Helikon-Tex Range Beanie Grid Fleece Hat

The Range Beanie is a grid fleece winter hat inspired by the classic USMC-issue beanie, designed for people working outdoors in cold conditions who need to keep their head covered even while wearing tactical earmuffs or shooting hearing protection. Available in two sizes covering head circumferences between 54 and 60 cm, it fits almost any head shape.

Grid fleece balances warmth and breathability better than a smooth-faced compact fleece: the open cell structure traps warm air close to the skin while allowing moisture from physical exertion to escape. The result is a hat that works equally well at rest and during intense activity, without accumulating dampness that then chills you. The hat height — 19.8 cm in both sizes — is sized to cover the ears while avoiding interference with the cups of hearing protectors: at the range or in the field, the beanie stays on even with earmuffs worn over it.

The front and rear panels feature soft-loop velcro for patches and identifiers, plus a velour square on the crown for IFF patches. The rear also has a small zip pocket — enough for a spare pair of earplugs, a USB drive or a folded piece of paper — and a cord loop for clipping the beanie to a carabiner when not worn. These details add functionality without adding bulk: folded, the Range Beanie fits in a fist and slips into any cargo or side pocket. The trade-off to be aware of is that grid fleece is not water-repellent: it will soak through in prolonged rain. In wet conditions it should be paired with a waterproof hat or hood over the top, or reserved for use under a helmet or under the hood of a shell jacket.

Key points

• The grid fleece construction retains heat without trapping sweat, suitable for both stationary use and intense physical activity.
• Two sizes (M: 54–58 cm, L: 56–60 cm) and a uniform height of 19.8 cm allow shooting earmuffs to be worn without removing the beanie.
• Velcro panels on the front, rear and crown allow identifier or IFF patches to be attached without additional stitching.
• The zip pocket on the rear keeps a spare pair of earplugs or other small items always within reach.
• The cord loop on the rear allows the beanie to be clipped to a carabiner when not worn, without risk of losing it.
• Its compact packed size means it can always be carried as a spare layer in any equipment pocket.