Head. I’ve always worn a hat, not having hair to protect my shinny head. In the winter of 2004-5, I started experimenting with a variety of hats other than the baseball caps and hats I picked up in tourist shops. A lot of this hat experimentation started after reading many books and realizing that a good way to keep the rest of my body warm was to keep my head warm. I believe I’ve just started with the experimentation rather than settled on the absolute best options. One thing is certain, I’m not picking hats for style but only for functionality. It may be possible to have style and functionality, but I’m no expert when it comes to style. Balaclavas aren’t exactly stylish, but they’ve become an important part of my clothing. Mountain Hardwear Butter Balaclava. Size: Reg. Weight: 35g. Quick Summary: Excellent. I use it all year. Lightweight Prone to earaches, helps me avoid them when there is a wind Very light Use it on cool days in the desert as well as during the winter Just enough additional warmth to keep my face warm much of the time Pull down to neck and it just keeps your neck warm Over mouth glasses tend to fog Dries very fast Oregon Research Windstopper Black Balaclava. Size: Large. Weight: 75g. Quick Summary: Tight fitting Hard to get on and off Adds much warmth when it gets fairly cold A lot of warmth for the weight Can breath through the mouth vent fairly well without fogging glasses Can pull mouth vent over chin to eat Restrictive Simple Fleece Hat, Size: Large. Weight: 52g. Quick Summary: Columbia Very warm Great when sleeping Great when stopping during the winter Sweat too much to hike in it very well, even when it is extremely cold Lightweight for added warmth Patagonia Bimini Cap. Size: Large. Weight: 98g. Quick Summary: Keeps sun off head Tie onto pack with cord with loops at both ends Keeps my ears warmer and out of the wind