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Rab Braid Beanie review: a warm bobble hat ideal for hill walking

The stylish Rab Braid Beanie is a beautiful bobble hat for hiking hills, hanging out at the crag or nursing a mulled wine in an alfresco alpine bar

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Rab Braid Beanie
(Image: © Rab)

Our Verdict

A wonderfully warm bobble hat that keeps heads lovely and warm during peak-bagging and hill hiking adventures, the Rab Braid Beanie also looks good and feels extremely comfortable.

For

  • Chunky warm knit
  • Looks great
  • Comfortable fleece inner
  • Reasonable price

Against

  • One size only
  • Heavy when wet
  • Slow to dry

First impressions

With its super chunky, wool and acrylic outer knit, the Rab Braid Beanie boasts both alpine chic looks and outdoor-ready creds.

The micro fleece inner lining is lovely and comfortable, and this hat will keep your head nice and warm on the coldest of outdoor escapades without any of the annoying itchiness a full-wool hat with no lining can cause.

Specifications

• RRP: $30 (US) / £23 (UK)
• Gender: Women’s
• Sizes: one size
• Materials: Wool (70%) and acrylic (30%)
• Colors: Maple / Ink / Oxblood red / Steel 

In the field

A no-nonsense bobble hat from a brand born and raised on the edge of the Peak District in oft-chilly northern England, the Rab Braid Beanie does exactly what it promises, keeping your ears and bonce nice and toasty while you’re out and about, whether you’re walking or at the crag belaying for a friend.

Obviously, being a bobble design, it won’t fit beneath a helmet, and makes wearers seem slightly gnomish if they opt to put a hood over the top of it. Generally, though, it looks and feels fantastic whether worn après snow sports to a ski chalet bar, out on the trails for a pre-pub walk.