Outdoor Research

GORE-TEX Infinium Ear Band

Best for blocking wind

The wind bothers my ears and gives me ear aches and most hats/headbands offer warmth but don’t cut the wind. Except for the OR headbands. I’ve had a few pairs now, stashed in the car, coat pockets, bags etc but this model is the most “blocking”. The adjustable back allows for a perfect fit. No wind gets into my ears and it layers nicely under my favourite hats if I want more warmth. This model blocks air and therefore some sound transmission too. At times I love this (overstimulated moments) and other times it bugs me (walking alone and wanting to have all my senses working at peak performance). I ordered 3 this time, another for myself and 2 for friends.

I would buy this item again!

I first purchased this ear band about 4 years ago, and absolutely loved it! Unfortunately I lost it sometime this past winter. I was pleasantly pleased to see it was on sale so had to purchase it again! by far the best ear band that I have had. It is so comfortable to wear and with the adjustable Velcro tab, I can adapt it to wear depending how I am wearing my hair - braids, or pony tail or just straight.

Great Headband

This is my third OR headband. I ordered after I lost my extra one. I like to keep them in different packs as I use them year round for wind protection and warmth. I love the Velcro opening at the back.

It's Noisy

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

large

Weight:

185

Makes odd loud "stretching" sounds when I move my head even slightly up or down, and it really bugs me. Quality otherwise is ok; not bad, not great.

Good, not great for my need

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

n/a

I like the warmth of the ear band, but it's not ideal for cycling. My previous ear band was wind resistant, and this is not. Also, I'm not a big fan of one size fits all with a Velcro adjustment. If you don't mind this, and don't care about wind resistance then it's a very good product.

This is great warm and easy to pack

I did read about the sizing so went a size higher, but honestly found no issue in the fit. It's low profile, warm, fits easy in a pocket and would work under a helmet. It is adjustable and while velcro can be bad for hair pulling, no issues thus far in that area.

Keeps my ears warm. Perfect additional layer for under my hat while I trek around the Canadian Arctic. The only downside is that there is a piece of velcro holding it together which often gets stuck in my hair but the perk is that you can adjust it to fit snug on your head.

runs small and does not fit well

I was hoping that this would perform like all of the other OR Products that I have purchased over the years, but it is a poor design and not well made. The velcro in the back gets stuck in my hair, and the M size was way too small to not have it on the very end of the velcro to fit on my head. The edges of the band curl in and cause the band to bunch up around my ears. It is not comfortable. I don't know how it works in the wind since it is too uncomfortable to wear. I will be returning it.

Great earband

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] My favorite wind stopping headband. Runs small. I usually wear small, but need medium or large in these earbands.

Perfect for winter in Alaska

As someone who lives in Alaska and hates hats, this ear band is the perfect solution. The Velcro in the back allows me to adjust to fit loosely but securely on my head. The shape perfectly cuffs your ears and keeps them warm. I wear mine every day in the winter, down to -30. I actually lost the first one I bought, and I replaced it with two more so I will never go without. Of note- SIZE UP! I don't like my headbands to squeeze my head, and I bought a large and it is still on the furthest end of the Velcro. It is still secure, but I am a woman without a large head and the largest size was perfect for a loose but secure fit.