Dexshell Gradient Waterproof Beanie review £24.00
Super-cosy beanie, but too hot for anything but sub-zero riding
Jim Clarkson
|
Feb 17 2020 |
Clothing
Overall
Quality
Performance
Value
What's good?
- Super warm
- Waterproof
What's not?
- Too warm for riding in
Buy if...
You want to boil your head (in the nicest possible way)
Dexshell's Gradient Waterproof Beanie is an extremely warm, waterproof and windproof hat that's perfect for pre- and post-ride wear, though it's too hot for riding unless it's well below freezing. It's thick enough affect hearing, too. If you aren't warm in this, then the outdoors is probably not for you.
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It's a dead simple thing, the Gradient Beanie: it's a normal beanie, plus a Porelle waterproof membrane under a fleece liner. It’s one size fits all with a good stretch and pretty well-made, with an attractive finish that includes a subtle faux-suede tab with the Dexshell logo embossed on it.
The combination of the membrane and fleece make for a very cosy head – this is not for mild days. Standing around at anything above five degrees you get pretty warm, pretty quick, though after long rides on cold days it's a great way to get some warmth back into you.
You need a fair bit of room under your crash helmet to fit this thick hat in, and some pretty extreme conditions to bother trying. I did a few rides in near-freezing temperatures with this on, and got too hot very quickly. There may be riders looking for this level of warmth, but at that point you might want a balaclava for serious coverage in snowy or icy riding.
It comes in two colours - blue or purple - but apparently the purple is for Ladies. There's no discernable difference in the actual hat, however. At a smidge under £25, its a very warm and weatherproof beanie for all the times you aren't riding and might be cold.
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Test report Dexshell Gradient Waterproof Beanie review £24.00
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2 comments
They are a stretchy -it'd be worth trying one on. I used mine all through Storm Dennis when walking the dog (2hrs at a time), my head stayed perfectly dry and I didn't need to use a hood - perfect!
I have considered these hats before, I liked the idea of a waterproof and windproof beanie.
Never for wearing under the helmet, I have various scullcaps and a headband for that, more for when I'm waiting at the train station, those platforms get proper cold and windy, especially if a bit damp or wet from the ride, or when locking up the bike and wandering about.
Part of the warm down process, or the warm up if I get to work proper frozen.
Is it a big one size, or is there a fair bit of stretch? Large head.
I have a nice Salomon one at the moment, always lives in the bag. But not wind or waterproof. Fits nice though.