Advnture Verdict

Style meets substance in the bang-up-to-date Finisterre Fisherman Beanie, which combines smart urban looks with the warmth and odour control of sustainably sourced merino wool.

Pros

+
Looks great
+
Warm
+
Smart colorways

Cons

-
One size only (and it’s quite small)

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First impressions

Fisherman beanies are having a bit of a hipster moment – and if you want to get in on the style action, the merino Finisterre Fisherman Beanie is a great choice. The Cornish company has made the hat from non-mulesed merino wool (mulesing is a surgical procedure performed on sheep that is considered cruel, so looking out for non-mulesed merino is definitely recommended) and is knitted in a stretchy, rib design, which is very comfortable to wear all day.

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Merino is a brilliant beanie material, as it’s warm, non-itchy and is resistant to odour. It also retains heat, even when wet. Nine smart colorways are available for the Finisterre Fisherman beanie, from cheery yellow and red to more work-friendly grey and black.

Specifications

• RRP: $41 (US) / £30 (UK)
• Gender: Unisex
• Sizes: One size
• Materials: Merino wool
• Colors: Olive green / Yellow / Black / Blue / Navy / Purple / Red / Grey / Dark green

In the field

The Finisterre Fisherman Beanie has a flattering shape and fits pleasingly snug to the head, instantly retaining heat. It’s made ethically, looks good, feels comfortable and keeps your ears and head warm during chilly autumn, winter and spring outings, which pretty much ticks all my boxes when looking for a hiking hat.

I have an average-sized head, and found that the Finisterre Fisherman Beanie fitted nicely – it’s not a bulky hat, but that’s rather handy when wearing it under a hood or popping it in a pocket when you’re not wearing it. But for some this particular design may prove too snug – it only comes in one rather small size, so it’s best suited to women or men with smaller heads.

The selection of colours is excellent, and there will be one here to suit everyone’s taste and outdoor wardrobe.

An award-winning travel and outdoors journalist, presenter and blogger, Sian regularly writes for The Independent, Evening Standard, BBC Countryfile, Coast, Outdoor Enthusiast and Sunday Times Travel. Life as a hiking, camping, wild-swimming adventure-writer has taken her around the world, exploring Bolivian jungles, kayaking in Greenland, diving with turtles in Australia, climbing mountains in Africa and, in Thailand, learning the hard way that peeing on a jellyfish sting doesn’t help. Her blog, thegirloutdoors.co.uk, champions accessible adventures.