This hat is exactly what it appears to be: an earflap hat that will keep your head warm. Both the shell and the inner material is very soft. I wore it recently in a (surprise) light rain and it held up pretty well, though I probably won't test the limits of how much water it can handle if I can avoid it. With some earflap hats I can't hear very well, but this one seems to be pretty OK in that department. Obviously anytime you cover your ears with something you will lose a little, but the flaps are loose enough that I can hear fine. Overall a great hat, I'm very happy with it.