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

[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.

[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.

[salsabike]

I too get cold ears easily and I wear a headband almost year-round.

[lph]

I like wearing something under my helmet almost year-round. The Buff is quite long but otherwise perfect, so I wear half a Buff in summer or a whole one folded double when it gets colder. I pull it down around my neck first, then pull it up again over my hair until the front end meets my hairline, then I tuck the rear end at the nape of my neck under itself a couple of times so it snugs down. Easy and sleek.

[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...

[Geonz]

There are thingies designed specifically to go under helmets to cover your ears - they are the kewlest. They just go around the straps where your ears are. Now, if I could remember their names...
... oh, a Google Victory 'cause I remembered Mike Bentley linked to 'em
V-Muffs
http://www.mapleshademercantile.com/ordering/

[Ninabike]

I like wearing something under my helmet almost year-round. The Buff is quite long but otherwise perfect, so I wear half a Buff in summer or a whole one folded double when it gets colder. I pull it down around my neck first, then pull it up again over my hair until the front end meets my hairline, then I tuck the rear end at the nape of my neck under itself a couple of times so it snugs down. Easy and sleek.

Iph What I do with my Buff to make it smaller: turn it inside out, then put your arms inside each side to the opposite side (like a muff); grab the ends and then pull through with both arms. This turns it right-side out with a knot in the middle that you can adjust so it fits around the back of your neck. It ends up looking kind of like a do-rag with knot at the back.

[li10up]

I swear by the Headsweats skullcap. It is very thin but provides just the right amount of warmth. It is form fitting so it fits very well under a helmet.

[Norse]

I wear the Pearl Izumi headband. Nice and toasty but very, very thin so no problems fitting under the helmet.