Balaclava Options?

[TBossHSauce]

The fam is going skiing for spring break and I'm looking for a good Balaclava. I know there are tons of brands and options out there. I'm not a skier....in fact my dad always told me that if God intended cowboys to ski he'd have made cow sh!t white...

Anyway...i'm wanting something I can use for this trip and something I can throw in my pack for hunting. Merino? Synthetic? Something not too thick that will fit under a helmet on the slopes?

Just go buy a cheap-o from amazon? First lite? Kuiu? Etc.

Thanks Sliders!

 

[fngTony]

Careful with the amazon stuff. A lot of it is double layer for extra warmth but it would be tough to fit under a helmet. I would go thin, very minimal spandex poly or merino. It will get wet from your breath and snow and the spandex just sucks the heat away. With a helmet you don’t need a lot of warmth, it’s more of a base layer for your head.

Based on gaiters over my face the peloton 97 dries quickly but merino holds warmth wen moist, it’s a splitting hair difference. Warmth between the 97 and Skre merino (170 weight?) is too close to call but I would have to be not moving in single digits to need more. A balaclava will stay in place better than a pulled up gaiter.

 

[skregear]

Check out our Bowen Balaclava at the link below. It would work well on the mountain under both situations.

https://www.skregear.com/product/bowen-balaclava/

Please let me know if you have any specific questions. Thanks and have a great night!

Best,
Tim

 

[ChrisAU]

Adore my FL Tundra. Excellent hunting balaclava design. I don’t think it’s too thick to fit under a helmet, but it could be.

 

[Gorp2007]

I'd recommend a merino Buff in a neutral color of your choosing. Lots more versatile than a balaclava but it can serve the same purpose. I've got one in gray and I wear it everywhere for everything.

 

[Stingray]

Outdoor research makes very nice ones.

 

[Jeffh0214]

Here's a merino option that looks like it could work for you.

https://www.northxnorth.co/shop/merino-wool-hooded-neck-gaiter

 

[TBossHSauce]

Thanks for the responses! bought a Skre per the recommendation of another member. I think it will be the ticket!

Thanks sliders!