I guess you’ve noticed I am almost always wearing a lid of one kind or another. Here are two I think would be good for the outdoor life (hiking or hunting): Enlightened Equipment’ s Hooligan and Sealskinz’ Waterproof Beanie.
This is the Hooligan at .85 ounce (21 grams – A$76.24). It is very similar to the ‘Bomber Hat’ Della sewed me from a kit bought from Ray Jardine (the ‘father of ultralight’) many years ago – and which has seen excellent service over the years. Such a hat is the best weight-for-warmth investment you can possibly make. I am never without mine. Now you can buy one just like it – even the same colour as mine! On wet.cold days it fits snugly under your raincoat hood. Even if it gets a little damp the synthetic insulation dries out very quickly. Usually I reserve the hat for sleeping on cold nights or for keeping my head warm in camp. You have probably noticed the Icebreaker cap I usually wear during the day.
Their 1.3 oz (32 grams – $A83.17) Hoodlum below is their synthetic insulated answer to keeping your head and neck warm in your sleeping bag or quilt. You just need a Buff to keep your nose warm and you’re good to go.
I also like these waterproof and windproof offerings from Sealskinz. I have owned their waterproof socks for many years. I used to wear them as night socks before I made myself a pair of ultralight booties. The beauty was that you could put your wet boots back on when you wer wearing them when you had to go outside to answer one of nature’s calls.
This waterproof beanie looks just the thing for going around he sheep eg when they are lambing on those cold, wet winter’s days they like to choose. Fortunately for me I have sold of the vast flocks we used to have and only keep a hundred or so for companionship and sentimental reasons! Someone who has been a ‘sheep husband’ for over thirty years has to have something to do in retirement! UKL25.
This waterproof cap may be even better than my Icebreaker one (especially as they may have discontinued it! You need a peak like this on any hunting cap so that you aren’t dazzled by the light when shooting into the sun. You can guarantee that the best stag you have ever been will have the sun at his back – and soon be gone! UKL28.
This one is a real foul weather hunter’s hat. It’s going to you’re your head dry and your ears warm, as well as shading your eyes from sun and rain. What a beauty! UKL30.
Enlightened Equipment’ s Hooligan
https://www.theultralighthiker.com/are-you-beautiful-in-the-buff/
https://www.theultralighthiker.com/19-gram-dyneema-camp-shoes/
https://www.theultralighthiker.com/best-deer-hunters-cap-best-ultralight-cap/
Below is another great idea for a ‘sleeping hat’ – but you will have to make it yourself from a kit for US$14.95. This hat is also intended to keep your nose warm (like the Buff).
http://www.rayjardine.com/ray-way/Sleeping-Hat-Kit/index.htm
