What Run Oregon is Wearing: Headwear from Skida

The middle of July is not normally the place where we would typically be reviewing headbands and neckwarmers. We generally keep those for handy as we start moving into colder and wetter running days. However, Skida recently provided us with a couple headwear samples that, while made for colder weather, can absolutely be used in situations in warmer temperatures when sweat and sun is in full force (as Matt will showcase in his review). Here are our impressions:

Geli: When I’m running or otherwise active, I always struggle to keep my hair out of my face. When it was longer, ponytails work, and a ballcap keeps the sun (or rain) out of my face as well. Headbands often don’t work well for me and my fine hair. I was excited to give Skida headbands a try, to see if they figured out how to keep the band from slipping. Turns out: They did! I tried both a men’s (black) and women’s (“fruit punch” flower pattern) headband, and they appear to be identical, aside from the color. The band is 3.5″ wide with a 19″ circumference, and it stays on my head very well. I wore it around the house, while camping, while running, while hiking under a ballcap, and I never like it was going to slip off. While currently it is more sweat and sun that I’m trying to keep away, I can see it very practical too in cooler temperatures where you want to keep your ears warm under a bike helmet or running cap.

Matt: When the temperatures are colder, I pretty much wear headbands or scarves with every run. Even in summer months, I rotate between these and hats in an effort to keep sweat out of my face. So, up front, I was thinking that I would use the neckwarmer as a bunchy headband at times and then wait until fall for more neck usage. However, with late June’s heatwave of 100 degree days, I actually ended up using the Brush it Off – Alpine Neckwarmer to keep myself covered during yardwork and roofing.

Being up on a roof in high double-, and even triple-degree temperatures is not the most relaxing of activities. Even with the constant application of sunscreen, I figured my neck would still be burned to a crisp. At the last-minute I decided to try this neckwarmer and was thrilled with the comfort and protection it provided. It was snug, but not restrictive or too compressing. It also used its moisture-wicking technology, generally reserved for working out in the winter, into collecting my sweat and keeping me from becoming a mess. Sure, this may not have been Skida’s intended usage, but obviously I will be using this in all seasons now.

It is very evident to me that the neckwarmer will work wonders in cold PNW autumns and winters, and an “over-the-nose” test makes me feel that the fabric will be super breathable.

Company: Skida (Facebook)

Products & Price:

• Fruit Punch – Ladies’ Nordic Headband ($16)
  • 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex
    • “Poly-spandex jersey with MAX-Dri moisture management technology”
• Lift Lines – Men’s Nordic Headband ($16)
  • 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex
    • “Poly-spandex jersey with MAX-Dri moisture management technology”
• Brush it Off – Alpine Neckwarmer ($26)
  • 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex
    • “Poly-spandex jersey with MAX-Dri moisture management technology”
  • 100% Polyester lining (Polartec micro-fleece)

In the winter of 2007, Vermont skier Corinne Prevot picked up some fun, patterned fabric and started making hats for her Burke Mountain Academy teammates and friends. Soon the demand for the colorful hats grew, as did the variety of prints. As the buzz snowballed beyond the New England ski community, new products joined the line to keep everyone warm and colorful.

While in school as a ski racer and student at Burke and then Middlebury College, Corinne scrambled to keep up with the business. She worked closely with Margie, the secret weapon, the queen of logistics, the best mom ever. Together, they grew the business and connected with local seamstresses to help with the sewing.

Then came Skida [+1], a program that enables Skida to donate hats to cancer patients who are undergoing Chemotherapy on behalf of our online customers. Beginning at Dartmouth Hitchcock’s Norris Cotton Cancer Center, we’ve established a relationship with a number of cancer centers across the country. The solution is collaborative: for every online order that is submitted with a Skida [+1] promotional code, Skida will donate one hat to that corresponding cancer center. It’s your order, plus one!

Since graduating from Middlebury College in 2013, Corinne brought Skida to Burlington, Vermont where it has continued to thrive. Our office headquarters is home to our distribution, planning, design, and teamwork! Meanwhile, production continues to operate in northern Vermont, supporting local cottage industry sewing; as well as Nepal, where our cashmere is woven and knitted by local artisans.

Company information taken from the company’s website. We like to let their own stories speak for themselves, because we review companies that have real personality and passion about what they do.

Thank you to Skida for providing us with samples. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.