When we started with neckwarmer products at HAE around 2010, the selection was still quite simple: polar fleece, warm, straightforward, and above all, designed for days in the snow.
A lot has changed since then. Not only with our neckwarmer products, but also in where and how we wear them. Today, a neckwarmer is no longer just for snowboarding or skiing. We wear it on our bike to work in the morning, while running, climbing, on ski tours, in the city, or on a really cold winter day on the slopes.
The materials and features have become just as varied. From a very lightweight neckwarmer for autumn to thick, fluffy fleece for icy days.
And that is exactly what this guide is about: Which HAE neckwarmer is right for which activity?
Which HAE neckwarmer is right for you?
In short: For mild autumn days, cycling, and running, the Lightweight is our lightest choice. The Arctic is the versatile all-rounder for cooler days and snow. If you love merino wool, the Drifter is our classic and bestseller. For intense sports activities, the Team Neckwarmer is made with a Polycolon® interior. And when maximum warmth and a particularly fluffy feel are required, the Wellness comes into play.
| Neckwarmer | Warmth level | Material / Feel | Our recommendation for |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Lightweight | 1 | Thin, stretchy, Cotton Touch | Autumn, cycling, running, everyday wear, active days |
| The Arctic | 2 | Smooth on the outside, soft and brushed on the inside | Everyday wear, snow, skiing, snowboarding, cold days |
| Drifter Merino | 2 | 100% fine merino wool | Merino fans, everyday wear, winter sports, longer days outdoors |
| Team Neckwarmer | 2 | Knit with a functional Polycolon® lining | Sports, ski touring, mountaineering, intense exercise |
| The Wellness | 3 | Thick, soft polar fleece | Icy days, maximum warmth and comfort |
From Fleece to a Neckwarmer for Almost Every Day
Neckwarmer products have not always been a natural part of winter gear in Switzerland. When we started with them at HAE around 2010, they were simple polar fleece neckwarmers.
That worked. Warm, soft, and just right for a day on a snowboard.
But over time, our requirements have also changed.
You need something different for your bike ride to work than for a chairlift in January. When running, you want warmth, but at the same time as little material as possible. On a ski tour, moisture needs to be drawn away from the body quickly. And sometimes you don't care about any of that and just want something as soft and warm as possible around your neck.
That is why today there is no longer the one HAE neckwarmer.
There are different materials, warmth levels, and constructions for different days. And that is exactly what makes a good neckwear collection for us.
The Lightweight – Light for Autumn, the City, and Exercise
If you are looking for a neckwarmer that is as lightweight as possible, you should start with the Lightweight Neckwarmer.
The material consists of 94% polyester and 6% elastane. What makes it special is the Super Soft Cotton Touch: The fabric feels pleasantly soft and almost like cotton, but retains the functional properties of polyester.
It dries quickly, is breathable, stretchy, and durable. With warmth level 1, it is deliberately not too warm.
That is exactly why it is a typical autumn neckwarmer for me.
In the morning on the bike to work or school, it protects against the wind and cool air. If it gets warmer later, it easily fits into a jacket pocket or backpack. It also works well for running, hiking, or other active days.
The Lightweight is now also available in more than just classic colors. With prints such as Gneiss, Glacial Polish, or Alpine Algae, a functional piece also becomes something that looks really good in everyday wear.
Our choice for:
Autumn days, cycling, commuting, school, running, hiking, travel, and anyone looking for a thin neckwarmer.
The Arctic – Our Versatile All-Rounder for Cold Days
When the Lightweight is no longer enough, I turn to The Arctic.
The difference is immediately noticeable. The Arctic is slightly thicker and has a soft, brushed interior. The material remains smooth on the outside.
This combination is exactly what makes it so versatile.
On the inside, you get the pleasantly soft feel of fleece. The smooth outside is also practical in the snow, because snow is less likely to stick to the material.
With warmth level 2, the Arctic is designed for cooler temperatures. I wear it in everyday life in winter just as much as on the slopes.
It is warm without falling directly into the "only for extremely cold days" category for me. That is exactly why it has been one of the neckwarmers I reach for most often for years.
Now Also Available with Prints: Arctic Stone
If you like the features of the Arctic but want a bit more character, there is the Arctic Stone Neckwarmer.
The Glacial Polish, Alpine Algae, and Gneiss prints are inspired by structures and surfaces from the Alps. The material, brushed interior, and warmth level 2 make it just as versatile for mountaineering, snow, and everyday wear.
Our choice for:
Winter everyday wear, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountaineering, and anyone looking for a versatile neckwarmer for cooler days.
Ready for Winter? The Mask
When winter is really approaching and you are out and about with a helmet a lot, it is also worth looking beyond classic neckwarmers.
Our The Mask combines a lightweight, breathable upper section with additional polar fleece around the neck and throat.
The cotton-touch material on the head dries quickly and adds very little weight. At the same time, the fleece area provides additional warmth where cold air can be particularly uncomfortable.
Above all, however, the mask fits snugly around the head and fits very well under a ski or snowboard helmet.
With warmth level 2, The Mask is our choice for cold ski days, freeriding, ski touring, splitboarding, or mountaineering, when you want to better protect your head and face in addition to your neck and throat.
Drifter Merino – Our Bestseller for Everyone Who Loves Merino
There are products that last.
The Drifter Merino Neckwarmer is definitely one of them and is our bestseller in the neckwear category.
It is made of 100% fine merino wool and is therefore deliberately something different from our synthetic models.
Merino wool can naturally regulate warmth and moisture and does not absorb odors as quickly. Especially when you wear a neckwarmer for longer periods, these are very pleasant features.
With warmth level 2, the Drifter is in the middle range of our collection. It keeps you warm without being extremely thick.
That is why the Drifter is not just a winter sports product for us. It works on the slopes, on a longer mountain tour, or just as well in everyday life.
And sometimes the decision is simply very easy: You like merino – then the Drifter is probably your neckwarmer.
Our choice for:
Merino fans, everyday wear, skiing, snowboarding, mountain tours, travel, and longer days outdoors.
Team Neckwarmer – When You Really Get Moving
The Team Polycolon® Neckwarmer takes things in a completely different direction.
For us, it is especially interesting when you are not just outdoors in winter, but also really get moving.
The interior consists of a functional Polycolon® lining. This transports moisture from the inside to the outer layer. The outside, made of 50% cotton and 50% acrylic, absorbs the moisture and releases it further outwards.
The goal is simple: to stay as comfortable and dry as possible on the inside.
In addition, the knit construction makes the neckwarmer very stretchy. It moves with you and is comfortable when you wear it for longer periods.
With warmth level 2, it is warm enough for winter days, but at the same time clearly designed for breathability and temperature regulation.
And for us, sports does not expressly mean only skiing or snowboarding.
Ski touring, winter hiking, mountaineering, or other activities at cold temperatures are exactly the situations where the Team shows its strengths.
Our choice for:
Winter sports, ski touring, mountaineering, winter hiking, and active days when moisture management is important.
The Wellness – Maximum Softness, Fluffiness, and Warmth
And then there are days when performance is not the top priority.
You just want to be warm.
Very warm.
That is what the Wellness Neckwarmer is for.
It is made of 100% Wellness Polar Fleece and is the thickest and fluffiest neckwarmer in this selection.
With warmth level 3, it is made for really cold to icy temperatures.
The Wellness is not a minimalist, ultralight sports neckwarmer. And it does not want to be one.
This is about comfort. About soft material around the neck. About warmth on a chairlift, during a winter walk, or on days when the thermometer shows quite clearly that winter has arrived.
Our choice for:
Very cold winter days, skiing and snowboarding, winter walks, and anyone who likes it as soft, cozy, and warm as possible.
What I Wear Myself – My Neckwarmer Favorites
With all the materials and technical features, your own everyday life often still decides in the end.
For me, it is currently mainly two neckwarmers.
October and November: Lightweight Gneiss
“In October and November, I very often wear the Lightweight in Gneiss on my way to work. It is thin, but still keeps out the wind on the bike. And if it gets warmer later, it is quickly stowed away. And honestly: The Gneiss print just looks really good.”
For me, that is exactly the difference between an autumn and a winter product. In autumn, I don't want as much insulation as possible. I want something light that I need in the morning and might put back in my bag a few hours later.
When It Gets Colder: The Arctic
“As soon as it gets colder, I almost exclusively wear the Arctic. For me, it works just as well in the city as on the slopes. Pleasantly soft on the inside, warm enough, and yet not unnecessarily thick.”
These are my favorites. But that does not mean they are automatically the right choice for everyone. Someone who sweats a lot has different requirements. Someone who loves merino, of course. And someone who gets cold quickly will probably reach for the Wellness sooner than I will.
Which Neckwarmer Is Right for You?
If you want a quick decision after all the materials and features, you can use this overview as a guide:
-
Do you want a lightweight neckwarmer for autumn, cycling, or running?
Take the Lightweight Neckwarmer. -
Are you looking for a versatile neckwarmer for everyday wear and winter?
Take The Arctic or an Arctic Stone. -
Do you want 100% merino wool?
Take the Drifter Merino. -
Are you very active in winter and sweat while exercising?
Take the Team Neckwarmer. -
Do you want as much warmth and a fluffy feel as possible?
Take the Wellness Neckwarmer. -
Do you need more protection and wear a helmet?
Also take a look at The Mask.
So there is no single best neckwarmer.
A cold commute requires something different from a ski tour. A sunny autumn morning something different from a chairlift in January. And someone who loves merino will probably make a different choice than someone looking for as quick-drying material as possible.
For us, that is exactly the point: The best neckwarmer is the one that suits your day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neckwarmers
Which Neckwarmer Is Suitable for Autumn?
For mild and changeable autumn days, a lightweight, breathable neckwarmer is suitable. Our Lightweight Neckwarmer has warmth level 1 and consists of a soft cotton-touch polyester that dries quickly and is well suited for everyday wear, cycling, running, and other active days.
Which HAE Neckwarmer Is the Warmest?
The Wellness Neckwarmer is the warmest neckwarmer in this selection, with warmth level 3. It consists of 100% Wellness Polar Fleece and is particularly thick, soft, and fluffy. It is suitable for very cold to icy winter days.
Which Neckwarmer Is Suitable for Skiing or Snowboarding?
Several models are suitable for skiing and snowboarding. The Arctic is a versatile all-rounder with a soft interior and smooth exterior. The Drifter is suitable for anyone who prefers merino wool. For intensely active days, the Team Neckwarmer with Polycolon® lining is particularly interesting. If you want additional protection for your head and face, The Mask is an alternative to the classic neckwarmer.
Which Neckwarmer Is Suitable for Sports?
During high activity, breathability and moisture transport are particularly important. The Lightweight Neckwarmer is suitable for milder temperatures. In winter, the Team Neckwarmer with its Polycolon® lining is a good choice because moisture is transported from the inside to the outer layer.
Which Neckwarmer Is Suitable for Cycling?
For your commute or autumn bike rides, we recommend a thin neckwarmer like the Lightweight. It protects your neck from the wind, is breathable, and can be easily stowed away as temperatures rise. In significantly colder winter temperatures, the Arctic can be the warmer alternative.
Which is better: Merino or Fleece?
That depends on how you use it and your personal preferences. Merino wool is naturally temperature-regulating, can absorb moisture, and retains odors less quickly. Fleece is easy to care for and can provide a lot of warmth depending on its thickness. If you prefer merino, the Drifter is our choice. For classic fleece, the Arctic and Wellness are two options with different levels of warmth.
Which HAE neckwarmer is the bestseller?
The Drifter Merino is our bestseller in the neckwear category. It is made from 100% fine merino wool, has warmth level 2, and has been part of HAE for many years. It is particularly popular with anyone who likes the natural properties and feel of merino wool.
What do HAE warmth levels mean for neckwarmers?
Our warmth levels help you compare the different neckwarmers. Warmth level 1 is for lighter products for cool temperatures. Warmth level 2 offers more insulation for cooler and winter days. Warmth level 3 is designed for particularly cold to icy conditions.
However, personal warmth perception varies. Activity, wind, and weather also play a role. When running, warmth level 1 may be sufficient at the same temperature at which you would prefer warmth level 2 or 3 on a chairlift.
What is the difference between a neckwarmer and The Mask?
A classic neckwarmer is worn mainly around the neck and, if needed, over the mouth and nose. The Mask also covers the head and fits snugly. This makes it particularly suitable for wearing under a ski or snowboard helmet. The upper section is lightweight and breathable, while additional polar fleece around the neck and throat provides warmth.
The best days are handmade
Neckwarmers were once a fairly simple product for days in the snow.
Today, they are for your commute, the trail, ski touring, the slopes, winter walks, and days when you simply want something warm around your neck.
The products have changed because the days we need them for have changed too.
And that is exactly how it should be.
THE BEST DAYS ARE HANDMADE.
