Writer's Information

Name	Jamie DeBenedetto		Background/Experience
Age and Gender	39 year old female		I began backpacking twenty-five years ago after a childhood loaded with all sorts of outdoor adventures. At present I work as a hike leader so I day-hike at least sixteen times a month. I also camp, kayak and take one or two night backpacking trips occasionally. When backpacking, I prefer to sleep in a hammock and I gravitate toward multifunctional gear that will enhance my comfort level with minimal weight. My total pack weight year round is rarely above 25 lbs (11 kg) for outings of two to three days.
Height	5' 11" (1.8 m)
Weight	170 lb (77 kg)
Email	jdeben@hotmail.com
Personal webpage	www.mydog8az.com		Location The Grand Canyon State - Phoenix, Arizona USA
Tester's Information
My two little helpers are my 7 and 9 year old sons, MV and AJ. Both kids have been enjoying time in the outdoors with their parents since they were 3 months old.
	AJ Height: 54 in (137 cm) Weight: 62 lbs (28 kg) Head Size: 20.5 in (52 cm)	MV Height: 48 in (122 cm) Weight: 49 lbs (22 kg) Head Size: 20 in (51 cm)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product Information

Manufacturer URL	Seirus Innovation - www.seirus.com
Year Purchased	Dec 2006 or Jan 2007
Made in	Mexico
Model and Size	Junior - one size fits all
Color	Black
MSRP	N/A
(Specifications - Taken from the manufacturer's website or product tag)
Total Weight	Not given
Fits Head Sizes	Not given
Materials	100% Polyester Thermax
Care Instructions	Machine washable
Warranty	Not given
(Observations as Received by this Tester)
Weight (taken with a digital office scale)	1.3 oz (38 g)
Fits Head Size	At least 21 in (53 cm)

 

Product Description

The Seirus Innovation Thermax Headliner is a thin and lightweight head, neck and/or face warmer. It can be worn as a hat, a helmet liner, a neck warmer, and a balaclava. It's designed to be worn right next to the skin during cold weather activities and as such has moisture wicking properties. It is made of 100% Polyester Thermax.

Field Locations and Conditions

Back in late 2006 or early 2007 I purchased two of the Thermax Headliners in the Junior size for my sons, who were then three and five. Since then they have used them on two snow play day trips, on several camping trips totaling at least seven nights and numerous times around our house for fun. When not warming a child's face they double nicely as a "ninja" mask! The snow play days were in Flagstaff, Arizona at an elevation of 8,000 ft (2,400 m). I don't recall the temperatures but typical winter daytime temps fall in the 35 to 45 F (1.5 to 7 C) range. We did not experience snowfall on these days but it was chilly enough for the boys to need the Headliners for the several hours we were on the mountain. All camping trips took place up on the Mogollon Rim (7500 ft/2290 m) or in the White Mountains (8500 ft/2600 m) of northeastern AZ. These trips were taken in early summer when the overnight temperatures still dip into the 40's F (5-9 C).

 

Our Experience

My sons have primarily used the Headliners in either the neck warmer or the balaclava configurations either alone or under beanies. In the balaclava position it can be worn either under the chin or pulled-up over the nose for additional face coverage. If they started to get too hot they could simply just pull it down into the neck position until needed over the ears and/or nose again. The versatility of this garment is really a plus.

The Headliner fits snugly, which for my older son, sometimes makes putting it on difficult. This does not mean they are uncomfortable once in place, however. Neither of my kids has ever complained about the fit. The eye opening is just right for my kids, even when slightly twisted it doesn't obstruct vision. Although it's snug around the face and head, the neck has a much looser fit. Frankly, I'm glad for this simply because constricting this area worries me as a parent. The looser fit around the neck coupled with a shorter length at the neck line does mean air will penetrate this area when the boys are very active. I usually tuck the Headliner into their shirts but it always pulls out after a short time.

Although the material is thin, the Thermax Headliner does do a very nice job of keeping in warmth. And unlike a beanie it doesn't fall off or move around exposing the child's ears. This was one of the main reasons I purchased these actually. My kids move around a ton when sleeping so staying bundled in a mummy style sleeping bag or keeping a beanie on all night wasn't happening. I wanted something that would not only stay put, it would also not be constrictive and heavy. This piece of gear works perfectly for that.

On our snow play days we also sledded, which means lot of crashes. The Headliners did get wet but I thought they managed the moisture from the outside and the inside quite well. Another bonus of the snug fit around the face is that they do not let any snow in under the edges. That was particularly useful after face plants!

The Headliner washes easily and has held up well to many launderings and lots of face time. After years of use only one of the two we own is showing signs of wear in the form of several loose strings springing forth from the seams at the front of the face opening. Other than that, they are still in very good condition and have retained their shape and size.

Pros and Cons

The Seirus Thermax Headliner Junior is a simple piece of gear that does an important job well. Both my sons like wearing it whether it's to ward off cold temperatures, to keep them snuggly warm as they sleep or to fight off bad guys attacking our basecamp. As a parent I like it because it's easy to care for and I know it's going to stay in place even as active and wiggly as my two young boys can be.

My only complaint about this garment is the length of the neck line. I definitely think it would be an improvement if it was a wee bit longer just to keep out those drafts and well placed snowballs.

- Jamie DeBenedetto 2012