BPL Merino UL Beanie

I have one, if the store doesn't have a picture, I can post one tonight.

Thank you Cameron! That would be great.

Nickel for size reference.

Thanks for the pics…and now the big question. Do you like it?

Good photos Cameron. Does the beanie cover your ears? Also, the flap can be folded for some thermoregulation?

We wanted to have pictures of the actual product and not the prototype so sorry for the delay.

Here is a close-up of the weave and one of the logos. The beanie has the words Backpacking Light on one side and the logo on the other.

I recently purchased one of the new UL merino beanies (before any picture was posted). I like the fit, feel, and weight and it has a nice wide edge that can be pulled down over the ears or rolled up for thermal regulation. It is a nice addition to my clothes closet. However, I was disappointed to discover "BACKPACKINGLIGHT" printed prominently on the side. I can understand a company wanting to promote its identity but the white-on-black printing is particlarly conspicuous and I object to paying a premium price for a piece of clothing for the "privilege" or becoming a walking advertisement with the company name "branded" on my forehead. In my opinion, if a company insists on stamping their name all over something they ought to give it away for free.

Judging by the number of people I see walking around wearing Nike, Addidas, and various sports team logos I hold a minority opinion, but one of the reasons I go backpacking is to escape the world of teams and parties and advertising. There is already too much such noise around.

End of rant and yes, I'll wear it anyway.

Ken- I agree with you. The majority of the items I wear have the manufactures logo or name on the item somewhere. I understand branding and why the manufactures. I also know that many people pay extra in the fashion world for this "privilege." However, Montbell often embroiders there name in the same color thread of the garment. Therefore, it is less of a walking billboard and more subtle. If it had a small tag, or if it was less conspicuous then I wouldn't have a problem.

I suppose I am shallow that I care about this. I was about to purchase the beanie without seeing it. However, after seeing the large "BACKPACKINGLIGHT" on the beanie I will not be purchasing one.

If BPL decides to do a second batch without the marketing message, I will be the first in line.

Just to toss my hat in the ring, I know the current feeling in our country is sliding twards commericial/profits are a bad thing, but I guess I'm just old school and I would love to see Backpacking Light make lots of money by providing access to the information and items I desire and need. So I guess I'll be buying one just to support the team.

Don't worry too much about the labels.

99% of the folks on this site could probably identify every item you carry from 100 yards out merely by the color, fabric weight (which is deduced by wind flappage, of course), whether or not you're limping, and the depth of your tracks.

Craig–absolutely right. :-D

They put the same printing on their shirts-
I just carefully scraped it off with my fingernail, end of problem.
The thin wool might be more delicate and either take more care or make a mess, I don't know. The Thorofare shirt material is a lot stiffer.

FWIW, the logos don't show with the flap rolled / partially rolled.

I'm really happy with the fit of the hat, and the construction too. It stretches well and feels secure on my head without putting pressure on my ears. Lots of hats are too constricting, and I end up taking them off because my ears hurt. I think

I haven't had the weather or time to test it yet, but I'm optimistic that this will work well for me, as a hat I can wear while moving.

I'd like a pair of simple mittens from the same material to use as liners inside of my rain mitts.

The product page shows the photo now. By the way, the BPL logo appears clearly ;-)

I reckon the hat would work well inside out.

honestly I like the idea of advertising BPL, that way when im 35mi into the backcountry, and someone says "is that a day pack!?" ill just point to the beenie, and tell them to read EVERYTHING ;)

Maybe I'm just biased because I work here, but I like the BPL logo. I agree with some of the former posters that manufacturer advertising on their products (whether it's a t-shirt, automobile, bicycle, etc) can, at times be over the top but if kept to a minimum is quite acceptable.

The logo on the beanie is the most aggressive use of our logo on any of our products and is not a trend that will continue. Our lines of clothing and sleep gear will continue to have low to no-profile advertising as they have in the past.

Got mine today. The desk review is as follows:

Nice light fabric. Perhaps a hair heavier than Patagonia Wool 2. Will be great under helmets of various persuasions (bike, ski, whitewater…)

BIG! I have a large mellon and a lot of hair (for me) and this thing goes down to the back of my neck and over my eyes, at the same time. My worries about ear coverage here.

The BPL logo will let everyone know what a sellout I am. I can respect truth in advertising.

I'm thinking this will get daily use for the next 7-8 months.

Mine has gotten (literal) daily use since I got it. For it's application it is ideal.

The size is by far the biggest advantage. I like to wear a beanie over a visor in the snow, and the BPL hat is more than big enough to do that and still cover my ears completely. I cannot help but think that folks with small heads might have problems with this being too baggy (on the other hand, my wife has a small head but long thick hair, and this hat fits over her braid easily).

I also like having this lightweight hat in addition to a hood on a midlayer (R1/2 or R1, for instance). That system provides lots of flexibility for venting heat while breaking trail through the powpow. Think of it as a very nice baselayer for your head.

By nature of the voluminous shape, thin fabric, and lack of stretch the beanie can swim around on your head. Without a hood over it, it migrated off my head while sleeping. In active use this isn't really an issue.

It's a great liner under a bike helmet.

It does dry a bit on the slow side for something so thin, the price you pay for the superlative wicking and moisture management.

All of that, and I folds down to the size of a golf ball. A very, very useful bit of gear.

I, too, love the logo.

Also, I mean, this is a small boutique company. I would say homebrew but that may carry negative connotations. I WANT to represent BPL in the backcountry.

I think about it like this: easily 95% of the people who backpack would benefit from the information provided at BPL. Spread the word, they (and their backs) with thank you for it!

If the product is the right fit, there's no shame in promoting it. Thats how I view BPL.

I'm with Sam. I like displaying the logo, it looks really cool. Plus, you almost have to expect a manufacturer to do some self advertising. The fact is they are in it to make money and sell products.

I think the BPL logo is in good taste.

NM

Be proud!

I would proudly wear this, if I could buy one.

Jim