Trail and running hats

Do you need a hat to run in cold weather?

The idea that we lose most of our heat through our head is a myth: the head loses about the same amount of heat as its surface area, roughly one-tenth of the total. However, a hat is still important, as the face, skull, and especially the ears are very sensitive to the cold and wind, making the first few minutes of running uncomfortable.

A runner's hat should therefore provide protection without causing overheating. When running, the body generates a lot of heat, and a model that is too thick can make you sweat, then cools the skull as soon as you slow down. This is why thin technical hats made from elastic synthetic fibres that wick away moisture and dry quickly are beneficial.

The other accessories

Trail accessories also come in various forms:

• Headbands.
• Neck gaiters.
• Balaclavas.
• Gloves.
• Caps and visors.
• Bottles and belts.

All accessories are available on the accessories page.

Thin, thermal, or reflective hat: which one for which outing?

The Odlo Polyknit, made from polyester and elastane, keeps you warm without overheating, dries quickly, and features reflective details: it's suitable for cool outings and intense sessions. The Mizuno Warmalite, stretchy, retains the heat emitted by the skull and showcases a reflective logo. The Craft ADV Thermal, made from windproof and water-repellent fabric with a raw-cut edge, is designed for biting cold and windy outings at altitude.

The Buff hat, thin and lightweight, can be folded into a pocket when the temperature rises. The reflective Ultimate Performance hat reflects car headlights: a plus for outings in the evening or early morning on roads shared with cars.

Knitted hats and children's models: before and after exercise

Thicker knitted hats, like the Barts, Lonsdale Dalston, or Benlee Bixler, aren't meant for long runs but keep the head warm during warming up, at the start line, or after the finish, when the body cools down quickly. The Mizuno Promo Beanie, simple and warm, goes well for trips and recovery.

For younger ones, the Mizuno Pro Beanie for kids mirrors the same design in a smaller size, perfect for school cross-country runs and winter training at the athletics club. A child's hat should fully cover the ears without going down over the eyes and stay in place without feeling tight during running.

Good deals

Good bargains can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals feature the latest collections, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and dispatched in 24 hours. The key events of the year follow a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and the back-to-school period.

Frequently asked questions

What material should I choose for a running hat?

Elastic polyester dries quickly and wicks away sweat, ideal for intense efforts. Merino wool, warmer, limits odors but dries more slowly; avoid cotton, which stays damp and cools the head.

How do I choose the size of my hat?

Measure the circumference of your head above the eyebrows and ears with a tape measure. Many technical hats come in one size due to their elasticity; when two sizes are available, they often cover approximately fifty-four to fifty-six and fifty-seven to sixty centimeters.

At what temperature should I wear a hat to run?

Many runners put one on below five to eight degrees, earlier if it's windy. A thin hat is enough around zero degrees; below that, a thermal windproof model becomes more comfortable, especially on long runs.

Does a running hat protect against rain?

Most technical hats are not waterproof: they dry quickly but let water through. A water-repellent fabric, like that of the Craft ADV Thermal, beads small amounts of rain and keeps the skull warm longer.

How do I wash a technical hat?

At thirty degrees, in a laundry bag and without fabric softener, which clogs the fibers and reduces their ability to wick away sweat. Lay it flat to dry, away from the radiator, to preserve its elasticity and reflective details.