Outdoor Research Novo Watch Cap

under helmet cap
February 01, 2012

This hat worked great under my ski helmet. It is very thin so helmet still fits correctly. It helped with that small space on my forehead between helmet and googles, that is sometimes exposed and gets cold. It does flatten my hair out so don't expect to have good looking hair when you take it off. Runs a tad small.

Almost Perfect Watch Cap
January 25, 2012

The cap is perfect for an under bicycle helmet liner. This is the reason I bought it. Its one drawback is that it doesn't quite cover the whole ear. If it was cut just a little lower in the rear and sides it would be perfect. It is light enough to wear in warm weather and it keeps the wind away from my earbuds so it doesn't interfere with the sound. It is also good in cold weather but not as efficient as as a fleece Sherpa cap which I also use as a helmet liner in winter. The Novo Watch Cap breathes well and is stretchy so one size fits almost anyone. I haven't washed it yet but it looks durable. It is sewn with flat seams so it fits comfortably against your noggin even with a helmet on.

decent hat
December 31, 2011

I bought one of these hats and I didnt like the fit,it was really loose and kept working its way up,I had to keep pulling the hat back down onto my head,it eventually irritated me so much that I took it off and threw it away,its made well and looks nice but I thought the fit was way to loose,I keep my head shaved smooth,dont know if that was the problem ,my other hats(m/h butter and icebreaker pocket 200)never had this problem

Nice beanie for active wear
December 13, 2011

The nylon/polypro bilayer material has a good balance of light wind protection, breathability and wicking. This beanie is great for x country skiing, running, biking, etc. For 20F cold I wear a thicker regular hat + hood on top until I get up to sweating temperatures. Normally I wear as little body layers as possible, since stuffing a hat in your pocket is much easier than a shirt. This hat is much thinner than a regular hat, but a bit more than a power dry or cap 4 type polyester beanie. I live in the balaclava with the same material when alpine skiing. At 0F I switch to the balaclava for x country as well. The hat also works over the ears or above them, although the look is "functional" in either case.

OK, but not for me
November 07, 2011

It was a snug fit as another reviewer said. It was made nicely and provided good coverage of the ears but it just didn't feel right for me so I returned it and stuck with my Smartwool the lid.

Tight fit
January 30, 2011

Very tight fiting very light weight. Did not like the feel of the fabric. Ended up exchaging for mountain hardware butter ( nice, cheaper) First time I have ever been unhappy with OR.

All-weather
March 15, 2010

Great fit, great material, all-weather beanie. Have ordered 4 in the past 2 years. Hope they keep making it. Priced right where it should be.

Great buy
December 12, 2009

Excellent product for the price. OR products are guaranteed forever and you can't beat that.

Hard to keep everyone wants it
June 04, 2009

Love it very packable Lite dry quickly on the tent line. Keep you very warm at night I will get the red one next time because my son has this one. rayray

Light but warm
July 07, 2006

Snug fit that is perfect for cool Fall or Spring weather. Fits in a coat pocket with room for a pair of gloves.

Fits well under bike helmet
June 04, 2006

I purchased this to keep the ears and hair-challenged noggin warm on those sub-60 degree mountain bike treks, and it hasn't disappointed. I purchased both the S/M and L/XL. The S/M fits comfortably snug and the L/XL fits well too, with the added size helping to cover a bit more ear and neck real estate when needed. The Novo fits well under the helmet with no bunching or exposed seams in the wrong places.

Packable, warm
October 11, 2005

Fine product in the OR tradition. Well made, packable, light, warm, comfortable. Wear it with a Buff Original for serious flexibility without bulk.