The Perfect Wool Hat

Wapiti Woolies out of Washington. Ed Viesturs endorsed them years ago so I checked into them.

I wear a 7 7/8 so I feel your pain.

Best wool beanies I have ever used. She makes just what you are looking for.

Have one hand made by BPL's Katharina!

They are awesome. You can pick what kind of wool, colors, and designs. I bought 5 of them last year to give out as Christmas gifts. Everyone loved them, and me, and Kat of course.

http://www.outdoortrailgear.com/cottage-industries/mountaingoatgear/mountaingoat-hats-goods-store/

I thought Katharina had to take a break due to carpal tunnel?

I am making a few hats here and there, just not taking regular online orders.
We can talk about one if you'd like but no pressure here.

Sent you an email, Kat. Thanks!

My head is the size of the Sputnik.

Kat's hats fit me well.

The only down side is that they should only be used for extreme backpacking because they are laced with testosterone or something. It seems like every time I wear it, I end up chasing down enemy spies, jumping out of helicopters, jumping off of a cliff with an explosion in the background, and having to tell at least one backpacker "TAKE MY HAND IF YOU WANT TO LIVE!"

Again, Kat's hats but only if you are ready to live life on the edge.

"My head is the size of the Sputnik. "
Sputnik was a lot smaller than many imagine , still 23" in diameter is not bad…
(seeing a Sputnik replica was a bit like seeing the Mona Lisa : what that small ?)

Now there's a challenge for you Kat – Trail Cam photo of one of your mountain lions wearing one of your hats!

Cheers
PS – where's that article?

I'm a fan of my boiled wool beanie from Duluth Trading.

http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/product/mens-boiled-wool-stocking-cap-11083.aspx

I don't have a Sputnik head, but the M/L easily pulls down over my ears. The XL/2XL should be pretty huge.

"Now there's a challenge for you Kat – Trail Cam photo of one of your mountain lions wearing one of your hats!"

She could pull it off. Probably make it out of their own fur for them.

It was once suggested in a thread long forgotten for Kat to knit eyes on the back of her hats as Mountain Lion deterrence.

She could offer a mountain lion attack guarantee.

"There's a 99.999999% chance that you won't be attacked by a mountain lion while wearing this hat. Money back guaranteed if mauled."

"She could offer a mountain lion attack guarantee."

In my mind, this combined with the living on the edge comment above, and I figured it would guarantee that you WILL be attacked by a mountain lion. For when normal hiking isn't extreme enough for you.

Bought one as a gift – they are top quality and look great. You're lucky to have one if Kat is able to make one for you.

"In my mind, this combined with the living on the edge comment above, and I figured it would guarantee that you WILL be attacked by a mountain lion. For when normal hiking isn't extreme enough for you."

Ha ha! Touche!

"Bought one as a gift – they are top quality and look great. You're lucky to have one if Kat is able to make one for you."

+1. Joking aside, they are all that and a bag of chips. Besides the one I take backpacking, both of my kids have one and it's their favorite. My daughter liked having one custom knitted with the colors of her choice.

If she ever returns from pseudo retirement, I'd like to commission an owl hat; yes for me and not a 5 y/o. Hopefully she'll share a picture.

:)

I have eyes in the back of my own hat, for extra cat precautions.
Thanks for believing in me Ken ;)

Not retired from knitting…just cutting back so I can do it for the rest of my life. I still knit but less hats for now.

Roger, I had written quite a bit. Had a friend read it and her diplomatic critique made me realize that I would speak/ write with more confidence if I had more time under my belt. Some of the cameras I bought over the last year are not proving to be as durable as I had hoped. I am also trying out different settings that are not ideal for getting mountain lion pictures, but might be more relevant to backpackers wanting to set up a camera either near camp or on the trail. Basically I felt I needed to know more. Please don't give up on me though.

I love my Tilley Tec-Wool Winter Hat. My not so large size 7 ⅛ weighs only 4.4 oz and is very water/snow resistant. It has a nice brim to shed precip, ear warmers that work really well, and a lifetime guarantee. Can't tell you how they fit a larger head but I know the sizes run pretty high.

Visit your local Army/Navy surplus store and grab a Navy wool watch cap. Almost always under $6.00 ($4.95-$5.95 usually), solid wool and even when they're wet and cold they keep your head warm. I've hiked wearing them when the outside was frozen solid and my head was still warm. I swear by them.

I've spent a small fortune on UL gear, down, etc. etc. etc. but you'll never catch me buying a fancy-smancy cap for $30+ when I can get these.

Here's a link to one.. $7.99 though.. http://www.galaxyarmynavy.com/item-5437.asp

I agree with the spirit of your post, but most of the army navy wool stuff i've tried is scratchy as heck. They tend to use the coarser/large fiber wools. The good news is that wool is a bit more durable than the fine and soft wools, but the fine and soft wools tend to be more insulating because smaller fibers in a knit or weave trap more air than larger ones.