REI Windbrake Beanie

Summary

Look no further this is the winter hat that you need to have! I've looked at several other wind resistant or windproof fleece hats and they just don't compare to the overall performance of this hat.

There are a few things that for me make the REI Windbrake Beenie the top choice for fleece hats. It has comfort, functionality, fits properly, and looks good.

First off as soon as you pick up this hat you'll notice how soft the fleece is and therefore how comfortable it is when you wear it. One key feature on this hat is that it has the ear flap design that curves to cover your ears as you wear it as well as doing a great job covering the rear of your neck.

This hat is made with Polartec which does a great job of resisting the wind, being warm and is really breathable. It claims to be water resistant but I have not used it in the rain to test it out. If I'm out on a hike for example I'll break out the rain gear if I'm expecting to get wet.

The stitching on this hat is really well thought out because it has two main seems that run from back to front and one that goes around the circumference and makes it a really well fitting comfortable hat.

I've tried on the Dome Perignon beanie hat by Mountain Hardwear. It has a single seam that runs from back to front so no matter how well it fits it sticks up on top and looks like you're wearing an "elf hat". The other hat was a lesser well known brand. The fleece was not as soft as the REI Windbreak Beanie and didn't fit just right.

I have not fully tested the warmth and wind resistance of this hat yet. But this is the hat I'm taking with me when I'll be hiking up Mount Washington at the end of June.