This Carhartt Beanie Is Perfect for Winter Travel

Carhartt is one of those unicorn brands that somehow transcends generations, social classes, and fashion trends. My dad, a semi-retired rancher approaching his 70s, sports it head-to-toe. Meanwhile last fall, Vogue France reported that 22-year-old model Kaia Gerber is a Carhartt fan, and in back in 2021, Glenn Close and Jeff Daniels both wore it to the Golden Globes. As for me? I’m a 34-year-old travel writer who swears by the brand’s top-rated Fleece Two-in-One Hat. 

For starters, anything with “two-in-one” in its name immediately grabs my attention. As travelers, we’re limited to how much we can pack, so BOGO (or buy one, get one) pieces are no-brainers. The fact that this versatile accessory is from a 135-year-old trusted brand is just a bonus. Of course, it’s also cozy. Take it from this Montana-based writer, who has traveled everywhere from Antarctica to Iceland; whether your next trip involves skiing in Aspen or cruising in Alaska, you won’t regret packing the Carhartt Fleece Two-in-One Hat. 

Carhartt Fleece Two-in-One Hat

Like its name suggests, this hat, which features a pull-down face mask that tucks away when not in use, is made with fleece. It functions like a little heater for my head, and because the fleece is made of polyester, it’s also breathable and incredibly moisture-wicking. 

I’ll be traveling with Great Journeys New Zealand in April and spending autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, and I know that this cap will be all of the difference from being cold and wet and warm and dry. While the fleece in the ear band portion of the Carhartt beanie is at least .25-inches thick, it still fits inside my beloved Smith Nexus Ski Helmet when I’m on the slopes. 

The built-in face mask, or balaclava if you’re feeling fancy, is also made with fleece, which initially worried me as I’m usually one to wear neck gaiters during winter sports. But the fabric that Carhartt uses for the mask is thin enough that I can inhale and exhale comfortably through both my nose and mouth. This is a benefit has earned high praise from other fans of the Carhartt beanie, including a fellow skier, who said that their “face stays warm the entire time” they wear it.

It also has odor-blocking properties and wicks away moisture, so my breath doesn’t fog up my Smith 4D Mag Ski Goggles. After all, besides holey socks and scratchy sweaters, few things are worse than a damp, dodgy-smelling face mask (at least when it comes to winter wear). I also love that this hat is compact enough to fit in the pocket of my Marmot Lightray Snow Pants.

Carhartt Two-in-One Fleece Hat

As much as I wish that I was an influential trendsetter who discovered the Carhartt Fleece Two-in-One Hat and how instrumental it is as a winter wardrobe staple, I’m not. Long before it was in my arsenal of accessories, I saw workers on the airport runway rocking it. Darrel Brewer, who unloads planes at Billings International Airport in Montana, told me that it’s his favorite beanie. 

And at Amazon, it’s so popular that it has nearly 8,500 five-star ratings. In fact, more than 1,000 hats were sold in the last month alone, according to the retailer. “Overall, I can’t recommend this enough,” one Amazon customer wrote, adding that they travel extensively for work and spend half of their time outdoors. 

Chiming in, another reviewer shared, “By far [this is] the best all around winter hat out there.” They also mentioned that they appreciate that it “takes up minimal space” and quipped that the Carhartt employee who designed it deserves a raise and a plaque. While this hat seems to be more popular among men, ladies like me also love it. “[It’s] soft and fits me perfectly,” a shopper summed up, noting that they identify as having a “large female head.” 

Carhartt Two-in-One Fleece Hat

I know that the groundhog didn’t see its shadow this year, so we’re in for an early spring. However, I’m not putting this hat in storage anytime soon. I wore it last weekend during a sleigh ride at Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, and I’ll wear it this week while skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. 

Whether you’re like Gerber and you can’t wait for Carhartt to come out with couture, or you’re like me, and you simply appreciate dual-purpose pieces for travel, the Carhartt Fleece Two-in-One Hat deserves a spot in your winter accessories rotation. 

Don’t need the face mask portion? Consider this Carhartt beanie that’s beloved by both Rihanna and Jennifer Lawrence. Or, keep scrolling for more best-selling and travel-friendly hats from other brands.  

More Winter Travel Hats at Amazon:

Hatromm Women’s Oversized Knit Slouchy Beanie

C.C Thick Cable Knit Cuff Beanie

Doxhaus Winter Trooper Trapper Hat With Adjustable Chin Strap 

Champion Men’s Ribbed Knit Cap

At the time of publishing, the price started at $30 

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