A good winter skull cap is an essential piece of cycling kit. Without one, riding becomes a chilly endeavor. But, with the right one, cold rides become enjoyable. The Craft Bike Tech Hat has been an awesome hat for cold rides.
Craft Bike Tech Hat Features:
- Flex Fleece C232
- VentAir X Wind front panel
- 30 day warranty
- Sizes: S/M, L/XL
- Colors: Black/Red, Amino
- Price: $39.95
Tech Hat Keeps that Noggin Happy
As it turns out, you can do a beanie wrong. It’s easy to spot it after using a good one, like the Craft Bike Tech Hat. All the little details make it quite evident that Craft is a Swedish brand with a bit of cold weather know-how.
The construction of the Bike Tech Hat is highlighted by the VentAir X Wind panel that covers the front of the beanie. This wind-resistant outer layer is stretchy, soft and blocks the wind with aplomb. Since the forehead takes the brunt of the cold air, the placement is absolutely perfect.
While the front panel does an excellent job of blocking cold air, the rest of the hat doesn’t have that outer layer and breathes with ease. Though this hat is built for cycling, there’s no reason why it should not be used elsewhere. I’ve worn it on cold, snowy trail runs with great success. The coverage is excellent with or without a helmet and warmth is excellent without being too hot.
I quite like the curved ear panels as they allow the ears to remain in a more natural position instead of being overly squished. I’m also stoked that this beanie fits easily underneath my Garneau Diamond II helmet. Just a couple of clicks and all is perfect.
The Good
- VentAir X Wind panel on the front knocks out the wind
- Medium weight offers nice protection
- Varied panels fit nicely over ears and aid breathability
- Fits well under my Garneau helmet
- Works great alone for winter trail running
The Bad
- 30 day warranty is pretty short
The Bottom Line: Craft Bike Tech Hat
When riding in the winter, you’ve got to keep your noggin covered (particularly if you shave your head like me). The Craft Bike Tech Hat is not only awesome in the saddle, but doubles as an all-around active hat for running or other aerobic adventures in the cold.
Buy Now: Available at Backcountry.com
