THIN thermal layer for the head
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
THIN thermal layer for the head
pondering some ideas about head covering(s)
at 33-38 degrees, last weekend, I rode alternating between the hooded sweatshirt, a thin knit hat & nothing except a thin helmet cover. the 2 thermal items were too much & just the helmet cover wasn't quite right. wondering if the thin poly or cotton head-sweats was more in order. but those seem more for fall/spring. was thinking maybe just a cycling headband would have done the trick, but I can't find mine ;-(
anyone got a head cover they use that's just right for when it's cool, but not cold?
at 33-38 degrees, last weekend, I rode alternating between the hooded sweatshirt, a thin knit hat & nothing except a thin helmet cover. the 2 thermal items were too much & just the helmet cover wasn't quite right. wondering if the thin poly or cotton head-sweats was more in order. but those seem more for fall/spring. was thinking maybe just a cycling headband would have done the trick, but I can't find mine ;-(
anyone got a head cover they use that's just right for when it's cool, but not cold?
Last edited by rumrunn6; 01-27-17 at 08:54 AM.
#2
Family, Health, Cycling
I have one of these and love, love, love it: https://www.rei.com/product/784560/smartwool-balaclava
Paper thin, but warm as toast without being too warm.
I pull it up over nose and mouth when it is really cold.
Other times, I just have it cover head, ears, neck, and chin.
It is very versatile.
Paper thin, but warm as toast without being too warm.
I pull it up over nose and mouth when it is really cold.
Other times, I just have it cover head, ears, neck, and chin.
It is very versatile.
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
hmmm, thanks. I have stuff like that. I'm sorry, I meant for when something like that is too much in any configuration
#4
Junior Member
I find the Smartwool balaclava to work fine when it is 30-40*, but too thin and light for colder than that. I also have a Louis Garneau skull cap that is very thin and blocks the wind well when I don't want anything on my neck.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: New Jersry the beautiful Garden State
Posts: 1,920
Bikes: 2007 Ridley Excalibur, 2003 Orbea Orca, 199? Cannondale Headshock MTB hardtail
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 520 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
10 Posts
For 30's, I just wear an old Louis Garneau winter cap. Its an old model but is something like this one:
https://garneau.com/us/en/cycling/po...r/black-020-60
Important for me is that it covers the ears. For 20's, I'll use a thin lycra balaklava in addition to the winter cap.
https://garneau.com/us/en/cycling/po...r/black-020-60
Important for me is that it covers the ears. For 20's, I'll use a thin lycra balaklava in addition to the winter cap.
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
like something between these 2 things
#7
Senior Member
This really depends on the person. I like to overdress a bit, I'll always err on a being a bit too warm over a bit too cold. 40-50 I just wear a cycling cap, I have stacks of them. 25-40, I like Smartwool's thin/tight running beanies under the helmet + a wool neck gaiter. Below 25, I go with a balaclava or even a ski helmet (if it's really cold).
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
Posts: 1,257
Bikes: 2017 Salsa Carbon Mukluk frame built with XT, 2018 Kona Rove NRB build with Sram Apex 1,2008 Salsa El Mariachi, 1986 Centurion Ironman
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 286 Post(s)
Liked 100 Times
in
65 Posts
Anything like a balaclava is much to warm for me at that temp as well. From the low 30s up I wear a Halo Skull Cap. https://www.rei.com/product/831657/halo-skull-cap?CAWELAID=120217890000871534&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=15877514680&CATCI=aud-129902659960la-118325773720&cm_mmc=PLA_Google|404_9299|8316570001|none|ea579a4b-664d-4b88-8cfd-0a5723b75b3a|aud-129902659960la-118325773720&lsft=cm_mmcLA_Google_LIA|404_9299|8316570001|none|ea579a4b-664d-4b88-8cfd-0a5723b75b3a|aud-129902659960la-118325773720&gclid=CjwKEAiA17LDBRDElqOGq8vR7m8SJAA1AC0_TEVuQmsovgn0ubJ2YmTX3Fhppk96RoYRlQ13RGduURoCT hHw_wcB. Low 30s to around 5F I have an ibex cap that's perfect. Ibex Merino Wool Unisex Woolies 2 Earflap Beanie Hat 5F and lower I put a merino buff around my neck and, depending on temp and wind, pull it up over my chin and put the top up around my head so that it's like a balaclava. I'll wear a balaclava when I'm stationary, but it's too warm for riding.
__________________
Don't complain about the weather and cower in fear. It's all good weather. Just different.
Don't complain about the weather and cower in fear. It's all good weather. Just different.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 6,319
Bikes: 2012 Salsa Casseroll, 2009 Kona Blast
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1031 Post(s)
Liked 208 Times
in
146 Posts
Something like a headsweats winter beanie might work. I have two, one headsweat branded, the other generic. Oddly enough, I usually prefer the generic one. I also recently bought a Trek/Bontrager winter cycling hat identical to this one.Bontrager Classique Thermal Cycling Cap | Trek Bikes
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: NYC
Posts: 60
Bikes: 2010 Rockhopper Expert Disc (26er)
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I just got my PI Barrier balaclava and I LOVE IT!! Thin synthetic creates a very nice seal around my face and has windblock membrane around forehead and ears! Using it between 32-50 though. I think below freezing temps you'll want something warmer. I have the CTR Howler waiting to be tested in those freezing conditions!
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Port Dover Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,543
Bikes: 1965 Dilecta Le Blanc, 1956 Royal Nord, 1972 Raleigh Sports, 1972 CCM Turismo,1976 SuperCycle Excalibur, 2014 Salsa Vaya, 2017 Felt DD70, 2019 Giant Lafree and others
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 351 Post(s)
Liked 589 Times
in
228 Posts
The "Buff" brand head covers work great for me between 25F and 50F. They are super thin, easy to clean and the one shown is reversible. I purchased them (I have two) at a runners shop.
__________________
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
I cut the elastic out of an old clapped out knee warmer. I pull in down around my ears and it's snug enough without the elastic to stay on my head, and thin enough to fit well under a helmet.
#14
Standard Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Brunswick, Maine
Posts: 4,268
Bikes: 1948 P. Barnard & Son, 1962 Rudge Sports, 1963 Freddie Grubb Routier, 1980 Manufrance Hirondelle, 1983 F. Moser Sprint, 1989 Raleigh Technium Pre, 2001 Raleigh M80
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1297 Post(s)
Liked 940 Times
in
490 Posts
Wear two if you have to: Skull Cap White Coolmax
__________________
Unless you climb the rungs strategically, you’re not going to build the muscle you need to stay at the top.
Unless you climb the rungs strategically, you’re not going to build the muscle you need to stay at the top.
#15
Standard Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Brunswick, Maine
Posts: 4,268
Bikes: 1948 P. Barnard & Son, 1962 Rudge Sports, 1963 Freddie Grubb Routier, 1980 Manufrance Hirondelle, 1983 F. Moser Sprint, 1989 Raleigh Technium Pre, 2001 Raleigh M80
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1297 Post(s)
Liked 940 Times
in
490 Posts
Wow! Now, that's using your head..!
__________________
Unless you climb the rungs strategically, you’re not going to build the muscle you need to stay at the top.
Unless you climb the rungs strategically, you’re not going to build the muscle you need to stay at the top.
#16
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,502
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,463 Times
in
1,433 Posts
Some hats are not warm enough, and some are too warm. I recently got this hat, and I love it. I wear it on and off the bike. It fits under my helmet easily. I wear it in a wide range of temperatures.
Castelli Risvolto
Castelli Risvolto
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
#18
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,502
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,463 Times
in
1,433 Posts
It's even better in person. I also got a Castelli jacket which is fantastic.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
#20
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,502
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,463 Times
in
1,433 Posts
The color in real life is different from the web page. I think these pictures capture it better, even though I don't like selfies.
Also, check out the jacket I got from the same vendor. I love it. Yesterday, I commuted in cool weather with very heavy winds. All I wore above my waist were a wool t-shirt and this very thin jacket/jersey/cardigan. Everyone else was heavily bundled up. It's extremely snug (by design) so get a very large size. I got the size Large, spec'd at a 39-1/2" chest, which is my measurement. If I were a tiny bit bigger, it wouldn't fit.
Castelli Men's Costante Jersey FZ
Also, check out the jacket I got from the same vendor. I love it. Yesterday, I commuted in cool weather with very heavy winds. All I wore above my waist were a wool t-shirt and this very thin jacket/jersey/cardigan. Everyone else was heavily bundled up. It's extremely snug (by design) so get a very large size. I got the size Large, spec'd at a 39-1/2" chest, which is my measurement. If I were a tiny bit bigger, it wouldn't fit.
Castelli Men's Costante Jersey FZ
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#21
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 219
Bikes: Five active bikes: 1983 Diamondback RidgeRunner (early production mountain bike), 1951 Raleigh Sports 3spd, 2012 Novara Safari, 2013 Schwinn 411 IGH, 2016 Jamis Roughneck Fatbike; plus a Trek T900 tandem shared with the family
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
For too hot for headcovering and too cold for bare ears days I wear a full shell "urban" helmet and a earband. The urban helmet has rear vents and air space above the head so it "breathes" that way.
Another way to look at this: you sweat in the summer and have wet hair when riding hard, why are you concerned that you do the same in the winter **IF** you have something that doesn't stop being somewhat insulating when it get hits with sweat?
Another way to look at this: you sweat in the summer and have wet hair when riding hard, why are you concerned that you do the same in the winter **IF** you have something that doesn't stop being somewhat insulating when it get hits with sweat?
#23
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
yeah I guess I was kind of jury rigging something similar when I took off the hat/hood & used the helmet cover. but I still needed my cycling headband which I can't find
#24
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
I was too hot with the hat or the hood after a while so I took them off to cool off. I was hoping for another covering that wouldn't make me so hot. the thin smartwool running beanie might be just the ticket & less expensive than a new helmet. admittedly tho, my fully vented summer helmet does seem out of place in the winter
#25
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,502
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,463 Times
in
1,433 Posts
I've worn this thin Castelli hat in various conditions. I didn't expect it to be good for under 35º, but it works for me.
I've worn it without a helmet (while walking and whatever) and under my summer helmet. When it gets cold out, I wear a ski helmet with this hat or something else under it. If you don't have a ski helmet, consider it. It was transformational for me when I got it last year. Some very painful days became no problem at all.
I've worn it without a helmet (while walking and whatever) and under my summer helmet. When it gets cold out, I wear a ski helmet with this hat or something else under it. If you don't have a ski helmet, consider it. It was transformational for me when I got it last year. Some very painful days became no problem at all.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.