Hats

Hats really are one of those items that you can never have too many of. They come in so many styles and fabrics you will need a range of them to cover the various activities and types of weather that you will experience in the mountains. Hats and gloves should always have a place in your rucksack whatever the weather forecast. For so little weight and bulk they add much needed warmth, comfort and safety. Close fitting beanies in Powerdry or Powerstretch can be useful for fitting under a helmet or hood. A thicker fleece or Merino blend beanie will be warmer and more wind resistant. Gore-Tex WindStopper as a membrane has been introduced into hats to give total wind block. Some people are uncomfortable wearing a hood so a waterproof hat is essential. These mountain caps often have ear flaps which tie under the chin (to stop the hat blowing off) and a wired peak which can be shaped. This is useful if you wear glasses. (Keeps the rain off). Whilst the "heat loss from your head story" maybe something of an urban myth, it is fair to say and presume that continually being exposed to cold and rain and wind is going to accelerate the onset of hypothermia and of course this be easily avoided by wearing the appropriate headgear. Wet and cold conditions will lead to poor decision making. It will force you into making hasty decisions and because of that you need to consider your safety and comfort. I always take more hats and gloves than I would ever expect to wear. Conditions change so you will need variety, and remember you can always lend them to a friend.