As the cold weather sets in the best winter fishing hats will help keep you warm and comfortable if you're out on the bank. There is a myth that you lose half of your body heat through your head, and while this might not be true, it has been proven that around 10% of your body heat escapes through your head, which is still a significant amount.
Choosing one of the best winter fishing hats is therefore a relatively cheap and easy way to make your time on the bank more pleasant. The warmer your fishing clothing in the winter, the better your decision making and enthusiasm will be, which in turn, will help catch you more fish.
The best winter fishing hats at a glance...
• Best Waterproof Winter Fishing Hat - OMC Berry Toasty Beanie - View offer on Angling Direct
• Best Fitting Winter Fishing Hat - KUMU Unity Beanie - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Winter Fishing Hat Range - Korda Trawler Beanie - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Hybrid Winter Fishing Hat - Guru Peaked Beanie - View offer on Angling Direct
Whether you like a more subtle beanie style hat or a bit more extravagant bobble hat, choosing a quality option is the most important factor, as looks but no substance is definitely not going to benefit you in this instance. Here is a guide to some of the best winter fishing hats available...
Best classic fishing hat
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The ESP Head Case Wooly Hat is made with a heavy knit, making for a very thick and stretchy hat that has a lovely soft fleece lining. These durable hats are available in a Maroon or Olive colour and thanks to the material used will keep your head really warm. You can choose to roll the hat up or leave it down depending on your preferences or the size of your head.
If it’s good enough to grace the head of the legendary Terry Hearn, it’s good enough for us!
Pros
- Chunky knit design.
- Fleece lined.
Cons
- Can get very warm.
Best winter fishing hat range
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If you're fed up of green and camo hats, the Korda Trawler Beanie is perfect for adding a splash of colour to your angling attire. Available in Black, Mustard, Olive and Burgundy, there will be a colour to suit you, whatever your preference is. Designed to sit on the ear rather than over it, the hat is a snug fit but doesn't become restrictive, ideal for those who don't particularly like wearing a hat.
The hat itself is really soft and lightweight making it really easy to wear all day and night should you need it in poor weather. Finished with the Korda logo, these hats wouldn't look out of place at a social event or a 3 night stay on the bank.
Pros
- Really stylish hats.
- Easy to wear.
Cons
- Not the best choice if you prefer a larger hat.
Best winter fishing hat for durability
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With all the green and camo associated with angling, its nice to add some colour, and the Navitas Green and Pink Lily Beanie Hat certainly does that - we love the colour!
The hat is made from 100% acrylic, which makes it super soft and really warm, the hat can be worn to any occasion off the bank too!
Pros
- Something different.
- Warm, well made hat.
Cons
- Colour won't be for everyone.
Best hybrid winter fishing hat
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If you would rather wear a cap in the winter months, the Guru Peak Beanie is the perfect hybrid headwear to keep you warm but still provide the benefits of a cap. The stylish one-size-fits-all hat, is a cotton and acrylic mix that keeps the hat stretchy and secure during use whilst keeping your head cosy and warm.
The hat has a built in peak to keep the winter sun out of your eyes and rain off your face. Unlike some hats of a similar nature the peak won't fold down and restrict your vision.
Pros
- Peak to give you the advantages of a cap.
- Nice fitting hat.
Cons
- The peak won't be for everyone.
Best waterproof winter fishing hat
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The OMC Berry Toasty Beanie is a really well made hat, designed to be as stylish on the bank as it is off it! Made with two distinct layers for added comfort and warmth, the outer is manufactured with 100% acrylic which makes it durable, hardwearing and prevents shrinkage, whilst the inner is made with a 100% dry-vent membrane to allow your head to breathe. There is also a fleece lining which stops rubbing and prevents your head getting uncomfortable and itchy.
The hat is also fully waterproof, further testament to it being a really great fishing hat!
Pros
- Fully waterproof.
- Breathable and stylish.
Cons
- Hand wash only.
Best fitting winter fishing hat
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If you want style and comfort from your fishing hat, you'll be hard pushed to find a better range than the KUMU Unity Beanie hat. Coming in a range of colours, this one size fits all hat is sure to look good on any angler's head, regardless of discipline.
This beanie is knitted with a super-soft material with a chunky knit style to keep your head lovely and cosy when you're out fishing. The headband is elasticated and thanks to its snug fit, the hat will stay exactly where you put it, no more sliding down as you walk or slowly working its way off your head.
Pros
- Lovely colours in the range.
- Snug fit.
Cons
- The fit may be a little tight if your head is particularly large.
Brightest winter fishing hat
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If you tend to favour a bit more colour in your clothing, the Korda Nanny Pat Fishing Hat definitely ticks that box, with its neon green and black striped design, it will not go unnoticed. With all the dull colours on the bank these days we actually really like the difference this hat brings, it has a soft woolen design, which is renowned for its insulating properties and it also makes the hat unrestrictive and comfortable to wear.
The hat won't shrink if it gets wet as some wool can do and thanks to the bobble at the top of the hat, no draughts will get in where the sticking meets.
Pros
- Striking design.
- Bobble increases insulating properties.
Cons
- Can become stretched overtime.
Best winter fishing hat for really cold weather
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The Matrix Thinsulate Beanie is a really stylish hat that adopts the 3M Thinsulate material which is renowned for its thermal properties in all sports, not just angling. The hat has a chunky knit appearance and is available in grey or black and thanks to the material it won't become saggy and can be cleaned easily.
Pros
- Thinsulate lining for ultimate heat retention.
- Material stops the hat becoming saggy.
Cons
- The hat might be a bit bland for some anglers.
Best carp angler bobble hat
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The Fox Heavy Knit Bobble Hat is a classic carp anglers bobble hat. Finished in a subtle olive colour, the hat looks great without being too outlandish. The hat is very roomy, so will fit any size head and allows you to position the hat wherever you find it most comfortable, the extra room also helps trap air to keep the insulating properties high.
The 100% acrylic material helps the hat wick moisture from the head to stop you sweating and getting itchy and it stops the hat shrinking to keep it looking great no matter what the weather or how many times you wash it.
Pros
- 100% acrylic material great for durability.
- Oversize keeps it comfortable regardless of head size.
Cons
- Only one colour available.
Best winter fishing hat for comfort
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The Trakker Textured Fishing Beanie offers unrivalled comfort thanks to its ultra-soft, fur lining. Not only does this reduce sweating and rubbing, it also provides your head with great insulation to keep you lovely and warm throughout your session.
The hat is woven with a chunky knit style and is a one-size-fits-all.
Pros
- Fur lined.
- Really comfortable to wear.
Cons
- Can become a bit baggy.
Best fishing hat for freezing temperatures
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The Zerofit Thermal Bobble Hat is the perfect accessory for days when it is bitterly cold. Tested down to temperatures as low as minus 10°C, you can be certain your head will stay lovely and warm.
The material has a lovely soft feel and despite the chunky headband, the hat isn't too restrictive, making it really comfortable and preventing it rubbing or causing any itching.
Pros
- Great insulating properties.
- Stylish design.
Cons
- Can be very warm if conditions are quite mild.
Best winter fishing cap
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The Guru Waterproof Winter Series Cap is the perfect solution to those anglers that prefer to wear a cap over a hat. The cap features a cosy fleece lining, offering protection from both the cold and the rain, whilst providing some insulation. The peak protects your eyes from the often dazzling winter sunlight.
Pros
- Great for those who don't like wearing hats.
- Waterproof.
Cons
- Won't offer the same level of insulation as a hat.
Best waterproof bobble fishing hat
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Thick and warm, the Preston Celsius Waterproof Bobble Hat is the latest addition to the popular and well renowned Celcius range. The hat incorporates two layers, with a waterproof membrane between the outer shell and inner layer, designed to keep you dry and warm in the winter months.
Pros
- Waterproof membrane.
- Celcius range is well renowned for its warm clothing.
Cons
- The bobble can get in the way of a hood.
What to look for in a winter fishing hat
The first thing to consider when deciding on a winter fishing hat is what style is most comfortable to you, regardless of what a hat looks like and how stylish you may find it, if it is uncomfortable to wear it really isn't suitable.
The material the hat is made from is also a big factor, if a certain material causes you to sweat or irritates your skin, it's best avoided, as you will be unwilling to wear it. If you do a lot of angling in the colder months, in all weathers, it is well worth investing in a hat with waterproof or showerproof properties, as there is nothing more unpleasant than wearing or putting on a soaking wet hat.
Finally, the design is crucial, like most clothing if you don't feel it suits your style, find one that does. If you aren't going to wear it, the hat has little use sitting on your shelf. The fit of the hat is also important, some people like a snug fitting hat, others prefer a more loose fitting option, so it's worth finding a hat that ticks all the boxes mentioned here!
Glossary
Acrylic: A material made from plastic in a similar way to nylon, it has elastic properties and helps keep clothing robust.
Beanie: A beanie is a small, close fitting hat that is generally worn towards the back of the head.
Frequently asked questions on fishing hats
Should you wear a hat when fishing in winter?
When it is cold, wearing a hat when fishing is always advised as it will help keep you warm. The warmer you are, the better your decision making and the higher your enthusiasm will be, which will lead to you fishing better and ultimately catching more fish.
Can you get waterproof fishing beanies?
The answer is yes! Waterproof beanies are available from a few manufacturers now and as well as being 100% waterproof they are also really stylish and comfortable to wear. No longer do you have to suffer wearing a soggy hat on the bank.
What are the benefits of a fleece lined hat?
Fleece lined hats have great thermal properties to help keep you warmer when it is cold, they also make the hat really comfortable. They're especially useful if your skin is sensitive and irritated by wool or similar fabrics, as the fleece seems much kinder on the skin.
Author Aidan Bordiuk is an enthusiastic angler who enjoys all fishing disciplines from match fishing to beach casting. He is currently occupying the position of Commercial Content Writer at Angling Times.