I have a big head, or as some people have said, a fat head. Hats that are designated to "fit all sizes" never do. And even hats that say large on them are too small. I guess all that fish I ate as brain food as a kid contributed to my big head. To bad it didn't make me very smart.

To be honest with you, I really don't like hats. They get in the way and feel uncomfortable, they aren't attractive, and they make my hair look messy once I take them off. Unfortunately, I need to wear them, especially because my ears are very sensitive to wind. Even a mild breeze at 70 degrees can make my ears hurt, so I  need something to cover them up. Maybe my big head is causing my ear problem, I don't know.

Now that you know more about me that you really want to know, let's talk a little about Outdoor Research's Hat for All Seasons. Believe it or not, this world class hat is nearly perfect, other than being a little ugly. Well, I think all hats are ugly, but ugly or not, this is one great hat. I don't care what others on the trail think about how I look (really, I don't care at all).

Here's why I think the Hat for All Seasons is the top hat of all outdoor hats:

• The hat is modular. What! How can a hat be modular? Taking the idea from clothes layering, this hat has two layers. The first layer (shell layer) is a Gore-Tex seam-sealed hat that is windproof and waterproof. Inside it is a thin liner designed for wicking moisture. The inside layer (completely removable) is made of what Outdoor Research calls Moonlite Pile (high quality fleece). This provides insulation and a wicking layer. You can wear the shell by itself, the liner by itself, or wear both of them together.
  
   
• Another part of hat's modularity is that the hat includes an ear flap. If the temperature is warm, you can put up the ear flaps, but if it is cold, you can leave them down, covering your ears.
  
   
• The hat is shaped like a baseball hat, with a bill to keep sun and moisture off your face. The bill has a plastic insert in it so that it won't bend in strong wind.
  
   
• The hat includes what is called the Cinch-Band internal adjustment system. Essentially, what it does is to allow you to easily adjust the size of the hat so that it fits your head perfectly. This not only allows it to adjust to your head size, but to the liner, or to any other hat or insulation you may want to wear under the shell.
  
   
• Also included is a Earflap-Snugger System. This name is not just some marketing hype. In fact, this is the coolest feature I have seen on any hat, ever. It allows you to adjust how tightly the earflaps fit. If it is warm, you can loosen the flaps, but if it is very cold or windy, you can tighten them.
  
   
• The hat also includes a Velcro chin strap, but I found that it is not needed. If the hat is adjusted properly, it won't come off, no matter how windy it is.
  
   
• The hat comes in four sizes, one that will fit your head, including my fat head. The shell weights about 4.5 ounces, and the liner weighs about 2 ounces.
   

All of the above adds up to a very versatile hat that can be worn for cool and cold weather, and for virtually any outdoor adventure.

Using the Outdoor Research Hat for All Seasons in the Real World

I have worn the Hat for All Seasons under all variety of weather. As I have mentioned before, because of my sensitive ears, I generally start wearing the shell when the temperature drops below 70 degrees, and with the earflaps down. When it gets about 40 degrees or below, then I add the liner for extra warmth. I have warn the hat down to about 10 degrees so far, and it kept me plenty warm.

Because the hat is so flexible, if the standard liner isn't warm enough for you, or too warm, you can wear other insulation layers under the shell. For example, I have worn the shell with a baklava, and I have worn the shell with ear protectors when it was too warm for the liner, but too cool for the shell by itself. The hat has a wide range of latitude for adjustments and fits great.

Under horrible weather, I often wear a Gore-Tex shell jacket with a hood, and then I place the jacket's hood over the Hat for All Seasons. This option really does a good job of keeping your head warm and dry.

The Gore-Tex material of the shell keeps wind and rain out, and the breathability helps to prevent moisture build-up. And if you do sweat, the wicking ability of the liner keeps your head dry.

The hat is also lightweight and compact, so there is no reason not to bring it along on your outside travels.

Recommendation

I recommend this hat for everyone who plays in the outdoors in cool or cold weather, or in dry or wet weather. It really is the perfect hat. In fact, if you buy it, you will find that it will replace several of your current hats, helping to keep your gear load a little less when you have to carry it.

Product Notes

The Hat for All Seasons can be purchased as a shell only, the liner only, or both the shell and the liner together (which is what I recommend). The hat comes in four colors and four sizes. The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the shell is $48.00, and the liner $12.00.