I get painfully cold ears when walking. I have found a variety of ways to keep my ears warm while also wearing earphones and sunglasses. The following give a great variety for keeping your ears warm in cold weather.
1. Sub4 Drylyte Extreme Cold Hat
Wendy Bumgardner © 2005
I just can't say enough how much I love this hat. It keeps my tender ears warm from cold without looking too "North Woodsy." It is nearly impossible to have blown off your head. It has a bill to shield my eyes and complexion from the sun, and it wicks away sweat and rain. I own at least 4 of these - I am so afraid of not finding one when I want one!
2. Fleece Headband
© Wendy Bumgardner
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.
3. Turtlefur Hats
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.4. 180s Earwarmers
© Wendy Bumgardner
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.
5. SoundFlips
© Wendy Bumgardner
Ear warmers that open for sound. The problem with headphones and ear warmers is that you may not hear critical sounds, like oncoming bicycles, traffic or trains. These ear warmers have sound doors that open to let in those important sounds. They also have a headphone jack so you can listen to your personal stereo or MP3 player while keeping your ears warm and staying alert.
6. Beanie Hats
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.7. North Face Visor Beanie
It's a beanie! It's a baseball cap! It keeps your head warm, your eyes shaded from the winter glare, and it dries fast if it gets wet.8. Buff and Polar Buff
© Wendy Bumgardner
"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.
9. Fleece Balaclava
In the coldest weather, a balaclava will protect your neck, cheeks and chin as well as insulate your head.10. Earbags
© Wendy Bumgardner
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.
