Close the gap at the collar.
In short: for a warm head and neck, a heated scarf or neck warmer gives the most noticeable warmth, because the neck sits right where cold air slips into your coat. A heated hat or beanie warms your head and ears, and a heated headband covers just the ears and forehead. A heated balaclava covers everything at once, for serious cold, motorbikes and winter sports. Most run on a small battery or a 5 V power bank. A heated vest with a neck zone is a good alternative if you would rather not wear anything extra.
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Gløde does not sell heated hats, scarves or neck warmers. We compare the types honestly, based on how they work and what manufacturers state. Our Høgge vests do have a heated zone in the neck.
The types compared
| Type | Warms | Power | Washable | Best for | Less suited for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heated scarf | Neck, sometimes the upper chest | Power bank in a pocket of the scarf | Usually after removing the power bank | City, dog walks, sideline | Sport, under a helmet |
| Heated neck warmer or gaiter | Neck all round | Small battery or power bank | Often, after removing the battery | Cycling, walking, outdoor work | Very formal outfits |
| Heated hat or beanie | Head and ears | Small battery in the hat | Often by hand, battery out | Stadium, hunting, fishing, walks | Under a helmet |
| Heated headband or ear warmer | Ears and forehead | Small battery | Often by hand, battery out | Running, walking, with your own hat style | Serious cold |
| Heated balaclava | Head, ears, neck, often the face | Small battery or power bank | Often, battery out | Motorbike, winter sports, extreme cold | Everyday city use |
| Wool or fleece hat and scarf | Insulation only | None | Yes | Moderate cold, moving | Hours of standing still |
What to look for
Where the heating sits
In a scarf or neck warmer, the heating should sit at the back and sides of the neck. In a hat, look for heating around the ears, because ears get cold first.
Power source
Most head and neck products use a small rechargeable battery or a 5 V USB power bank in a pocket. Check where the pocket sits: a heavy battery at the end of a scarf pulls it out of place.
Heat levels and auto shut-off
Two or three levels are common. An auto shut-off and overheating protection are useful extras close to your face and neck.
Washing
Remove the battery and cable, then follow the care label. Many items are hand wash only. Let them dry completely before you connect power again.
Fit and comfort
A neck warmer should close snugly without feeling tight. A hat needs room for the heating at the ears. Check that the cable and battery do not press against your skin.
Type by type
Heated scarf
The easiest one to add to the coat you already wear. You wrap it as usual, and a power bank sits in a small pocket. It closes the gap at your collar, which makes your whole coat feel warmer. Less practical for sport, because it moves around.
Interested? We'll let you know.
Gløde is considering adding a heated scarf. Leave your email and we'll send you one message if we launch it. No newsletter unless you ask for it.
We only use your email to send you one message about this. More in our privacy policy.
Heated neck warmer or gaiter
A tube of fabric with heating, pulled over your head. It stays in place better than a scarf, so it suits cycling, walking and outdoor work. It covers less of your chest, and some styles feel tight if you have a high collar.
Interested? We'll let you know.
Gløde is considering adding a heated neck warmer. Leave your email and we'll send you one message if we launch it. No newsletter unless you ask for it.
We only use your email to send you one message about this. More in our privacy policy.
Heated hat or beanie
A beanie with a heating element, often around the ears and forehead, and a small battery in a pocket. Comfortable for standing still at a match, a fishing spot or a hide. Not made to wear under a helmet.
Interested? We'll let you know.
Gløde is considering adding heated hats. Leave your email and we'll send you one message if we launch it. No newsletter unless you ask for it.
We only use your email to send you one message about this. More in our privacy policy.
Heated headband or ear warmer
A band around your ears and forehead. Light and easy to combine with a ponytail or your own hat style. It leaves the top of your head open, so it is less warm in real cold.
Heated balaclava
Covers head, ears and neck, and often the lower face too. The warmest option for motorbikes, winter sports and long cold days. Under a helmet, use only a model the manufacturer says is suitable.
Good wool first
A thick wool or fleece hat and a scarf are often enough when you are moving. Heating earns its place when you stand still for a long time, or when the wind gets through everything.
Which type for which situation?
- City and commute: heated scarf or neck warmer.
- Cycling: heated neck warmer; a scarf can come loose.
- Sideline, stadium, fishing: heated hat plus scarf, or a vest with a neck zone.
- Dog walks in the dark: heated scarf or neck warmer.
- Motorbike and winter sports: heated balaclava suitable for a helmet.
- Running: heated headband, or just a thin hat.
Hot summers too? A neck cooler with a heating function works both ways. Read our guide to the best neck cooler.
A heated neck zone in your vest
If you would rather not wear an extra item, a heated vest with a neck zone does part of the job. Høgge has five zones: two at the belly, two at the back and one in the neck. You get warmth at your collar and around your core, from one power bank. Pølar, our heated parka for women, goes up to 60 °C with six zones. And Øney makes your own jacket or vest heated.
Safety basics
Start on a low level. Never sleep with a cable or battery around your neck, and do not let children wear heated neck items. Choose products with an auto shut-off and overheating protection. Remove the battery before washing and keep it dry. Heated head and neck products are not meant for anyone who cannot clearly feel when something gets too warm.
What Gløde offers today
We do not make heated hats or scarves. We do make vests with a heated neck zone, a heated parka and an insert for your own jacket.
Choosing a vest? See our heated vest comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Heated scarf or neck warmer: which is better?
A scarf is easy to add to any coat and covers more of your upper chest. A neck warmer stays in place better, which makes it the better choice for cycling and active use.
How are heated scarves and hats powered?
Usually by a small rechargeable battery or a 5 V USB power bank in a pocket. Check where the pocket sits and how long the battery lasts on the level you will use.
Can I wash a heated hat or scarf?
Often yes, after removing the battery and cable. Many are hand wash only. Follow the care label and let the item dry completely before use.
Can I wear a heated hat under a helmet?
Only if the manufacturer says it is suitable. A battery or heating element under a helmet can affect the fit. A thin heated balaclava made for helmets is the usual choice.
Is it safe to wear a heated scarf?
Yes, when you follow the instructions: start low, choose a model with an auto shut-off and overheating protection, and never sleep with a cable around your neck.
Do Gløde vests have a heated neck?
Yes. Høgge has five heating zones: two at the belly, two at the back and one in the neck, with three heat levels up to 50 °C.
Does Gløde sell heated hats or scarves?
No, not at the moment. Leave your email in one of the forms on this page and we will send you one message if we launch one.
All our heated clothing comparisons →
Gløde — warm the person, not the room.
