I love Herringbone as well, especially by Purl Soho, the different is I use Malabrigo Lace yarn which is more light but still warm enough in Taiwan. I use 6mm needle and cast on 440 sts. this made the big cowl more than 70cm,longer than the original design, but just perfect for my husband.
Again, Malabrigo 100% baby merino yarn is my farovite, the color--polar morn just perfect for this Herringbone pattern, Nick loves it so much.