Wool Yarn Base and hats?

[hellodebbie87]

I am making a few Hudson Hats as gifts for family and friends, one is a newborn and the other two are grade school girls. Does the wool NEED to be superwash or is it ok to use any kind of base? What is your favorite?

FWIW, the newbie hat will probably not get as much use as the older girls and they live in Kansas. If I don't get superwash, will the wool be ruined by exposure to snow/rain?

Thanks!