I can't STAND for things to cover my ears...I haven't really thought about it before now that I think back, I get really annoyed when a piece of gear / clothing covers my ears. I really feel numb to a lot of the sensations of sailing if I can't feel/hear the wind. I have some bibbed hats from several years ago (only one left) that just have a rear bib that keeps the sun off the back of your neck but rarely obstructs ears.