Yep. I’m picky about the stuff I wear and the stuff I use when I’m fly fishing. I have very little patience for gear that doesn’t do what it’s supposed to do, or makes me uncomfortable, or just generally sucks (like this awful lamp). A winter hat seems like something that’s so simple, it shouldn’t require much thought. Therein lies the beauty of the UnderArmour Primaloft Ridge Reaper Hunt Beanie: it’s warm. It’s comfortable. It does what I want it to do.
For starters, I like to wear a ball cap when I’m fishing, even in the winter. The visor keeps the sun out of my eyes and precipitation off my glasses. On those really cold days, I like to wear a ski-type hat over the ball cap. My issue with previous hats was that they were too snug or too small or not warm enough. The last thing I want to be doing out on a river when it’s 20 degrees is be futzing with my hat. So the Ridge Reaper, even though it’s one size, is stretchy and roomy but snugs down nicely around my head and ears with no fuss.
New hat: the UnderArmour Primaloft Ridge Reaper Hunt Beanie.

Cosmetically, I like that the logo is understated. I’m not a fan of high-visibility, high-contrast logos, and as an outdoors person, you can understand wanting to blend in. According to the UA website, the yarn in this hat is breathable and water resistant, and it has a double layer knit lining. Sounds perfect. Like most UA products, this is more than I’d like to pay. $40 for a hat? But, as with so many other things, my eventual cost-per-use will make me forget the price, as will the hat’s performance and comfort.
Price: $40
Rating: *****
A post-steelhead-landed victory shot, hat under the hood. A warm angler is a happy angler.

Probably not warm enough for winter steel heading, but I have found the Simms Ultra Core Beanie and gloves just the ticket for fall and spring trout fishing. Plus they take up no room in the vest so there is no excuse for not carrying them.
It’s always a treat to find something that you like. On not-freezing days I like a head band to go around my ears.
How about attacking the age old question “what is the best form of fly vest”. Soooo many choices! Vest, chest pack, sling, etc., etc.
From my perspective, Steve, there ain’t no best — people like what they like, and the best vest in the world won’t satisfy someone who wants a pack…or a sling…etc. I use both vest and chest pack, for different applications. Perhaps I’ll write about that some day. Thanks for the suggestion!
Small chest pack. You don’t have to carry the whole fly shop on your back. I found that this works for me and I don’t have to carry a lot of stuff. Bill
Thanks, Bill. See my comment above. Glad you’ve got a system that works for you!