Keeping your head warm during winter cycling isn’t just a matter of comfort, it’s a big deal for keeping your ride fun and safe.
As a big fan of cycling—even in winter, I know how important it is to have gear you can count on, especially to keep you warm and cozy in the chilly weather.
Cycling in winter is no fun when you don’t have the right headgear, and you’d be more likely to catch a cold.
In this guide, I’ll be sharing with you the warmest skull caps for winter cycling, and how to choose the right thermal helmet liner to stay warm.
You’ll find my handpicked favorites for winter cycling skull caps and helmet liners.
How to keep your head warm when cycling in winter
One effective way to keep your head warm when cycling in winter is to wear a thermal cycling cap or skull cap designed for cold weather.
Thermal skull caps for winter are often made from insulating materials like fleece or synthetic blends that provide warmth while effectively managing moisture.
These caps are designed to fit comfortably under your helmet, providing an extra layer of insulation without compromising safety.
Here’s a quick list of factors to consider when choosing a thermal skull cap for winter cycling:
- Comfortably fits under your helmet
- Has a snug fit, but not too tight as to make you uncomfortable
- Provides sufficient insulation, and keeps your head warm in the cold
- Made with a lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking material
- It should also help block wind, especially around the forehead and ears
- A waterproof outer layer is also great, in case of unexpected rain or snow.
In very cold weather, you may need to layer with a balaclava or neck gaiter to cover your neck and lower face, as this will give you extra protection against biting wind.
We rounded up the best winter cycling caps, and before we further discuss what features to look for, let’s explore our list of top 7 best skull caps for winter cycling with mini reviews.
Best winter cycling thermal skull caps at a glance
- Hikenture Skull Cap Helmet Liner — Check Price on Amazon
- TSLA Men & Women Thermal Fleece Skull Cap — Check Price on Amazon
- Hikenture Skull Cap Helmet Liner with Ponytail — Check Price on Amazon
- Tough Headwear Helmet Liner Skull Cap — Check Price on Amazon
- GripGrab Aviator Windproof Black Skull Cap — Check Price on Amazon
- Hikenture Winter Skull Cap for Men & Women — Check Price on Amazon
- GripGrab Thermal Winter Cycling Balaclava — Check Price on Amazon
Best Winter Cycling Skull Caps, Beanies & Helmet Liners — Reviews of the 7 Top-rated
1. Hikenture Skull Cap Helmet Liner with Glasses Holes
The Hikenture Skull Cap is a winter essential that impressively delivers warmth despite its thin design. Even in freezing temperatures around 0°C, my face felt the chill, but this cap kept my head and ears very warm.
Plus, you can fit your winter cycling glasses through the “glasses holes” for better comfort and convenience.
Its slim profile allows for a seamless fit under a bicycle helmet, ensuring comfort without compromising safety.
This cap is not waterproof, but it’s snug and elastic fit will keep your ears warm during extended outdoor activities.
Its high-quality material doesn’t itch, and the overall comfort and warmth make it an ideal choice for winter cycling.
2. TSLA Men and Women Thermal Fleece Skull Cap
The TSLA Thermal Fleece Skull Cap lives up to its promise, it effectively traps heat where it matters most. This cap is a reliable companion for winter activities like walking, snow shoveling, and cycling.
It has a snug fit that protects against the cold without being bulky. The synthetic micro-fleece fabric provides noticeable warmth in sub-freezing conditions, which makes it ideal for chilly days.
It’s very comfortable under a bike helmet, and conveniently covers the head and both ears. Overall, TSLA maintains its reputation for delivering quality products, and this thermal skull cap proves no exception.
3. Hikenture Skull Cap Helmet Liner with Ponytail
The Hikenture Skull Cap is a versatile and practical choice, especially for cyclists with long hair. The ponytail hole at the back gives you a neat and practical solution for keeping your hair out of the way during activities like biking or cross-country skiing.
The snug and comfortable fit is perfect for wearing under a bike helmet, and the added slits for riding glasses make it even more convenient.
It’s made with a stretchy and lightweight fabric, which is elastic enough to fit various head sizes, and gives a cozy feel without discomfort.
Despite its somewhat unusual style, this skull cap is actually very functional, and an excellent choice for cold mornings and winter commuting.
4. Tough Headwear Helmet Liner Skull Cap Beanie
The Tough Headwear Helmet Liner Skull Cap Beanie is one of my favorite winter cycling beanies, and it has proven to be a valuable addition to my winter gear. The stretchy and moisture-wicking fabric keeps the head warm and dry during winter commuting.
It fits comfortably under my bike helmet, and covers my neck and ears. It also provides enough warmth without being too bulky.
Its soft, thin and breathable fabric is very comfortable and wicks moisture away from the skin. It’s also easy to maintain – very conveniently machine washable and air dries quickly.
5. GripGrab Aviator Windproof Black Skull Cap
The GripGrab Aviator Windproof Black Skull Cap is a must-have for the cold season. It’s incredibly comfortable, soft, and warm, which makes it perfect for winter commuting. This skull cap is not only practical, and also doesn’t make any whistling noises.
The soft, comfortable and quick-dry fabric used for this skull cap helmet liner will comfortably keep you warm and insulated without being too tight or too loose, and it snugly fits under a bike helmet.
It has a windproof front panel which adds an extra layer of protection, shielding against wind-chill and providing excellent coverage for ears and forehead. It’s an ideal and cozy companion for outdoor cycling in cold weather.
6. Hikenture Winter Thermal Cycling Cap
The Hikenture Winter Skull Cap is another great option for winter commuting. The thin yet high-quality fleece material and soft inner lining keep your head and ears cozy, even on the coldest days.
The high build-quality ensures that it snugly and comfortably covers your head and ears without being too tight or loose, and you can even wear earbuds beneath the cap.
It’s very comfy and practical, and will fit under your helmet, providing much-needed warmth and ear protection during chilly rides.
It also has a water-resistant treatment on the outer fabric, and this feature adds an extra layer of protection against snow and rain.
7. GripGrab Thermal Winter Cycling Balaclava
The GripGrab Thermal Winter Cycling Balaclava is a versatile winter cycling essential that will effectively keep your head and neck warm during cold outdoor rides without feeling bulky. This is a very good product with thoughtful design and functionality.
It fits seamlessly under a helmet, and provides enough warmth and insulation. And it basically covers your entire head — ears, neck, nose and mouth included.
Plus, it’s very flexible and doesn’t restrict movements at all. Even the part that covers the nose and mouth doesn’t interfere with your breathing.
It’s also impressively lightweight, so you can easily carry it around.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Winter Cycling Caps for Cold Weather Rides
Choosing the right thermal skull cap for winter cycling is crucial for your comfort and protection against the cold weather. So, here are some important features to consider during your purchase.
Fit and Comfort
This is usually the thing I consider when testing a new skull cap, and I bet it’s the first thing you consider too. Other features are important, but the fit and comfort of your winter skull cap is especially important because that’s how you know the cap is actually functional.
A snug, yet comfortable fit ensures that the cap covers key areas like the ears and forehead, and provides sufficient insulation against the biting cold.
Secondly, the fit under the helmet is very important both for your safety and functionality. A properly fitting skull cap should sit snugly on the head without causing undue pressure points, and you should be able to comfortably and securely wear your helmet over the cap.
The best winter skull cap for cycling should keep your head warm, snugly fit under a bike helmet without affecting the way your helmet fits at all.
Windproof and Waterproof
Your winter skull cap should also provide some form of protection against wind and light precipitation.
A windproof skull cap acts as a barrier that prevents the wind from penetrating the fabric and robbing your body of heat. This feature is particularly important for maintaining comfort and preventing excessive heat loss, making sure that you stay warm and focused during the entire ride.
Similarly, waterproof or water-resistant features will help to protect you from unexpected rain or snowfall. Wet conditions can significantly lower the temperature, and if your skull cap becomes soaked, it loses its insulating properties and can lead to discomfort and a drop in body temperature.
In summary, these features are great because windproof materials can help prevent heat loss through wind chill, and a waterproof or water-resistant layer can keep you dry in case of unexpected rain or snow.
Insulation
Since this is the main reason for wearing a thermal skill cap in the first place, it’s important that your cap actually delivers in this area.
A well-insulated skull cap helps to trap and retain your body’s natural warmth, preventing heat loss and ensuring that you remain warm and comfortable during rides.
During winter cycling, the body loses heat more rapidly, especially in areas like the head, ears, and forehead that are typically exposed. Which is why a thermal skull cap with sufficient inoculation to keep you warm and toasty is absolutely important.
The insulation in a winter skull cap should strike a balance between providing warmth and avoiding overheating. The material used in the cap should be capable of trapping and retaining heat close to the body while still allowing moisture to escape, preventing the accumulation of sweat.
I always prefer caps that are lightweight and comfortable, with breathable and moisture-wicking materials that provide just the right amount of insulation, which brings me to the next feature to consider—the material.
Material
The material of a winter skull cap directly affects its performance in providing warmth, comfort, and moisture management during cold weather cycling. High-quality materials such as fleece, merino wool, and advanced synthetic fabrics are commonly used for their insulating properties.
Fleece is known for its excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and moisture-wicking capabilities, keeping the head warm and dry. Merino wool is a natural fiber that is not only warm, but also has the added benefit of being breathable and odor-resistant.
As a cyclist, you probably want a skull cap that can conform to the contours of the head without causing irritation or pressure points. Therefore, the flexibility and stretch of the chosen material are crucial for achieving a comfortable and snug fit that doesn’t impede movement.
And lastly, a good thermal cap should wick moisture away from your skin to keep you dry. Materials with moisture-wicking properties prevent sweat buildup, and ensure the cap is breathable to avoid excessive heat retention.
FAQs
Do cycling caps keep you warm?
Yes, cycling caps are designed to provide warmth and comfort during chilly rides. Cycling caps are typically made from thermal and moisture-wicking materials, and help retain body heat while efficiently managing sweat.
The brim of the cap shields your face from wind, rain, and cold elements, offering an extra layer of protection. Also, many cycling caps are designed to fit snugly under a helmet, providing insulation to your head without compromising safety.
Overall, a cycling cap is a versatile accessory that not only keeps you warm, but also improves your overall riding experience by providing protection against the elements.
What is the benefit of a cycling cap?
A cycling cap offers several benefits for riders, making it a versatile and functional accessory.
Firstly, it provides effective sun protection, shielding your eyes and face from the harsh rays, enhancing visibility and reducing glare.
A cycling cap can also protect you from the wind, especially during colder weather. It helps to retain heat around your head, preventing excessive heat loss and maintaining a more comfortable temperature.
And the ability of a cycling cap to fit snugly under a helmet not only ensures a secure fit but also adds an extra layer of insulation.
What is the best cycling skull cap for winter?
My top recommendation for winter cycling skull caps is the TSLA Thermal Fleece Skull Cap.
This cap has a snug fit that protects against the cold, and effectively locks in heat. Its synthetic micro-fleece fabric strikes a balance between warmth and breathability, making it great for sub-freezing conditions.
The TSLA Thermal Fleece Skull Cap also excels in moisture management, it actively wicks away sweat to keep you dry during intense rides. Its versatility makes it suitable for a range of winter activities beyond cycling.
The sleek design and choice of materials make it a top pick for any cyclist who wants a reliable and effective skull cap to stay warm and comfortable during winter rides.
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