Also I'm looking at the Meru hat. Does it cover the ears? My ears get cold if I just think about going outside!
I can't help you with questions about the top, but I own the Meru hat and love it. I wore it today under my helmet for a 13-mile ride in the high 20s and was very comfortable. It covers my ears, but is thin enough that it doesn't make my helmet too tight.
"If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." (Will Rogers)