Patagonia Powder Town headband review: a classic, cosy winter warmer built for alpine adventures

Patagonia Powder Town headband: first impressions 

Patagonia’s Powder Town headband looks like the stuff of classic ski movies but performs alongside the best of today’s headbands combining both warmth and breathability. This warm, cosy headband is thick without being bulky and wide enough to give protection from both wind and snow.

Though it’s built for warmth, the fleece lining means it wicks away sweat if you’re on a cold winter run, ski touring or snowshoeing and it’s soft against your skin. The snug fit keeps the breeze at bay and it makes a worthy replacement for a beanie where you want warmth without overheating. The 4” band is the same width all the way round and doesn’t have a ponytail hole, but works well with all hairstyles and stays in place when you’re gliding through the snow.

It definitely comes at a premium price, but you’re not only paying for a seriously durable piece of kit, it’s made using 100% recycled polyester and Fair Trade sewn, so you can feel really good about this purchase. Pick from three classic designs that will make you the envy of the slopes and keep you warm on cold days.

Patagonia Powder Town headband: on the trails 

Patagonia’s Powder Town headband is a snug and cosy winter warmer featuring a fun throwback look, but while you’d fit right in wearing it in a classic ski movie, it performs far better than anything we wore in the 1980s. 

This thick headband provides heaps of warmth on cold days and is as wide as headbands get so it offers loads of protection against the wind and sun. While it doesn’t fit easily under my ski helmet, it’s not bulky and I love that it has a fleecy lining which feels soft and provides breathability. It is comfortable and snug on my head without being tight or scratchy anywhere. 

This headband is really the perfect alternative to a beanie on a cold day when I know I’m going to be working up a sweat. The only downside is that if you sweat in it a lot, it will need washed more frequently than bands made from natural materials. It doesn’t have a ponytail hole but I’ve found I can tuck a low ponytail in no problem and even wear it with my hair down. This is definitely my first choice for ski touring and winter hikes, and even works for trail running on frigid days.

I love Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability and was thrilled to see this headband is made from 100% recycled polyester. It is definitely priced on the high end for headbands, but it’s eco-friendly, well-built and I’ll wear it all winter long. It also makes a great gift for outdoors lovers and skiers in your life.

Here’s how it performed:

Sizing

One size fits all. 

Fit

Snug enough to keep the wind out and stay put with good width for optimal coverage. 

Comfort 

Feels cosy on with a soft fleece lining. 

Temperature regulation 

It definitely provides tons of warmth on very cold days, particularly when you’re doing vigorous exercise, and is breathable so you don’t overheat. Not suitable for warm weather runs or hikes though. 

Breathability 

It does a good job of wicking away sweat and dries quickly. 

Durability 

Maybe not indestructible, but this sturdy piece of kit is made to last years with solid construction and material.