I know winter has arrived when a simple cotton cap isn't keeping my head warm, marking the time to switch to a warmer hat. This Edge Windstopper hat from Sportful provides the appropriate insulation on cold days, and keeps the wind chill to a minimum.
That's because it's made from Thermodrytex PL+ polyester with Gore's excellent Windstopper material in the front panel. Windstopper is used in many garments these days, mostly jackets, but makes a lot of sense to use it in a hat. If you're wearing a helmet, unless it's an aero jobbie, all those huge vents just draw in ice cold air and will rapidly bring the chill.
Designed to be worn under a helmet, the Edge fits comfortably and essentially stops the cold air in its tracks. It fits well - one size fits all - and sits low over the ears. It's a snug fit, yet comfortable. Pull a helmet over it and you only have to make minimal alterations to the helmet's retention system. It doesn't take up much space.
On longer rides it provides good insulation, managing to keep the head warm, yet the breathability is sufficient that it doesn't cause overheating or sweating. I've been using it on mornings as cold as 1°C and it's coped just fine, so it will be good throughout the winter.
It's reasonably well priced, you can certainly pay more for a simple cotton cap, and a lot more for a similar winter-specific hat with a wind-resistant fabrics from other brands.
Verdict
A warm and wind-resistant hat that fits comfortably under a helmet.
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Sportful Edge Windstopper Hat
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Windstopper® protection on forehead.
Thermodrytex PL+ polyester over ears for unimpaired hearing.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
ThermoDrytex PL+ where minimum moisture absorption is required, this 84% polyester/ 16% Lycra fabric excels. Feel dry on your skin even in conditions with high levels of perspiration making it ideal headwear.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
7/10
Rate the product for value:
7/10
Looking at previous road.cc hat reviews the Sportful measures up well, and is actually one of the cheaper options available.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Kept my ears toasty and the wind off the front of the head.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Fits well under a helmet, doesn't feel at all bulky.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing really.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
Age: 31 Height: 180 Weight: 67
I usually ride: My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,
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