I made every mistake in the book when buying a ski beanie for snowboarding, so you don't have to. I assumed any old hat would do the trick. What a huge error that was! I spent the trip cold, uncomfortable, and full of regret. Let my experience guide you toward making the right choice.
It’s surprisingly easy to choose the wrong beanie. I understand the temptation to save a few dollars. But a poorly made hat can completely spoil your day on the mountain. Here are the specific mistakes I made so you can steer clear of them.
I spotted a beanie at a rock-bottom price and bought it immediately. I never stopped to consider the material or its actual insulating properties. It was thin and poorly made. My ears were numb from the cold within minutes of hitting the slopes.
An extremely low price often signals low quality. The fabric might be itchy, and the hat itself probably won't last. You'll likely end up spending more money down the line to replace it.
Verdict: Don't automatically choose the cheapest option. Investing a bit more in a quality beanie is worth it.
I completely overlooked what the beanie was made from. Was it wool, fleece, or something else? Did it have a lining for added warmth? I didn't bother to check. The one I bought used a thin, synthetic material that provided no real insulation.
Always look for these signs of quality:
Verdict: Always examine the material and construction before you buy.
This was a major oversight. I didn't take the time to read a single review before purchasing my beanie. Had I done so, I would have discovered that other buyers experienced the exact same issues! I later saw positive comments like "Very good hat store," but by then it was too late for me.