BPL Possum down beanie/gloves

Hi Dave,
I use a MH Polarguard Powerstretch Balaclava(~1.75 oz), a MH Transition Featherweight Dome Beanie(~1 oz) for my head and a pair of OR Powerstretch gloves(~1.75 oz) for my hands.

Like others, I find the wind cuts right thru the possum down hat; however, it's also the most comfortable hat I've warn. When its very cold and windy I use a powerstretch balaclava under it. The possum down is also comfortable hat for sleeping. Do a search in –search forums–and you'll get other feedback. Also, for a warmer hat check out:

http://www.integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=769&CFID=151727&CFTOKEN=18649868&mainproducttypeid=1

I may buy one for the winter. –Mike

I got the possum down gloves and socks. I initially intended to use them for sleeping only for the socks and occasionally use the gloves during trekking. However it seems that the gloves simply aren't durable enough for use with trekking poles for my usage. I wore through them in record time leaving me a bit disappointed.

The socks are ok but don't seem overly special. They are lighter than fleece and almost as warm but I've found just an extra pair of smartwools are only a bit heavier but offer more usage in case I get my other socks don't dry overnight and need another pair for hiking. They also weren't exceptionally warm for winter usage so it wasn't perfect for me. Thus, they usually don't make it into my hiking kit anymore so I should probably sell them off here and perhaps it would fit someone else's needs better.

Possum Down retains the "warm when wet" characteristic of wool but has more loft. On the "down" side, it is more fragile,not a problem with the beanie but you need to be careful with the gloves (I made a hole in mine by pulling the plastic tag through them rather then cutting it).
As already noted they are not wind proof, but I use the hat of a light wind/rain jacket for that. The combination beanie only/both/jacket hood only , covers a wide range of situations.I use a pair of thin mitts over the gloves when it gets too cold with them only.
The wool is coarser than Icebreaker so it may be itchy ( I don't really know because I am not allergic to any wool)
Both beanie and gloves are part of my kit, I love them.
Franco

http://www.altrec.com/mountain-hardwear/mens-micro-dome-hat

http://www.altrec.com/mountain-hardwear/mens-power-stretch-beanie

Anyone know if these are large enough to pull over your ears? They seem ultralight at 1 oz a piece.

I am one of those who are sensitive to wool itchiness, and the possum down does not pass my itch test. I also agree it's not remarkably warm unless you wear it under a windproof layer, and it wears easily.

I wear a microfleece windstopper hat and NTS windstopper gloves as my first layer, but I add a pair of fingerless possum down gloves to go over the top of my NTS gloves in winter.

I have both of these and love them. They are almost identical in size, with the Micro Dome being just a smidgen smaller.

The Micro Dome in a Mens size Regular weighs exactly an ounce on my postal scale. (I also have a different size with label removed which is smaller and weighs .75 ounces.)
The fleece is very thin, but doubled up over the ears. Soft and comfortable. Perfect to wear while on a cold morning run, or whilst sleeping for just a tad more warmth.

The Possum Down weighs in at 1.75 ounces. It is a whole lot loftier and provides much more warmth. It also has material doubled up over the ears. I bring this for 3 season backpacking when I expect the low night time temperatures to around freezing. It's great for around camp, or to sleep in. Once I start hiking its usually to warm.

My third backpacking beanie is an Ibex wool one that is even warmer and weighs 3 ounces. I bring that one strictly for winter camping.

Kristin,

I have the Dome Perignon (2 oz). How do you think the Micro Dome compares to the Perignon in terms of warmth and wind resistance? Does it cover your ears adequately? I've been using the Dome Perignon for fall/winter hikes and it's pretty wind resistant, but I wanted a lighter hat for summer backpacking…hence the Micro Dome or Power Stretch beanie.

I'd say the Micro Dome has almost no wind resistance. It comes in different sizes so I'm sure you can get one that covers your ears. It will definitely not be as warm as your Dome Perignon though.

That Dome Perignon will offer great short-term warmth … you won't feel the cold at all. But when it is empty … :-(

Sven, that's Dom Perignon :-)

Hi Folks,
So far, everyone seems to be talking about the MH Micro Dome. There is, IMO, a much better option: The MH Transition Featherweight Dome. It weighs 1 oz, has a Windstopper membrane and is totally windproof, and has a micro fleece lining. And yes, Dave, it comes down over your ears(or at least my ears). It is my standard cap for 3 season sleeping in the mountains.

Tom, That sounds exactly like my hat of choice. Full ear coverage, windproof and fleecy. Can't beat it for ~ an ounce

Allison,
They've got them for $25 at http://www.bentgate.com. Probably lots of other sites but that one came up with the least hassle for me. I've been using one for the last 4 years and it has really worked out well.