Proper head wear while out cycling during the winter can help greatly in keeping the rest of your body warm, as a lot of your body’s heat can be lost through the head. So keep your head warm to keep your body warm! Depending on how cold it is when you go out biking, you’ll want to change up your strategy for how much cold weather protection to give your head.
Here are some of the best ways to keep your head warm when out biking in the cold weather. These options to keep your head from losing heat during your winter bike ride. Pick and choose and mix different options depending on the weather conditions and your preference!
Covered in this section to keep your head warm during a winter bike ride are:
- Winter skull cap
- Winter cycling cap
- Ear warmers and headbands
- Balaclava
- Helmet cover
- Winter helmet
- Eyewear and glasses
Skull cap
A windproof and lightweight cycling skull cap that you wear under your helmet will help to retain some heat in your head. If it’s really cold, consider opting for a fleece winter skull cap that covers the ears to maximize heat retention.
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
Traditional cycling cap
A traditional cycling cap can also work in cold and wet conditions. The cap can help from keeping too much heat escape from your head, while the visor can help keep the precipitation from getting into your eyes if it’s a rainy or snowy day. If you’re biking in very cold weather, look for a winter cycling cap that comes with ear flaps so you can protect your ears against the cold wind. Depending on the type of cap you get, the helmet straps can hold the ear flaps down to keep the head warm. If there’s no precipitation in the forecast, maybe consider wearing your cycling cap backwards so the visor can protect the back of your neck from the cold air and wind. Winter cycling caps that are made of wool are also a good option to keep your head warm.
Ear warmers
Ear warmers or a fleece headband can help to keep your ears protected from the cold air if your other chosen head wear doesn’t provide it.
Balaclava
If you’re going to be exposed to extreme wind chills, look into a balaclava to cover your head, face, and neck in order to protect against the cold wind. A balaclava made of relatively thin material can be easy to pull the lower portion down off your chin or pull it up over your nose. A balaclava can also help to avoid breathing in cold air.
Helmet cover
A waterproof helmet cover will keep you drier and warmer in wet and very cold conditions, while minimizing the cold air that seeps in through the top of your helmet. A helmet cover serves to protect against the cold wind and the elements. If it starts raining or snowing, you’ll find yourself more protected. A helmet cover also offers a simple avenue to regulate your body temperature. If you find yourself getting too hot, you can easily snap off the helmet cover.
Winter helmet
If you live in a very cold climate and you know you’ll be out riding regularly, you may also consider a winter cycling helmet. You may also consider a snowboarding or ski helmet. These types of helmets can serve as an alternative to protect your head and keep your head warm. These types of winter helmets provide more insulation than your typical bike helmet, and generally are designed to be breathable and come with a form of ear covers to keep your ears warm as well.
Eye wear
And then there are the eyes! Even if you feel it’s not bright enough outside for sunglasses, some form of glasses or eye protection is a good idea. You want to protect your eyes from the wind, cold air, and any debris that comes at you while you are out riding. Cycling through cold wind may cause your eyes to tear up, which in turn may reduce your visibility. So good eye wear to protect your eyes from the elements is important, even more so if you’re riding in cold temperatures.
Glasses that curve around the face a bit can further help to protect your eyes against the cold wind. If it is cloudy or overcast outside, or you’re riding when it’s on the darker side, wear glasses with a clear lens.
Some cyclists choose to wear ski goggles when it’s really windy or cold. This serves to protect your eyes as well. Just keep in mind if you choose to go this route that wearing ski goggles may reduce your peripheral vision just a tad.
HAPPY WINTER BIKING!
Do you want more tips on how to dress for winter cycling?
Check out a sample winter cycling outfit!
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling