Ear coverings

[Flur]

I have trouble even in not-so-cold temps (60 degrees and below) with my ears. I have issues with the insides of my ears where if cool air gets in there and then I work out and my body temp goes up, I have pain. I'm wondering what I can wear under my helmet that will cover my ears but allow my helmet to still fit. All my hats and ear wraps (I don't know what they're really called - the bands that go around the head and cover the ears but leave the top open) are too bulky. Do winter cycling hats cover the ears or just the part of the head that goes under the helmet?

[Biciclista]

some of mine cover my ears.
i have a really nice one that is thin smart wool that comfortably covers my ears and makes a big difference

[Ninabike]

Buffs are the best, and if it gets really cold you can get Ear Bags.

[Flur]

Buffs are the best, and if it gets really cold you can get Ear Bags.

What are buffs and ear bags?

[Ninabike]

Flur,

Buffs are made by an Australian company and are very versatile. Just Google on Buffs, and it will come up. (I am not good at posting links). You would be amazed at the ways in which buffs can be worn. Ear Bags are sold by a company called Alpine Accessories. Again, just Google it. Ear Bags are just like little "bags" that clip over your ears. The good thing about both Buffs and Ear Bags is that neither interfers with your helmet. I have lots of problems with my ears and I have tried every possible solution. I have found these two things to be the best. Buffs are also great for very hot weather - just soak the Buff in water and put on your head under your helmet.

[ny biker]

You can get a headband that fits under your helmet and goes around your ears. Pearl Izumi makes one. It even has a hole in back for your ponytail.

http://www.rei.com/product/673768

[sundial]

I wear the headband with the pony tail cut-out and it's nice for this time of the year. I have a polar fleece version from Sahalie. Not only is it warm, it's windproof as well.

[sbctwin]

You can get a headband that fits under your helmet and goes around your ears. Pearl Izumi makes one. It even has a hole in back for your ponytail.

http://www.rei.com/product/673768

I use this one also when it gets down below 45F. It really does work nicely. For 45 - 55, I pull my sweatband down over my ears and above 55 I keep the headband around my forehead the way it was intended to be worn. I have a bell helmet with the ratchet fitting so I can loosen it up when I want to wear something under my helmet...or tighten it up when I don't require anything but my noggin...

[OakLeaf]

I just wear a thin knit cap. It does make my helmet a little snug, but you could loosen up the rear adjuster.

I don't know if Sliks (liner for full face helmets) would stay in place over your ears under a half shell bicycle helmet, but that's the first thing that came to my mind.

[vinbek]

I have a set of the Vshape muffs that velcro on your straps to your helmet. A friend made me a pair. You could easily make a pair with warm soft fabric and velcro. In cold winter months I wear a silk balaclava that can be worn in many different ways. It wicks and keeps you warm. In the summer, I just wear a nice soft cotton bandana. I hate wind in my ears and the bandana is not bulky and protects my ears. I have head bands and sweat bands and I still prefer lightweight breathable fabrics.

[Miranda]

I hope some of you Buffs fans check back in on this without starting a new thread...

WOW, I just did the google on buffs. That is a huge selection of patterns! We must have buffs at our house now. But, I'm torn on what size to order?

The children and I are all about the same... 21" to 22" heads. We fit both the junior and adult ranges. For anyone that has both, how do they feel on? I wonder if the adult would be too loose and slide around... or the youth would be too tight?

Thanks for any insight!

[lph]

hmm - I don't know my head size, I'm afraid, but I use a Giro helmet size M, the Small fit but didn't leave me enough leeway for anything underneath i winter. So I guess I'm a S/M. I wear the regular Buffs, but after a lot of wear they get a bit sloppier. Tehy're too loose for me to wear them around my neck like a neck gaiter, though, they just slip down.

[short cut sally]

TE has a earband made by Sugoi I think, came in black or blue. I found these to be perfect and ordered 2 a year or so ago so not sure if they still sell them. They are thin but warm. All I have to do is adjust my helmet ever so slightly when I wear the earwarmers. I also purchased one at the sporting store made by Nike, a tad thicker but it has reflective dots over the whole thing, and that was in the running section. Still works the same. I wear them all winter long and don't have a problem. I don't sweat with them, they are perfect for me. good luck

[Miranda]

hmm - I don't know my head size, I'm afraid, but I use a Giro helmet size M, the Small fit but didn't leave me enough leeway for anything underneath i winter. So I guess I'm a S/M. I wear the regular Buffs, but after a lot of wear they get a bit sloppier. Tehy're too loose for me to wear them around my neck like a neck gaiter, though, they just slip down.

Thx for answering lph...
I was right on the cusp between a small helmet and a medium too. I bought the small. It is a struggle to get stuff under it. I've never worn a full skull cap. Just my PI headband. The lip on the band can dig in with the tight fit. I like that the Buff is a seamless garment for that reason. I did wonder if it would stretch out as you have noted. I'm sure one of the reasons why my PI headband has the seamed edge (to help prevent stretch out). I might just order both a youth buff and an adult buff. DD liked them too, so good excuse to give both sizes a try. Sounds like it has so many purposes, tighter or stretched, it's a good garment to own.

[Becky]

I hope some of you Buffs fans check back in on this without starting a new thread...

WOW, I just did the google on buffs. That is a huge selection of patterns! We must have buffs at our house now. But, I'm torn on what size to order?

The children and I are all about the same... 21" to 22" heads. We fit both the junior and adult ranges. For anyone that has both, how do they feel on? I wonder if the adult would be too loose and slide around... or the youth would be too tight?

Thanks for any insight!

Love my Buff- just wore it for the first time commuting today!

My head size is right around yours, Miranda. I went with the Women's Slim-Fit Buff (http://www.buyabuff.com/Women%20Slim%20Fit/women.htm), which is really just a Junior Buff in more grown-up, feminine patterns. It fits perfectly! Buyabuff.com was the only site that had them- the Buff company site didn't even have them yet! Peter at Buyabuff/Green Extreme Outdoors Ltd. told me that they're a new product this year. He was very helpful and pleasant, and my stuff got here super fast from BC.

I tried DH's adult buff, and it was too loose, depending on how I wore it. My chick buff was a little snug at first, but has loosened up nicely.