Alpine Fit has created a unique merino wool beanie style hat that can be used for multiple purposes. I tried this hat out during the winter of 2023 while nordic skiing, backcountry skiing, downhill skiing (under a helmet), hiking, snowshoeing and casual use. Here are my thoughts:

Alpine Fit Nordic Anywhere Merino Wool Hat
Size: One Size
Colours: Kelp Green, Charcoal Grey, Outer Coast Blue
Price: $40 USD
Weight: 1.4 Oz

Features:

The Alpine Fit Nordic Anywhere Merino Wool hat is made from 100% ethically sourced merino wool that is both soft and odor-resistant. The hat circumference is 21 inches plus stretch and is made in Anchorage, Alaska. It features two different ingenious ways of wearing it: slouch style or brim style.

Pros:

My first impression of this merino wool hat right out of the package was how soft it is. This fabric feels pleasant to wear and is not itchy whatsoever. The hat has a double layer of the merino wool but feels lightweight and very comfortable. The hat performed well in athletic contexts - it is breathable but warm. 

I am absolutely in love with the slouchy look option of this athletic hat. So many winter athletic hats are carbon copies of the same design and I love how this one is so different. I normally wear it in slouch mode but when wearing it under certain helmets, I fold it into brim style. I love how I can wear it for both athletic wear but also for casual use. It has a great outdoor community vibe to it! 

I tried the beanie/toque under a climbing helmet and downhill ski helmet (and it would also work under a bike helmet). For my climbing helmet I did have to fold it up to brim style to get extra layers over my ears but for downhill skiing I could just pull it right over in slouch style. I liked how this worked as I could transition the hat seamlessly into 'apres-ski' style immediately.

The beanie/toque covers the ears very well in either mode. I have found some winter athletic hats that creep up but this one doesn't. It is also very small and compact, making it an easy choice for bringing along anywhere.

Over this winter this hat has become my 'go-to' hat for winter athletic wear and for casual use. I always find myself grabbing it! I am going to buy this hat in other colours! Check out the link above for more glowingly positive reviews and photos. 

Cons:

In colder wind, I could feel my ears get a bit chilly in slouch mode. The solution is simple: fold over the fabric into brim style. It eliminates the chill immediately! 

Best Uses: Casual use, winter sports, under a bike or climbing helmet.

Full Disclosure: Alpine Fit provided me this hat for the purpose of this review. It has become my absolute favourite hat so I would have bought it anyway!

Alpine Fit has created a stylish slim merino wool lined headband to keep your ears toasty in cooler conditions. It is made with a lightweight, breathable, quick-drying fabric that I tested over the winter of 2023 while nordic skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, and backcountry alpine skiing. How did it perform? Keep reading!

Alpine Fit Merino Wool Lined Headband
Colours: Sea to Sky, Tree Light, Summit Horizon, Stone Marble, Chugach Dusk, Purple Mountain
Size: One Size
Price: $30 USD
Weight: 1.5oz

Features:

Alpine Fit has combined an inner fabric made of 100% merino wool and a wicking polyester fabric as it's outer. The merino wool is ethically sourced and the wicking polyester printed fabric is made from 86% recycled fabric. The polyester fabric also has 14% stretch to accommodate different head sizes. The headband has a 19 inch circumference and and is made in Alaska.

Pros:

I was super excited to receive this headband and had a difficult time deciding on which print to get. The colour choices are all amazing and so stylish! I finally decided on the Summit Horizon pattern because I wear a lot of blue and did not regret it for one minute. I am thinking the Sea to Sky might be next! 

The headband covers my larger-than-average forehead and fits comfortably around my head circumference. I don't ever feel any tension and I am sensitive to headwear that is 'too tight'. The dual fabric is soft, smooth, and stretchy. The website does not show the width of this headband so I measured it:  3.5 inches wide.

In winter conditions, my ears were never cold. My head was able to vent heat and I felt comfortable and warm around my ears. The headband was able to cut the wind and was able to wick any moisture from my sweat glands.

The headband is indeed lightweight and packs up small. I love how it can be stashed in anywhere: Easily fits in a pocket, hip belt pocket, or pack. 

Although I never tried this, the headband looks like it can be easily reversed and worn with the merino wool side out. I always preferred to have the print side out but it could be done!

Comparing this headband to other brands I have tried like Buff, Icebreaker and Patagonia, I can hands down say that this one is my absolute favourite! It hits the mark when it comes to keeping the ears cozy but being able to regulate heat as well as adding a stylish pattern to it's look. I love it for all my winter aerobic pursuits. I would get one ASAP! 

Cons:

To be honest, I normally can find something I don't like about a product, but in this case I can't identify one! This one is a keeper! I need more!

Best uses: Nordic skiing, winter hiking, running, or under a climbing/biking helmet!

Full disclosure: Alpine Fit sent me this headband for the purpose of this review. I definitely would have bought this headband regardless I love it that much!