Ear coverings

[meridian]

I have the same problem with my ears at 60 and below. I use a folded buff for 50-60 degrees, and a wind resistant fleece headband with ear flaps for 40-50 degrees, and I start start layering the buff and various headbands and skull caps below that. I've tried ear bags as well, but they were extremely uncomfortable and too rigid for me. My ear canals are the main problem.. I find that a bit of fluffed up cotton ball or loose wool [the kind sold for shoe fit/foot problems] over the middle of my ear helps also. A layer that is truly wind proof in the ear area is key for me in cold weather.

[Jiffer]

I also have issues with my ears when it's cold. I wear a ski mask, which is thin and moisture wicking and covers my entire head and neck. It can cover my mouth if I want, but I usually pull it down below my chin. I don't always need something so extreme that covers so much, so I'm going to look into some of these other options. Great thread!!!

[Geonz]

Yea, even if it's a reminder that things aren't going to get warmer for a while...

[lph]

Oh, I forgot to mention that my ear canals are protected too, but in a way a lot of people don't like so I'll just whisper it real quietlike

I wear earbuds, with music on

[batsheva]

http://www.gobros.com/cat/180s-Mens-...n=froogle.180s

these dont interfere with helmet fit and fold flat if you want to take them off on the ride - great product - look pretty good on too--

batsheva

[Rosie8]

Like many that have already posted, my ears bother me in cooler weather too. I went a different route and bought a slightly larger size Bell helmet (21.75"-24" size) so I could wear my winter hats or earbands. It works! It also has less vents than my original helmet. My Giro helmet couldn't adjust big enough for the thinnest wool hats or ear bands without giving me a headache. Now I'm happy. Love the other suggestions too.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I also have issues with my ears when it's cold. I wear a ski mask, which is thin and moisture wicking and covers my entire head and neck. It can cover my mouth if I want, but I usually pull it down below my chin. I don't always need something so extreme that covers so much, so I'm going to look into some of these other options. Great thread!!!

I do the same thing- a silky balaclava in very cold weather (in the 20's or 30's). But between 40 and 55 I like my SmartWool merino helmet liner, like Mimi uses as well. It's very thin and soft, covers the ears, keeps you warm, but lets your head breathe.

[sundial]

But between 40 and 55 I like my SmartWool merino helmet liner, like Mimi uses as well. It's very thin and soft, covers the ears, keeps you warm, but lets your head breathe.

I'm glad you posted about this because I'm shopping for a wool something for the dead of winter. Is it a beanie of sorts?

[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.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm glad you posted about this because I'm shopping for a wool something for the dead of winter. Is it a beanie of sorts?

TE sells it, it's great:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodSW_12950.html

(P.S. I find the Smartwool headbands to be too narrow to be practical though)

[malkin]

Mmm Mmm a little smartwool under the helmet is nice if it is a little chilly, and a little more (headband AND balaclava) if it is a little more chilly.

[jsdilks]

I've had problems with my ears when it gets cool too - and have thought I was nuts all these years. I finally found headbands at Target that work great - they're about 1 1/2 inches wide or so and work fine under my helmet. I put my sunglasses on over the outside, but they work just fine that way. I'll have to see what I need when the weather gets cooler - I've not had to deal with hats yet.

[Miranda]

I use the PI thermal fleece headband w/the ponytail cut out. I just wish that it came in a lighter weight also. TE used to have a Hind version of a ponytail headband. It looked lighter weight. BUT... snooze you lose... I went to buy it and gone.

[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.