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Icebreaker Pocket 200 Hat

rated 4 of 5 stars
photo: Icebreaker Pocket 200 Hat winter hat

This light knitted hat is thin and close-fitting. It's small enough to keep in a pocket. It's light enough to wear in cool weather, but it's not warm enough for -40°C weather.

Pros

  • Small enough to keep in a pocket
  • Comfortable and stays on
  • Warm enough for mild or cool weather

Cons

  • Not warm enough for -40°C without another hat or hood

This knitted hat (or toque, as we in Canada call it) is very comfortable to wear. It's made from a double layer of t-shirt fabric, of merino wool. This kind of wool isn't scratchy at all, so many people allergic to wool will not get a reaction from this cloth.

I've worn this hat during four winters. It's nice to have a hat small enough to keep in my coat pocket or my purse. It's very comfortable to wear and it keeps me moderately warm. Most of the time I wear it in the city when I'm coming home on the bus at night, or when the weather turns rainy or cold. It's good for city wear because it stays on yet doesn't give me "hat hair."

I've also worn it while kayaking on cold grey winter days, and on two camping trips in summer so I wouldn't get cold at night.

In very cold weather, I wear my jacket's hood over the hat, or a big loose toque over this tight-fitting one. But most days I wear it, the weather is cool or mild. That's exactly what this hat is good for, wearing when it's not bitterly cold, or when I'm being very physically active. The t-shirt fabric is breathable and wicks away sweat. I don't overheat.

The hat is reversible. It's black on one side, and purple on the other, and that changes the look entirely. There are other colours but I like this combination. It sounds silly, but this looks like a "young person's" toque and when I wear it, it covers all my grey hair so I think I look sporty and active instead of bundled-up and aging.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $24

A great hat for active winter outings or during cold fall days. Perfect to keep in your bag or car for those occasions when you want it.

Pros

  • Great fit
  • Small
  • Warm

Cons

  • Doesn't cover your whole ear (only a problem if it's really cold)

A small, lightweight winter hat perfect for somewhat strenuous activities outside in the cold. Easy to slip into a pocket or bag and slim enough to fit under helmets. Great breathability and temperature control, you can even wear it outside and inside comfortably. Have had mine for 4 years and it still looks new.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $20

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Specs

Unisex
Price Current Retail: $19.95-$37.49
Historic Range: $10.36-$37.49
Reviewers Paid: $20.00-$24.00
Kids'
Price Historic Range: $9.20-$22.95
Product Details from Icebreaker »

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