At a thousand metres, a beanie taken out of the bag at the right moment is worth a whole jumper. This page brings together hiking beanies on sale for Black Friday: wool, fleece or technical knit, with or without lining, enough to keep warm when the thermometer drops.
A good amount of heat escapes through the head when it's uncovered, and the beanie quickly seals that gap at little cost. It weighs only a few tens of grams and fits in a pocket, so there's no reason to leave it at home as soon as autumn sets in.
Merino wool insulates even when wet and stays comfortable to wear for a long time. Fleece dries quickly and withstands friction well. Technical knits, which are finer, are suitable for quick walks. Choose according to your pace: the warmer you get, the lighter the beanie should be.
The filter on the page shows adidas, Curlynak, Helly Hansen, La Sportiva and Sasta. Each one brings its own style, from a simple beanie for the city to a more technical model for the mountains.
A headband is enough in cool weather, and a hat takes over when the sun comes back. If the wind blows, add a scarf or a neck gaiter.
The winter sports sales and the winter sports clearance also offer beanies as the season approaches. Check back regularly.
A beanie that's too tight causes headaches, while one that's too loose lets in air. Most models are stretchy and fit a range of head sizes, but some come in two sizes. If you wear glasses or a helmet, make sure your ears stay covered without pressure.
Beyond hiking, the beanie is good for skiing, in the city, or for camping. Thin models slip into a pocket, while thicker ones are for the peaks. Nothing stops you from having two in your bag, one for walking and one for breaks.
The beanie fits in the palm of your hand and weighs just a few tens of grams. It can be stored in your jacket pocket, at the bottom of your bag, or under your hood. This lightness justifies carrying it with you even when the sky looks clear, as the weather can change quickly at altitude.
Nights in a refuge or camping are also better with a beanie: warmth no longer escapes through the head while in your sleeping bag.
In the list on this page, filled with the deals from the operation. The winter sports clearance can complement your choice.
A model made of wool or fleece, sufficiently covering for the ears. For intense efforts, a headband will work better.
A soft lining prevents itching from raw wool. Read the material descriptions before making your choice.
Only for summits or cold nights. While walking, a simple model avoids overheating, and a jacket with a hood does the rest.
A neck gaiter can be worn with the beanie and closes the gap between the collar and chin.