Struggling with the sudden turn in the weather? We see whether GripGrab’s helmet liner can cope with the weather Britain throws at it.
Modern helmets are brilliant at channelling air over your head so you don’t get too hot, despite having an inch and a half of insulating polystyrene foam lining your head. However, when the weather takes a turn for the worse, that bites you in the bum as cold air whistles through the vents and chills your brain.
Scientists have debunked the idea that you lose 40-50 percent of heat through your head but even if it only helps keep you ten percent warmer a hat of some sort is a good idea in cold weather.
Problem is, very few hats or beanies will fit under a helmet and even if they’re thin enough, the shape’s often wrong.
GripGrab’s Windster cap is thin enough to go under your lid because it’s made from slightly stretchy single sided nylon fleece, which is nevertheless warm enough to keep out the chill. In fact for UK conditions, it’s hard to imagine wanting anything warmer.
It’s also cleverly shaped so it comes down and covers your ears but the fleece is thin enough that you can still hear. An added benefit for us ladies is that it helps stop hair getting snagged on the interior of the helmet.
Anyone who’s ever used a Windstopper headband will know what we’re talking about; some fleece blocks the wind too well, and blocks sound as well, so conversations with your riding buddies involve them shouting at you till you peel up a flap.
To get some of that total-wind-blocking goodness, the Windster has a panel of Windstopper-like material right at the front, over your forehead. This does a splendid job of fighting off the breeze.
In a final nice touch, the Windster helmet liner comes in three sizes.
Verdict
Excellent helmet liner that keeps your ears warm too.
Pros
Well shaped
Spot-on fabric choice – warm but not too warm
Well-placed windproof panel
Cons
None
Price: £17.95 (currently £16.16 on Wiggle)
More information: GripGrab Windster
UK supplier: Wiggle
What GripGrab says about the Windster helmet liner
A soft, lightweight and insulating cap with windproof front. It offers protection for the ears and forehead and fits perfectly under a helmet. Ideal for cycling, running, cross-country skiing, hiking and Nordic walking.
Soft Microfleece
Windproof front
Skull fit
