I bought this hat to wear during runs on cold days. My ponytail fits out the hole perfectly and it fully covers my ears and keeps them warm (I can fit my ear buds under the hat and have no problem with them falling out).  I've gotten lots of compliments at races and had many women ask me where to get one!  My only complaint is that it is too long.  I have a normal-sized head (in my opinion!) and it comes down really far on my forehead (pretty much touches my eyebrows).  Since I only wear it for running it's not a deal breaker, but it does look a little funny and I wouldn't wear it as an everyday hat.