I purchased the Stormy Kromer mainly to give me more protection against that cold winter wind. When I'm feeding hay, chopping ice, cutting wood or yote wackin' it fills the bill. The waxed rancher is insulated, water and wind resistant, and will keep your ears comfortable. The only complaint is you can't hear good, but that's the nature of covering your ears. This is a genuine old school good product made with perfect craftsmanship. I'd definitely buy it again, but the hat will probably outlast me.