USGI Hood, Extreme Cold Weather

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USGI Hood, Extreme Cold Weather
Reviewed by: Bill Ames
Where to buy: hard to find, eBay
Cost: about $5-$25

I do a lot of hiking in the winter and spring, and when the temperature drops below freezing or there's a strong wind, things get very chilly around your face. Put the two together and any exposed flesh can get frostbite in a matter of seconds.

I've tried just about everything to stay warm without sacrificing my ability to function. I've tried 'bomber' hats, balaclavas, watch caps, neck gaiters, various hoods and combinations. Nothing has been very effective. Lately, I've even tried wearing ski goggles, which aren't bad for flat hiking, but when I start to go uphill, the fog obscures everything--even with expensive, so-called, 'antio-fog' goggles.

There are only two things I've found to be effective: Vaseline and the USGI Extreme Cold Weather Hood.

While generous application of Vaseline works quite nicely to keep your skin from dieing, it does make a big mess.

The Extreme Cold Weather Hood, while designed to attach to the Fishtail Parka or M-51/M-65 field jackets, fits nicely over your head without those jackets. A wide swatch of Velcro keeps it snugly in place--I usually use it with a Columbia Titanium jacket, myself.

The secret to why this works so much better is actually something that goes back a number of years . . . the snorkel, or tube effect. This hood has a wire around the opening that forms a tunnel in front of your face. Warm air is trapped inside, keeping you comfortable. It really works!

There are actually two versions of this hood, the cold weather, for use above 14 degree Fahrenheit, and the extreme cold weather, for use below 14 degrees. I don't really agree here. I find that freezing is about the break point, so I find the extreme hood more useful. Above freezing, you can use a variety of things to keep warm, as I mention above.

The only drawback to this hood is the fake fur lining. It's of really poor quality, and I'd just as soon cut it off as have it shedding all over the place. Other than that, it's a great addition to your winter gear.

One other minor problem with this hood is finding a supplier. I find eBay to be the most reliable source. Check my link above.

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