Knit Hats and Neck Tubes

In cooler climes and even in tropical areas, the neck tube and knit hat is a versatile and  essential piece of gear.

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When temperature drops, the body minimizes heat loss and conserves heat in the core by selectively reducing heated blood flow to the extremities such as arms and legs.  That’s why your hands and feet get cold when it’s cold outside.

The one extremity that continues to get heated blood is the head. The body must keep the brain functioning for survival. Thus heat loss from the head is a serious concern.

The old adage says “If your feet are cold, put on a hat” advise reducing heat loss from the head to allow more heated blood to flow to other extremities. This even works at night when you’re feeling cold in your sleeping bag; either cover your head with the bag hood or put on a knit hat. 

One venerable style of hat is the knitted woolen hat, often called a woolly hat, sock cap, skull cap, tuque, knit cap, knit hat, snow cap, stocking cap, watch hat, chook, skully, beanie, tossle cap, ski cap or snow hat. Nowadays it’s often sewn from synthetic fleece fabric.

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Typically, it’s lightweight, crushable and takes little space in your pack or pocket.  It’s worth carrying one.

An alternative piece of gear is the neck tube. Lately many commercial varieties are available with a myriad of names. They are known by many names: Neck Tube, Neck Gaiter, Multiclava, Turtle Fur, Buff, etc.

An extremely versatile piece of gear, you can wear it as a neck scar, head band, hat, hood, balaclava or as a hand muff for cold hands. These come in knitted wool or acrylic yarn, various fleeces, thin patterned fabric for a stylish look – take your choice.

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Here are instructions on sewing one yourself.

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p.s. This page is still in development – 8/2017 Jim