Runners know that if their head is cold during a run, they’ll feel it all over. However, it’s not easy to find a hat that provides the perfect balance of keeping you warm without overheating. We’ve done the research to come up with picks for the best winter running hats that can handle whatever conditions you encounter during your cold weather runs.
Benefits of Wearing a Winter Running Hat
Here are some of the reasons why runners should cover their noggin in the cold:
Preserve body heat: The head is a significant source of heat loss, as it accounts for a large percentage of your body’s overall surface area. By wearing a warm hat, you create a barrier that traps heat close to your body, preventing it from escaping into the cold winter air. You’ll feel more comfortable, which can lead to better performance.
Protect your ears: Winter running hats not only keep you warm, but they also provide essential protection for your ears and head. In cold weather, your extremities are often the first to suffer, and your ears are particularly vulnerable to frostbite. Wearing a hat that covers your ears can prevent frostbite and discomfort.
Maintain core body temperature: When your head gets cold, it can cause your entire body to feel cold, as the blood vessels in your head constrict to conserve heat. Covering your head will keep it warm and prevent the constriction of blood vessels, helping your body to maintain a stable core temperature. Staying warm will you to focus and perform your best.
Prevent hypothermia: Extreme cold temperatures can also put you at risk of hypothermia, a serious medical condition that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Wearing a warm hat minimizes the risk of heat loss from your head, which can help regulate your body temperature and reduce the chances of hypothermia setting in.
What to Look for in Winter Running Hats
When it comes to choosing the right winter hat for running, here are a few factors to consider:
Materials: You’ll want to ensure that the hat is made from a material that provides both warmth and breathability. Look for hats that are insulated to keep the heat in but also have moisture-wicking properties to prevent sweat from accumulating on your scalp.
Fit: A well-fitting hat should cover your entire head, including your ears, without being too tight or too loose. It should stay securely in place as you move, without obstructing your vision or causing any discomfort. Consider hats with adjustable features, such as stretchy bands or adjustable straps, to ensure a personalized fit.
Insulation: Think about the level of insulation you need based on the intensity of your winter runs. If you tend to run in colder climates or during particularly frigid days, a hat with additional insulation or windproof features may be a wise investment. On the other hand, if you typically run in milder temperatures, you may prefer a lightweight hat that still offers some warmth.
Here are some of our favorites winter running hats that we like for staying comfortable and protecting during cold weather runs.
Best Overall: The North Face Jim Beanie
This soft, comfortable beanie delivers everything runners want in a winter running hat. It features an all-around classic fit that’s not too tight for maximum comfort and the perfect amount of coverage. The soft, fleece ear band inside the hat provides warmth and comfort. Yet the hat is still breathable, so you won’t overheat.
The hat’s streamlined design is ideal for running, as well as for casual wear. Versatile and durable, the beanie is one size fits most. It’s available in a wide range of fun and neutral colors. Buy on Amazon
Best With Brim: TrailHeads Fleece Ball Cap with Drop Down Ear Warmer
If you like to wear hats with brims, even in cold weather, this one is perfect for shielding your eyes from sun glare or protecting your face from snow or rain. With drop-down fleece ear covers, the hat provides even more protection on extremely cold days. If you warm up as you’re running or the weather changes, you can flip them up for more ventilation.
Additionally, the hat features reflective accents on the bill for extra visibility during early morning or evening runs. One size fits most, as the hat’s elastic inner band stretches to comfortably fit different sizes. Buy on Amazon
Best Budget: M-Tac Fleece Hat
If you frequently run outside in the winter, you’ll need a collection of hats, since some will inevitably be in the laundry pile. We love this affordable fleece one that’s lightweight and low-profile, but still keeps your head warm. It’s also soft and moisture-wicking, so your head stay dry and comfortable. Buy on Amazon
Best Beanie: Tough Headwear Running Beanie
A comfortable beanie is an excellent addition to any cold weather running wardrobe. With a snug yet comfy fit, this one from Tough Headwear keeps your head warm and stays put, so you don’t have to constantly adjust it as you’re running.
The stretchy, breathable fabric wicks away sweat, keeping you dry and comfortable, while also providing good protection against wind and cold. Lightweight and comfortable, the beanie can be worn on its own or under a helmet. Buy on Amazon
Best Merino Wool: Icebreaker Merino Wool Winter Beanie
Made with Merino wool, this no-itch beanie hat is extremely soft and excellent at temperature regulation, providing warmth in the cold, without overheating. While it offers good protection, the hat is lightweight and low-profile, so it can be worn under a brimmed hat or a helmet, if you want to also use it for cycling, skiing, or other snow sports. It can also be easily tucked in a pocket if you don’t need it.
This beanie also has natural odor protection and moisture-wicking capabilities, keeping you dry, fresh, and comfortable. Plus, the fabric has just a bit of Lycra in it to provide a comfortable, snug fit for most size heads. Buy on Amazon
Best for Ponytails: Trailheads Ponytail Hat
Beanie style winter hats can be annoying for runners with longish hair, since their ponytails tend to get bunched up and tangled underneath. This hat from Trailheads solves that issue. It has a small slit at the bottom to pull your hair through, so it keeps your ponytail right where you want it.
Made with soft polyester fleece, the hat provides insulation to keep your head warm, while effectively wicking away moisture. Additionally, the polyester/spandex trim allows for a secure and comfortable fit on a variety of head sizes. Winter runners will appreciate the full ear coverage, providing warmth right where it’s needed most. Buy on Amazon
Best Reflective: Nathan Reflective Beanie Hat
With an all-over reflective pattern, Nathan’s beanie hat increases your visibility during low-light runs, while also keeping you warm. Lightweight but warm, the soft fabric stretches to fit most heads. A brushed thermal lining retains heat, while the breathable outer layer wicks away sweat. The hat comes in two different versions: a regular beanie and a beanie with a ponytail opening. Buy on Amazon
Best for Extremely Cold Weather: Nike Pro Hyperwarm Hood
Be ready for frigid temps and blustery conditions with this versatile Nike Pro Hyperwarm Hood. Made with Hyperwarm fabric, it’s designed to keep you toasty and dry throughout your run.
You can wear it over your head, nose, and mouth for full facial protection, or as a neck gaiter as you warm up and need more ventilation. The flatlock seam construction prevents any annoying irritation or chafing on the run. Buy on Amazon
Most Stylish: Smartwool Winter Running Hat
These adorable Smartwool winter running hats are perfect for anyone who wants to show off their style, while also staying warm. Made with Merino wool, they’re warm, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant. The designs are fun, without being too over-the-top, and they’re reversible! This stylish hat also works for casual wear, so you definitely get a lot of bang for your buck. Buy on Amazon
What should you wear for cold weather running?
To stay comfortable and safe when running in cold weather, you should wear lightweight layers that are made from wicking materials, such as polyester, nylon, or Merino wool.
Wearing a base layer that can wick moisture away will help prevent you from getting wet and staying wet, which can lead to hypothermia in cold weather. A mid-layer can help provide additional insulation, if needed, and an outer shell can help protect runners from wind, rain, or snow.
To protect your head and especially your ears, you should wear a winter running hat or ear warmer. Running gloves or mittens and winter running socks made of wicking materials are also recommended.
Is running in the cold dangerous?
Running in the cold does involve some potential risks, such as falling on snow or ice. You may also be at increased risk of hypothermia, especially if the conditions are wet and cold, and you stay in wet clothing after you’ve stopped moving.
To protect yourself, follow basic safety precautions for running cold weather, such as paying attention to the forecast, dressing in wicking layers, protecting your extremities, and making sure you’re visible.
Why You Should Trust Us
An avid runner, certified running coach, and fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT is always researching and testing running gear and gadgets. Her decades of running experience and writing have helped her learn the value of using the best gear to improve comfort, safety, and performance.
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