies make it from synthetic fibers.

Trapper Hat

Trapper hats are often called Russian hats as well. These hats will often have a fur cap with ear flaps that can either be worn down or tied to the top of the hat. The ear flaps are will often have fur as well. The fur is usually faux fur and not from an animal. This is a very warm hat meant for very cold weather.

Fur Hats

Fur hats can be anything. A lot of hats have fur and if the hat has fur, it is considered a fur hat. The most common example would be trapper hats. Beanie hats and bobble hats can come with a fur too. This hats are meant for winter weather.

Face Masks

Face masks are very popular for people who ski or go snowboarding. This protects the face very well. This will protect the ears, head, nose, lips, cheeks and more from the cold winds and the cold temperature. I highly recommend getting face masks since they are amazing.

Parts Of The Face That Needs Protection

Ears – ears need the most protection because they hurt a lot when the cold winds hit them.

Face – the face and all parts of it need protection if you are planning on doing an activity where there will be very strong and cold winds coming your way.

Nose – this part is very fragile and will most likely get frost bite before any part of your face does.

Lips – it is better to protect this from cold winds so that they do not chafe and crack.

Cheeks – a lot of strong winds will hit your cheeks if you are high up a mountain.

Types Of Material

Polyester

Polyester is a very good material that works very well for a lot equipment and clothing for sports and other activities. Polyester is durable and when treated with DWR finish, it can repel water very well. This material is also very affordable.

Acrylic

Acryllic is an amazing material that gives the user a lot of warmth. This is a wool-like polymer. Acrylic is a fabric that can maintain their elastic shape even after getting pulled or stretched. This can also wick away sweat and moisture which makes it great for a backpacking winter hat.

Faux Fur

Faux fur are synthetic fibers were able to mimic real fur better and could also be dyed more easily. This is a great alternative to fur especially if you care about animal cruelty. This can provide a lot of warmth and this is very affordable too.

Cotton

Cotton is very cheap and this can provide warmth. The downside is that when this gets wet, it loses its warmth and insulation. It takes a while for it to dry up. This material absorbs too much water or liquid like sweat. Not a good material for sports or for hiking.

General Features To Consider

Protection

Protection of your head is something you need to consider whenever getting a winter hat. There are just a lot of hats that have very cheap material. The cold goes through them and they do not offer any protection. It is important that you consider the protection that the hat is going to give you. Some hats are just not that good. They offer very little protection while costing a lot of money.

Stylish

The style of the hat is important. We only go backpacking once in a while especially in the winter. You want a hat that can make you look good while hanging out with friends, going to the city and so on. The style is important. So that you can use it for having fun and so on. It is just going to be a waste of money if you only use the hat once or 3 times a year.

Price

Price is also a big factor. There are affordable hats out there that are pretty good. You don’t need to buy a very expensive brand. There are times when the affordable hats are actually. Most of the time, you are paying for the brand name rather than the materials or design of the hat. So think about the price since you can probably buy 2 for the price of one.

Durability

The hat has to be durable. The stitches and fabric has to be resilient. You want hats that will last for a long time. We don’t really want to keep buying hats over and over. Usually one good hat that can protect our face is good enough. We don’t need to buy a whole lot of hats for backpacking.

Warmth

It is best to pick a good material that provides a lot of warmth. You will need a lot of warmth if you are backpacking or hiking during the winter. Warmth and insulation are very important. The cold weather can kill you. It is best to be prepared and have gear or equipment that are very warm.

Best Backpacking Winter Hats

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1. N-Ferno 6823 Thermal Fleece Wind-Resistant Hinged Balaclava

Technical Specs
Weight: 2.24 oz
Material: Warm fleece
Ear Protection: Yes
Face Protection: Yes
Feature Summary: Warmth in mild to extreme conditions, protective fabric paneling over face shields against the wind’s bite, designed to be outdoor friendly

Short Review: One of the greatest things I love is this backpacking cold weather face mask. This is very wind resistant with a protective fabric paneling over the face that shields against the cold wind’s bite. Constructed with the high quality fleece that provides warmth to keep the face comfortable. This has lots of positive customer reviews which should be sufficient to give men and women adequate information on whether they should get this outdoor face mask or not. The material feels good on the skin and can fully protect the head from the cold winter winds. The ears are very well protected and the neck as well. A great face mask that can be used for skiing, snowboarding and other outdoor activities.

2. mysuntown Winter Trooper Trapper Hat

Technical Specs
Weight: 7.2 oz
Material: Polyester outer shell, Faux Fur Inner
Ear Protection: Yes
Face Protection: Yes
Feature Summary: Outdoor ready item, 100% Premium insulating polyester outer shell, luxurious inner faux fur layer, 100% high-quality insulated polyester shell

Short Review: I really like this outdoor winter hat. This is constructed with 100% high-quality insulated polyester shell that was compressed layer by layer to form a waterproof and breathable sandwich structure fabric. This also uses high-end comfortable and warm artificial fur that is soft to the touch and provides long-lasting warmth. The ears are very well protected and so is the head. There is a face shield which protects the nose and mouth from very cold winter winds. This trapper hat has faux fur inner layer that feels good on the skin and provides a lot of warmth. A great hat for hiking, backpacking and other strenuous outdoor activities. The price is also pretty reasonable so a lot of people are getting it.

3. Loritta Mens Winter Warm Knitting Hats

Technical Specs
Weight: Not Available
Material: Soft-spun Acrylic Fiber
Ear Protection: Yes
Face Protection: No
Feature Summary: Casual wearing and outdoor sports activities, stretchy, soft-spun acrylic fiber, artificial wool inner liner, daily-used skull cap with classic stylish design

Short Review: Among the best things that you can get hold of is this backpacking winter hat. This is very soft and cozy, hand-knitted feel, close to the skin, giving you lasting warmth and softness. This is a very simple design which is a normal beanie hat. This is pretty thick that it is enough to protect the upper portion of the head from the cold winds while providing warmth thru insulation as well. It is a great hat for backpacking trips and casual activities. Gives good enough protection for the outdoors while also being very stylish enough for casual and regular day tasks.

4. Balaclava – Windproof Ski Mask

Technical Specs
Weight: 1.6 oz
Material: Polyester fibers
Ear Protection: Yes
Face Protection: Yes
Feature Summary: Ingenious design from an amazing company, breathable and extra-stretchy, worn as 1ull Face mask or hat, super comfortable and lightweight

Short Review: One of the greatest backpacking winter face masks is this. This provides premium performance for breathability, absorbency, wicking, durability and abrasion resistance. The hat gives ultimate protection from cold, dust, and sun’s uv rays. This is very lightweight and this feels good on the head. This is one of the greatest and it is exceptionally high quality. A great item for backpacking trips or if love to do strenuous outdoor activities in the winter like jogging or running. This is often used for skiing and snowboarding but good enough for lots of other sports activities as well. It is very affordable or that the price is pretty cheap.

5. Tough Headwear Trapper Hat

Technical Specs
Weight: 4 oz
Material: Polyester / Acrylic
Ear Protection: Yes
Face Protection: No
Feature Summary: Made out of high quality materials which made this very durable, provides insane amount of warmth, good for the outdoors, feels good on the head

Short Review: This is an amazing winter hat that protects the head very well. This is constructed with durable, weatherproof fabric for that solid feel and build. This is designed with the quickly changing winter weather in mind, easily block wind and freezing gusts from attacking your face and neck. The hat has an inner layer that is made out of faux fur that provides a lot of warmth during the cold winter months. The item has a pair of ear flaps which protects the ears. A very good item if you have sensitive ears and feel pain when the cold winds hit them. The price is very reasonable and rather cheap actually. A great item for backpacking or for casual activities as well.

6. Purejoy Warm Fleece Balaclava

Technical Specs
Weight: Not Available
Material: 100% Polyester fleece
Ear Protection: Yes
Face Protection: Yes
Feature Summary: Made out of high quality materials which made this very durable, soft, warm and comfortable, used as neck gaiter, neck warmer, helmet liner, hat, snood, scarf, mask and more

Short Review: This is one of the best backpacking winter balaclava that I know of. This is amazing and provides a lot of protection. This is constructed from high density fleece fabric, soft, warm and the material is also feel very comfortable. This has a drawstring design makes the face cap fit better, avoiding cold wind invasion, and keeping warmer. If you want to be fully protected from the cold then this is a good choice. The inner layers feels very soft and good on the skin while providing insulation also. A very warm item that provides protection and insulation to the head. Perfect for cold winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking and can also be used for everyday tasks like grocery shopping or shoveling snow.

7. Everything Black 9″ Black Skull Cap Beanie

Technical Specs
Weight: 0.3 oz
Material: Soft cotton/acrylic blend
Ear Protection: Yes
Face Protection: No
Feature Summary: Well-made item that is very durable, 60/40 cotton-and-acrylic blend, compact, lightweight and infinitely comfortable

Short Review: One of the best backpacking winter hats is this. This is a very good beanie hat that works well for winter weather. This is made from 60/40 cotton-and-acrylic blend that is amazingly breathable. The hat offers warmth to the upper area of the head and can protect the ears also. This is compact, lightweight and infinitely comfortable, yet they’re durable enough for most outdoor activities. The face is open or does not have protection which is ideal for people who want to have an easier time breathing. A very simple item that works well. Does not offer a lot of protection compared to hats with face masks but good enough for most backpacking trips. The price is also pretty affordable.

8. Oldelf Tactical Heavyweight Balaclava Outdoor Sports Mask

Technical Specs
Weight: 5.6 oz
Material: Fleece Composite Fabric
Ear Protection: Yes
Face Protection: Yes
Feature Summary: Fleece composite fabric, wind-proof, dust-proof, warm, comfortable to wear, five colors, dark gray, blue, military green, black and red

Short Review: This winter face mask for backpacking is extremely good.  This is soft and breathable, keeping the head, neck, ears and face warm and comfortable in the cold winter. This is made from fleece composite fabric, which is very warm and cozy, no worry that you may be allergic as well. This is available in multiple colors and can help provide warmth to the face. Amazing item for the outdoors that provides lots of benefits. It protects the face, and head rather well. It provides a lot of warmth also while also being able to cover the neck. A great multipurpose item that works well in a lot of situations.

9. Vgogfly Beanie Men Slouchy Knit Skull Cap

Technical Specs
Weight:
Material: 80% Acrylic, 20% Wool
Ear Protection: Yes
Face Protection: No
Feature Summary: Stylish men winter beanie hat, delicately sewn artificial fleece fiber that fits close to the skin, suitable for most men and women, hand wash only

Short Review: I like to recommend at the very least taking a look at this winter hat for backpacking for the reason that this might be the one that you are looking for. This is constructed from soft materials that have been delicately stitched to give a comfortable fit, no itch. This has a delicately sewn artificial fleece fiber that fits close to the skin to keep you warm and toasty even in extremely cold winter days. Lightweight items like this one are great for saving energy and they do not give a lot of stress to the body when doing a strenuous activity. This is a very simple beanie hat that provides a lot of insulation or warmth to the head. Protects the upper area from the cold winds as well. Good enough for everyday use and for outdoor activities.

10. Carhartt Men’s Acrylic Watch Hat A18

Technical Specs
Weight: Not Available
Material: 100% Acrylic
Ear Protection: Yes
Face Protection: No
Feature Summary: Great company and very popular, 100% Acrylic, made in the USA, Carhartt label sewn on front, provides warmth and looks good

Short Review: This is a very awesome backpacking winter hat. The usefulness this brings for backpacking purposes is amazing and this makes backpacking more fun. Provides a lot of protection while also looking very stylish. The hat feels good on the skin and great for casual wear. It is very stylish and you can choose from a variety of colors that suits your needs. The only problem that I came across is that there are a lot of counterfeit items in the Internet that it may be hard to get an authentic one.