Smartwool PhD HyFi Training Beanie Review

Active Gear Review is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

PhD HyFi Training Beanie

The Smartwool PhD HyFi Training Beanie is a go to hat for any gal with long hair. If you have longer hair and wear a ponytail while running, you know how awkward it can be to wear a hat when the temperatures drop. If you choose to wear a low pony tail, you often end up with sweaty-wet hair along your neck which can make you chilled faster. Thankfully, Smartwool has you covered with this beanie as there is a ponytail exit slot that can accommodate even the thickest of ponytails. The height of this slot is perfectly placed for an average height pony tail as well. If you don’t have a pony tail, do not fret, the exit area has overlapping flaps that when worn without a ponytail stay closed and don’t cause any gaping or air entry. The beanie is also designed for a women’s head and is available in one size fits most (or all). I found that it was tight enough in all of the right places.

This beanie features dual fabric construction: the contoured drop-ear headband is composed of a double layer of merino (95%) and elastane 5%, while a single layer over your head features a nearly even breakdown of nylon and merino, with a touch of elastane. The dual layer over the ears is easy to see in the photo above and features the gray coloring, while the the single layer is black. The differing thickness is important because the lighter layer over your head allows for the dissipation of built up heat, while the thicker fabric over the ears keeps the ears warm, where heat production is much less. I found that the PhD HyFi Training Beanie kept my head warm when temperatures were 20-40 F and wicked away sweat. If temps dropped below 20F, I found that I was wishing there was a bit more to the beanie or that it was thicker. The PhD HyFi Training retails for $32, which may seem steep, but what you are getting is Smartwool’s quality construction and a product made of merino wool that is super soft to the touch and built to last. For more info on the PhD HyFi Training Beanie and other Smartwool products, visit www.smartwool.com or www.amazon.com/smartwool.