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Mandrake
31
Oct 13, 2016
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Is this beanie a thicker hat then the Northern Light version that just dropped. I got one of those and was a bit disappointed in the amount of down/loft in it. I haven't had cold weather to try it in, but regardless of the 950FP down, it is hard to believe that it will be as warm as I want. If these have a bit more loft... I think I may go for it.
Oct 13, 2016
seenypaul
Oct 14, 2016
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MandrakeMy Original Down Hat received from a drop this past spring is quite thin, especially in the upper triangular sections. I estimate the thickest sections by the headband loft to no more than a half inch, which flattens out considerably when I wear it. Near the top it feels more like an eighth inch. See my earlier posts regarding this. In particular I call your attention to the point I discovered elsewhere that the comfort level is reputed to be no more than 30°F. I don't know whether that reported statement was accurate or not, but I do know that nowhere on BlackRock's website have I been able to find any listed temperature rating for either this hat or the Northern Lights hats. All the statements seem to be just subjective "it's warm" type statements which are contrary to my experience with it. Maybe it's just I got a bad one. Maybe you got a bad Northern Lights. I will not buy another.
Oct 14, 2016
BlackRock
187
BlackRock Gear
Jan 30, 2017
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seenypaulSorry you didn't like the hat. You should have shot us an email. The loft in all our hats is right around a 1/2 inch at the top end. It's like a down sweater and not meant to be like our BlackRock-Clava with inches of fill to keep you warm in sub-zero temps.
As for the loft between the hat versions, the Northern Lights have EXACTLY the same amount of down as the Original. We never skimp on anything, especially the fill around here. I personally pick fill levels and try to make them "perfect" for every model of the hat we build.
The Northern lights don't show the loft as well though because it's a slightly heavier coated material. It's heavier and more rigid so it doesn't loft as well. Every fabric we get lofts differently and sometimes we change fill levels to account for that. I think the Norther lights is just as warm though even if its not as puffy looking. It's more water resistant and better against the wind, albeit a flatter looking hat.
If you want the puffiest hat we have get the Original. The soft DWR coated material lofts nicely all throughout the hat.
If yours is compressing too much then you probably need a larger hat. We have many sizes to account for all different head shapes and want to make sure you have a hat that's just perfect.
From your poor review it sounds like you need another hat because I still stand by our hats in that they are warmer than your heavy wool knit ski beanie at a fraction of the weight. I could list temp ranges, but it's so variable from person to person that it doesn't make sense.
I think the hats are good into the 20's for mid level activity. If you go for a jog, you'll be hot in it but if you are walking around in the mid 20's it's perfect for me. If I'm hiking I may swap to a light skull cap. If it gets colder into the teens I might toss the hat back on. If the temp drops to zero I'll be wearing my hat plus pulling up the down hood of my jacket. This hat is a beanie meant to be worn and layered as necessary.
Jan 30, 2017
seenypaul
Jan 30, 2017
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BlackRockThanks for the response. Yes, perhaps I should have contacted you directly and immediately upon receipt of the Original Down Hat in April 2016.
Assuming that by right around 1/2" of loft at the top end you mean at the top of the hat, that definitely does not seem to describe mine. I've tried giving it a good upside down shake and then letting it sit open on a table top for a while (something I don't have the luxury to do on the trail) and the loft of the uppermost triangular sections never approach that. Thinness is evident in many spots with light fingertip touch without and within.
I don't believe it is too tight. The headband does not seem overly taut and I wouldn't want to have to constantly reposition the hat as I walked and moved my head.
I don't think I've worn it ten times over the past 9 months. I have two DWR fleece windstopper beanies that are warmer for hiking trails and walking around town and not as fragile and were considerably cheaper. Cheap knit caps when I'm just hacking around offer less wind resistance but I think the same warmth for me as your Original.
I love the other down gear I own - jackets and quilts and booties and such. Yes, I understand this isn't supposed to be like a 'cava. I've owned a Zpacks down hood for quite a while too. I really did want to like this hat. Sorry.
Jan 30, 2017
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