Gear Review: Outdoor Research Aria/ Transcendent Beanie

[warmest]

“It’s a parka for your melon!” exclaimed one tester after a season of wearing the Aria on hut trips and during rest breaks on deep winter ski tours. (The Aria is pictured; Transcendent is the non-brimmed men’s model.) The Pertex Endurance shell sheds snow and moisture, while the 650-fill down insulation provides major warmth. Almost too much, says our tester. “This is a rest-period hat, ideal for transitions, belaying, or just chilling in the tent or by the fire on a cold night.” Ding: Wind shoots through seams. Put it on under a hardshell hood for ultimate warmth and weather protection. Perk: It stuffs down nearly to iPhone size. $48 (Aria), $45 (Transcendent); 1 oz.; (m’s and w’s S/M-L/XL); outdoorresearch.com