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Tackling the weather while on the trails, slopes, or local runs has become a fun and easy exercise with the variable options provided by Skida. Generally speaking, no matter your passion, you can find good use for any of these pieces to match the task at hand. Therefore, I suppose any of these can be worn for a particular sport, activity, or purpose depending on the weather conditions. You decide!
Let’s Take A Look At Skida’s Line Of Winter Apparel
I must say, there’s a soft spot in my heart for this Vermont company. The past 10 years have been spent wearing one hat of theirs for running, snowshoeing, biking, etc. as I play in this Nordic hat with great success. It has been my go-to hat for that entire time, and I am completely serious about!
When the opportunity arose to take a look and test several additional pieces of Skida products, I was super excited and jumped at the chance. Skida’s selections, and endless color arrays are quite astounding. The fashionable designs have really hit the mark with a large target market. Dare I say, it even speaks to the stylish daily winter wear crowd who merely want to stay warm while looking fabulous. The quality has definitely proven to be top notch for me, so I will move forward with putting these pieces to the test in as many possible ways as possible. The way I see it, the head, neck, and face game is completely covered for my winter fun.
Skida Alpine Hat – Zenith
Yes, I partake in this crazy practice of cold plunging. And when I see a chance to jump into a mountain stream or lake, I take it. With the water temperature in the 30’s, the hat helped keep my noggin warm while the rest of me endured 3 minutes of icy moving water.
Skida’s Alpine hat looks to be an improved and newer version of the one I have, so this will once again be a hat of many uses. Obviously, I will run in this piece, since it’s easy to quickly throw on as I head out the door. It’s also good for cycling depending on the temperatures and effort level. My cycling crew went out for a 75 mile ride. While we made a stop for gas station goodies, I did have to remove the hat as it was completely sweat-soaked through. The Alpine Hat had worked great up until that point, but my mates are very strong and pushed me into some high heart zones. That said, with the sun out and the temperatures creeping up towards the 50 degree mark, the Alpine Hat can be stashed into a pocket.
The great things about this hat is that it is very lightweight, and does have great breathable poly-blend fabric. Furthermore. what’s really nice is that the hat easily stretches below the ears for complete weather protection.
- Designed for: Running, skiing, cycling, xc skiing, and hiking.
- Wear it: Comfortably under your helmet or on its own.
- Bonus: UPF Rating of 50+. Suitable for all temperatures and adventures.
- Fabric: Poly-spandex jersey with moisture management technology: 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex
MSRP: $36 More info and availability at skida.com/products/zenith-alpine-hat
A lighter fabric at the crown is designed to allow for additional breathability for both hats. Very smart. Surprisingly, that doesn’t seem to be an earth shattering concept, but I’m curious why I don’t see that more on active hats.
Skida Nordic Hat – Current
Thick and insulated is the name of the game here. This is for those early cold days when fleece lined comes in nice and handy. The Nordic hat is simple, fits just right, and keeps the heads toasty warm.
Here we are at a very cold turkey trot with the family (although my oldest is concerned about her hair….), which makes for a perfect day to wear this Nordic hat. I have bought my wife a Skida headband as well which my little one snagged, and you can see a little bit of light blue poking through.
This hat is insulated with a 100% Polyester mid-weight fleece. Therefore, it wicks moisture to keep the head dry. The temperature does play a role here, because when it did warm up, the sweat drops started poking their little heads out. As a direct result from my increased level of effort which definitely played a role. All good, as the hat worked to get me out out the door when it was early and cold.
Banff National Park run
- Printed outer fabric: Poly-spandex jersey with MAX-Dri moisture management technology: 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex
- Medium weight fleece lining: 100% Polyester
- Size: S/M- 20.5” Circumference, M/L- 22” Circumference
- UPF Rating of 50+
MSRP: $38 Check out skida.com/collections/alpine/products/current-alpine-hat for more information and availability.
Skida Alpine Headband – Canyon
I am really liking the headband. Up to now, I haven’t had a chance to go snowshoeing or cross country skiing yet, but I can see a very good use there. XC skiing has to be one of the more intense heart-raising sports out there, and having some of that heat escape out the top will be nice.
In addition, I’ve thrown this hat on for runs, group bike rides, as well as a slower commute bike ride into work. It fits snug but not too tight. I am not a fan of really tight ear squeezing headgear, and this headband hit the spot. As I anticipate more intense workouts this winter, I feel that the headband will see a lot of action.
- Designed for: Running, skiing, cycling, and hiking.
- Wear it: Comfortably under your helmet or on its own.
- Bonus: UPF Rating of 50+. Suitable for all temperatures and adventures.
- Fabric: Poly-spandex jersey with moisture management technology: 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex.
- One size fits most. Circumference 19.5″, Height 3.5″
MSRP: $20 More options available at skida.com/collections/alpine-headbands.
Skida Balaclava – Urchin
One of the more challenging activities to properly dress for is skiing. Usually, I am out there for the better part of a day which can span from early cold hours to sunny and warm towards the end. To top it all off, a stormfront can also move in. Being prepared for that requires some forethought.
In the Keystone parking lot, getting ready for my first ski of the season.
The Balaclava offers full neck and head coverage for long days on the slopes. For that matter, hiking, biking, and running are also good contenders for this piece depending on your adventure. It’s a flexible product as it can easily fit under a ski or bike helmet. The great part is that it can pretty much cover your entire face (except for the eyes. We need the eyes!). At times, I want my nose open for better breathing and airflow. However, when flying down the mountain at 40 mph, complete coverage is a good attribute.
The fabric is a mere single layer, and totally surprised me that it kept the cold at bay. I’d say it was in the 20’s when I started skiing. Eventually, as the winter takes hold with much colder temperatures, I may bring another thicker option along. For now, I will push the limits on this Skida Balaclava.
- One Size Fits Most: 21″ Head Circumference, 19″ Neck Circumference, 6.5″ Height
- UPF Rating of 50+
MSRP: $40 (some styles on sale for $28). For options and availability, visit skida.com/collections/balaclavas.
Final Thoughts
If you are an active outdoors person, or even if you are not, the Skida line of head and neckwear is diverse and stylish. The quality is top-notch. Thus, these pieces will last for a very long time. Proof is in the pudding for me, as I have sported one of their hats consistently for the past 10 years. Furthermore, the color arrays, and designs they continuously come up with are unique, happy, and sure to please everyone. Above all else, I feel good getting outside to brave any kind of weather conditions. With that said, I am a fan of the company and the product. In either case, take a look for yourself! You will not be disappointed. Check out the entire line of Skida gear at skida.com.
