Galibier Flanders Winter Hat

Well, Mine has arrived. Not a whole lot to complain about other than it doesnt completely cover my ears when i got my headphones on but that is a 'ME' problem.

I would have been completely happy to pay a few quid more if they had double-layered it completely, added a windproof panel to the front and some reflective detailing to make it a sort of intermediate hat between a lightly insulated hat a and a full on deep winter belgium hat.

Not been out with it on yet as its a rest day but the stitching on the hat is absolutely immaculate and as a first time Galibier customer, im pretty impressed.

In general I agree that a mismatch between the description and the actual product can be a valid basis for criticism. In this case, however, I don't see it.

First, the only reference to "deep" winter riding is your own (both in the review itself and in the comment down here). I've gone to Galibier's website and don't find a single reference to "deep" or anything similar. So on that basis you've knocked the product down based on an alleged mismatch with a description you made up yourself.

And in any event, the review clearly indicates that this hat *is* appropriate for deep winter riding because it layers so nicely. Would it make sense to knock down a baselayer (or jersey or jacket) just because it can't be worn on its own in deep winter conditions? Granted, this hat isn't advertised as a layer, but then it's also not advertised in any other way that would make me think it could be worn on its own in deep winter conditions.

So based on what I see here (I've never used this hat or any other Galibier product), it seems to me that this hat is appropriate for both the actual advertised use case (winter riding, worn on its own) and the made-up use case (deep winter riding, worn as part of a layering system). Add in the simple good looks and great value for money, and I don't know what else could be asked of a product like this.

Guess it depends on your definition of the word 'deep' - "perfect for frosty riding days" suggests it's good for at least some sub-zero temperatures, and Iwein seems to be suggesting it's not.

I greatly envy anyone whose deep winter riding can be described as merely "frosty". But regardless, the reviewer indicates that the hat is not only good but superior for such riding:

I do own one of those full-fat Belgium hats, but have found myself favouring the layering option since reviewing this hat.

So, while for me it's not quite warm enough on its own in winter, it has become a favourite winter riding accessory.

That "on its own" seems to be doing a heroic amount of heavy lifting. Just about nothing else we wear for cycling in winter gets worn on its own, so why should a hat be any different? And again, as the reviewer conceded, hats that *are* warm enough to be worn on their own are inferior to a layering system based around this lighter hat. And yet, because it's allegedly not warm enough to wear on its own (for someone who admits to running unusually cold on top), it's not a winter hat and so gets knocked down harshly.

Try the Assos Fuguhelm (if you can get one).  Stupid name (which seems par for the course), but it's made of light materials, fits well and comfortably under a helmet which is a massive plus - and is warm, without being oppressively so. 

The word "deep" might not have come directly from Galibier's own copy, but they do describe it as a "Belgian-style Winter Hat" which, to my mind, is pretty much synonymous. 

I love mine. It is the only one I have found to give ear protection and I can still hear the traffic for my commute. Bought in Septeember and used daily down to -5 under my helmet. I have tried load of Belgian style (NOT flanders Galibier!) and the thicker hats you just sweat too much in while riding. Perhaps the tester has just used them for walking about