Top 10 Ear Warmers for Cold Weather Walks

I keep a fleece headband handy throughout the cooler months. Earwarmer bands work well with sunglasses and earbud earphones. It doesn't take up much room in your pack or pocket if you decide you don't need it. Be sure to try it on to make sure it isn't too tight. Maybe I just have a big head, but I've run into several designs that were too tight. I prefer those that aren't fabric lined, as the fleece is usually a bit stretchy and so you don't end up with a poor fit.

Turtle Fur fleece beanies come in several designs, including one that is ponytail-friendly and the earbeanie with earflaps. I love the soft and stretchy turtle fur microfleece.

Go plush or go home. There are a lot of fun and funky ear muffs to wear to show your retro side. Plush toy muffs. Cougar animal print muffs. Faux furry muffs. Quilted flower muffs. Colorful muffs to match your outfit. There are designs to go over the top of your head or behind your head.

These earwarmers have a band around the back of your head rather than other the top, a style preferred by men. They are built to be able to slip in earphones so your ears stay warm while listening to your walking music or audiobooks, with the cord at the back of your neck. Works great with hats and doesn't mess up your hair.

"Survivor" popularized the versatile Buff. You can get it half Polartec fleece, half microfiber or all microfiber. Either way, you can wear it as a headband, as a cap that comes over the ears, as a balaclava, a dozen ways.

A good old watch cap or beanie is perfect in cold and windy weather, fitting snugly to your head and warming your ears. Columbia has a variety that include acrylic, wool, Omni-Therm, and some with fleece inner linings. Choose your design.

It's a beanie! It has a bill! It keeps your head warm and your eyes shaded from the winter glare. Suddenly everybody is making visor beanies. If you need a ponytail hole, you'll have to shop smart to find one. The Columbia Urbanization Beanie does.

In the coldest weather, a balaclava will protect your neck, cheeks and chin as well as insulate your head. However, you should remove it before you visit a bank or convenience store, unless you also plan to rob the place.

Ban the band. There is no band to muss up your hair with these - you slip them over your each ear and they hold well and keep your ears comfy.

A faux fur-lined hat with long earflaps you can tie or button under your chin is just the thing for really cold walks -- or shooting that wascally wabbit.