Winter Cycling - Windproof hat- why is it so hard to find?

I've tried a few- including the Craft "Windstopper" and none of them really stop the wind. I might be unrealistic to want both moisture-wicking, breathability and windproof all in one garment.

There was some $20 balaclava I bought from Performance Bicycle that is two thin microfleece layers and it has been amazing as far as protecting me from the wind and the cold. I live in Chicago, and it's all I have needed, even down in the single digits.

Any thoughts/advice? I basically want a hat I'll be wearing when it's windy and cold (between 25 and 55) in Chicago.

Try a helmet cover.

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442619473&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302693161&bmUID=1236993474859

I use an Outdoor Research Sonic clava. $30 MSRP. It's Gore Windstopper with a microfleece lining.

Only gets chilly with long rides and sweat accumulation, which goes thru membrane, and evaporates, thus cooling. (Would probably stay warmer with taped vents, but I don't do this.) For short rides, it is windproof and quite warm.

An excellent windproof headwarmer for extreme cold is a surfing or scuba hood. However, it provides no face protection, so you need a neoprene ski/snowboard face mask separate. And your hair will be sopping wet. But your noggin will be toasty.

Gore Next2Skin Windstopper beanies. I've found some by Mountain Hardwear that work real well.

I've tried a few- including the Craft "Windstopper" and none of them really stop the wind. I might be unrealistic to want both moisture-wicking, breathability and windproof all in one garment.

There was some $20 balaclava I bought from Performance Bicycle that is two thin microfleece layers and it has been amazing as far as protecting me from the wind and the cold. I live in Chicago, and it's all I have needed, even down in the single digits.

Any thoughts/advice? I basically want a hat I'll be wearing when it's windy and cold (between 25 and 55) in Chicago.

You need to combine a thin breathable and insulating skull cap with a helmet cover. The helmet cover is windproof and keeps a lot of the heat your head generates inside the helmet. You don't want a windproof hat right next to your skin because it won't breath enough to let moisture escape. So, I would do as Machka suggest and get a helmet cover. They are only 10-20 bucks.

Combined with a cycling balaclava under the helmet it is a really warm combination. If you use this combination you will get warmth and breathability and adequate wind stopping.

...breathability and windproof...

Yeah those two sound a little contradictory to me. I don't even believe in waterproof and breathable which is more realistic.

A helmet cover (thank you Machka) coupled with some kinda toque oughtta do it. Personally, i just wear a thin, 100% acrylic toque under my helmet (no cover) and it's served me well all the way down to -28C (-18F). Admittedly it's not typically very windy here.

SealSkin makes a great beanie that is wind and waterproof.

http://triathlonlab.com/product/LG-covers.html

I used these and they were TOO good. I stopped weraing them, because when I biked with my club I could
not hear anyone talking.

Rob

The ushanka (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ushanka) with the flaps down should keep the wind out. Mine is a genuine Soviet-era one in Air Force blue.

I run so hot that all I need is a cycling hat under my helmet in the cold. The bigger deal is core, ears, hands and knees for me.

I've tried a few- including the Craft "Windstopper" and none of them really stop the wind. I might be unrealistic to want both moisture-wicking, breathability and windproof all in one garment.

There was some $20 balaclava I bought from Performance Bicycle that is two thin microfleece layers and it has been amazing as far as protecting me from the wind and the cold. I live in Chicago, and it's all I have needed, even down in the single digits.

Any thoughts/advice? I basically want a hat I'll be wearing when it's windy and cold (between 25 and 55) in Chicago.

Try this: http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Products.php?SubCat=52&Gender=Mens

I find tightly woven wool blocks the wind and breathes nicely..........O own both the skimmer and the Meru and the skimmer is slightly less insulating. I wear some type of head protection (I am bald) all year round...........depending on the conditions determines what I wear but for 10months out of the year it is wool...........I do live in Northern Maine.............

This is what I use here in PA.

http://www.carhartt.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=10051&productId=74110&langId=-1&categoryId=10902