Hat Trick!

It's important to have a good head on your shoulders, we all know that. But you've also gotta have a good hat on that head - and that's where we come in.

Three of our hats landed in the top slots for 2008 headwear at consumer ratings website Buzzillions.com.

The Mountain Hardwear Dome Perignon beanie won the site's Reviewer's Choice Award for hats, and the Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero came in at number 2. The Tilley Airflo Hat also posted a strong rating.

Have these hats - or any others that you got from us? Send your stories and pics to uncledansblog@gmail.com, and we'll put 'em up here.

(Props to Pemba Serves for the tip)

Product Review: Merrell Women's Oslo

Jenny from Evanston on the Women's Merrell Oslo Waterproof boot:

I recently indulged in buying the Merrell Oslo, and I can't say I regret a single penny. Coming from a person who thought she could squeeze just one more season out of her old, tore- up boots, I now see the light and feel the warmth of the boots' Polartec insulation. It is a freezing, slippery walk to and from the train, one that calls for warmth and traction, and the Oslo boots have proved themselves thus far. They have been able to handle the sub-zero temps and the extremely slushy curbsides I always find myself falling into. It is a joy to find a reliable, fully supportive and cute winter boot with an integrated air-cushion midsole, which means I can feel the support even when I'm on my feet all day! Merrell boasted about its Winter Artrek lug sole that would help keep me upright, and I was immediately impressed when I felt the tread's stickiness. After many walks I can now say with confidence they certainly do aid in maneuvering around the ice rink that becomes our sidewalks. I have yet to pull out my YakTrax this year simply because my boots have been that great!

(I'm realizing now that I have perhaps jinxed myself - I better go dig those out of the closet.)

Whatever winter boot or shoe you choose this year, make sure you treat it with a waterproof solution, such as Granger's, ReviveX, Nikwaxor Sno-Seal, because the city salts love to feed on your kicks and will do some major damage without treatment. I learned the hard way a few times.

Cheers to many magical winter walks.

Thanks Jenny! Readers, any comments on the Oslo? We'd love to hear them. Or, send your thoughts on any Uncle Dan's product. Share the love - and more importantly, the knowledge!