100% wool head-over £1.50 - £4.50

[littlebiglane]

I bought this from Endicotts today. Its a 100% wool headover. First one I have ever bought. I was thinking about buying the merino one from Tamarack but at four or five times the price I hesitated.

So....did I find it itchy? Well yes and no. I have a very average skin - neither over-sensitive nor under-sensitive. When I put wool on (all except merino or angora) then it itches in a minor way for maybe 10-15 mins before I forget it and then its okay from then on. The only other time is wearing wool when I am very sweaty then it can become a bit of an issue.

However I have worn this headover for several hours. I have worn it inside and out. Cooked outside with it on and chopped some wood (to generate a bit of sweat) and have found, by and large, this head-over to be comfortable, warm, spark-proof and excellent value.

You can pick them up from £1.50 to £4.50 from Kev.

I am glad I bought this one and saved my money instead of buying a gucci merino one.

http://www.endicotts.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=178

 

[widu13]

Had an issue one in the mob. We all binned 'em and got ultra modern Merkalon ones. How times have changed!

 

[littlebiglane]

Times certainly have. I just hate synthetics more than itching

 

[Rebel]

I've got the merino one. :sulkoff:

 

[Shewie]

Been using one myself for a few years now. They're great for pulling up round the ears and under a hat when it's windy and cold.

I only tend get itchy if I've got a few days of stubble round my neck.

 

[1972]

I've got one of these. they work well when the winds blowing and keep your nose warm when its cold.

Simple but effective and for a few quid they're well worth a go.

 

[Nagual]

Still got my issue one. Methinks it's probably time to get a new one, as after 20 years and several washes it's shrunk a bit or me ol' noggin has grown... Lovely bit o' kit though.

 

[Large Sack]

Hi Littlebiglane, like the headover...but (and without reading anything else into it guys!) I like the granddad shirt/vest you have on...any details on where I can find one of those too?

Cheers

Sack

 

[littlebiglane]

Hi Littlebiglane, like the headover...but (and without reading anything else into it guys!) I like the granddad shirt/vest you have on...any details on where I can find one of those too?

Cheers

Sack

Uniqlo. Sometime ago though. Don't know if they still stock them. Occasionally go by the name of henley neck. Endicotts do a nice swedish grandad top (quite long though) which is also good - http://www.endicotts.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=1377

 

[Large Sack]

Cheers for that, never used endicotts before, got some good kit...will now have a good butchers

Sack

 

[rik_uk3]

Wool and £1 plus postage, get some socks while your there, super value

http://www.britishmilitarysurplus.co.uk/ishop/1069/shopscr90.html

 

[treadlightly]

I have the Endicotts headover too - very good piece of kit and much cheaper than a buff.

 

[Doc]

I have the same one. Excellent kit. Very warm in winter and can be used as a hat, towel, oven glove and emergency midge net.

 

[Monk]

Handy item to have. Cuts off those cold drafts around the neck that occur even when you have a hood up.

I wear mine around the neck and also in different modes.
By itself.
As a open face balaclava with my jacket hood up over it. Think cold, wet, chilly weather.
With a cheap watch cap over it to double the insulation.
If the material permits, you can fold up some of the material to cover most of your lower face.
You can also make a stocking hat out of it-fold one end inside itself and tuck the excess material into the fold and you wind up with a cap that fits on your noggin with a peak at front and back.
You can use an extra one as a muff to cover your hands if you are sitting-keeps your hands warm.
As an ear muff headband-keep the frost off your ears.

For extreme cold-use 2 headovers together one inside the other as an open face balaclava. If you cannot stand the itchiness do not throw away the wool one use a thin synthetic headover inside it.


I have a U.S. Army one-olive drab 100% wool. Marked ECWCS Extended Cold Weather Clothing System. Seek that ECWCS word on the web and ye shall be richly rewarded with knowledge on that clothing system for cold weather.

 

[Monk]

Itchiness problem:

Use Woolite for wool or similar product and hand wash-gently stretch back into shape and dry flat-avoids straining the wool. If you need to use a hanger use two hangers and wrap the headover around the hanger-takes longer to dry but avoids stretching out the wool. I have used a white vinegar rinse and wash a few times on mine and it seemed to take away the itchiness. Maybe fabric softener would help?

I came across the idea of using headovers in a layering concept after reading a bit in Cresson Kearney's Nuclear War Survival skills book online somewhere for free. Basically he says that you can get by with fewer clothes if you have more insulation around the head/neck area. Goes on to discuss the benefits of the Eskimo parka hood design.

I have tried this out in cold weather and at first you will feel a hot effect around the head/neck like your head is too hot but then the rest of your body warms up and the heat seems to level off in your body. I have only used this method when doing some tasks outdoors in minus C temps or when I had to be stationary for a time outdoors in cold weather.

 

[Monk]

If you have to go the nonwool headover road,
check bicycle messengers/motorcycle supply stores for cold weather riding gear. Usually they will carry a headover type garment in synthetic material.

 

[Aristotle]

I have one of these very cheap Gore Wind Stopper neck warmers and it is superb

As a good indication, I wore mine on my un-faired motorbike at motorway speeds last winter and it kept me warm. It will also keep out the rain.