The Chainlink

Need a warmer Balaclava

The one I have now isn't quite cutting it. The moisture builds up and it hurts my skin. Plus it just doesn't seem to keep the wind out.

Yes, I did a search prior to posting this.

Thank you for all replies!

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Belinda on December 20, 2009 at 10:22am
I dropped some extra money on the Pearl Izumi barrier balaclava. It doesn't feel like it'd be warm, but it's windproof and worth the money. Got mine at Kozy's.
Permalink Reply by jen on December 20, 2009 at 11:25am
I rock a neoprene face mask in the winter. It totally cuts the wind. I got mine at erehwon on north ave.
I got the child size because I have a little face. Best $10 I ever spent.

http://www.bulabula.com/products/#/?catalogueId=6&categoryId=69...
Permalink Reply by heather s on December 20, 2009 at 2:59pm
On very, very cold days I rock two balaclavas. Bottom layer: neoprene. Top layer: fleece. I find that the fleece layer is quite warm but doesn't cut the wind too well. The neoprene layer is better at moisture wicking than the fleece.
Permalink Reply by nik was here on December 20, 2009 at 4:44pm
I like the Cannondale Le Carbon balaclava/mask. It has the regular cover for the head, and then adjustable face piece that moves over the mouth and nose. makes you look like a ninja. anyway, cuts the wind amazingly, and the adjustability of the mouth cover helps for when you are starting out, or need to move it down when you heat up.

Permalink Reply by Mike Bullis 5.5-6.5 miles on December 20, 2009 at 7:07pm
Two words, Turtle Fur.
Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on December 20, 2009 at 10:33pm
i'd suggest Ibex or Smartwool. I've had both and never felt cold in either. On really cold days i wear a ski helmet and goggles and that combo seems to work great.
Permalink Reply by J on December 20, 2009 at 10:39pm
Ditto Ibex or nice wool in general. On the other hand, two winters ago got so bad that I had to resort to synthetics. I switched to a Craft windstopper balaclava and continue to use it when the temperature dips more than 5 degrees below freezing or there's wet precipitation. It's basically a super wicking base layer with hollow fibers (like wool) for warmth... but most importantly, there's a very thin Gore Tex covering over the mouth and neck. So it basically blocks the wind like beefier neoprene designs but pulls moisture and sweat away from your skin like a good base layer, keeping you dry and happy.

Kelvin Mulcky said:
i'd suggest Ibex or Smartwool. I've had both and never felt cold in either. On really cold days i wear a ski helmet and goggles and that combo seems to work great.
Permalink Reply by dan brown on December 21, 2009 at 10:51am
good thread.

my rule : "LAYER"

and you can even put a wind/waterproof layer between layers (think shower or swim cap).
and it doesn't show either !

DB

J said:
Ditto Ibex or nice wool in general. On the other hand, two winters ago got so bad that I had to resort to synthetics. I switched to a Craft windstopper balaclava and continue to use it when the temperature dips more than 5 degrees below freezing or there's wet precipitation. It's basically a super wicking base layer with hollow fibers (like wool) for warmth... but most importantly, there's a very thin Gore Tex covering over the mouth and neck. So it basically blocks the wind like beefier neoprene designs but pulls moisture and sweat away from your skin like a good base layer, keeping you dry and happy.

Kelvin Mulcky said:
i'd suggest Ibex or Smartwool. I've had both and never felt cold in either. On really cold days i wear a ski helmet and goggles and that combo seems to work great.
Permalink Reply by J on December 21, 2009 at 11:31am
On shorter rides, this works. But on longer or wetter rides, non-breathable wind blockers actually make matters worse. I think that's what the original poster is referring to, how moisture gets trapped on the inside. Dry = happy.

daniel brown said:
good thread.

my rule : "LAYER"

and you can even put a wind/waterproof layer between layers (think shower or swim cap).
and it doesn't show either !

DB

J said:
Ditto Ibex or nice wool in general. On the other hand, two winters ago got so bad that I had to resort to synthetics. I switched to a Craft windstopper balaclava and continue to use it when the temperature dips more than 5 degrees below freezing or there's wet precipitation. It's basically a super wicking base layer with hollow fibers (like wool) for warmth... but most importantly, there's a very thin Gore Tex covering over the mouth and neck. So it basically blocks the wind like beefier neoprene designs but pulls moisture and sweat away from your skin like a good base layer, keeping you dry and happy.

Kelvin Mulcky said:
i'd suggest Ibex or Smartwool. I've had both and never felt cold in either. On really cold days i wear a ski helmet and goggles and that combo seems to work great.
Permalink Reply by E A on December 21, 2009 at 2:44pm
I picked this one up at Kozy's and it's served me well; it's made of Alpacor and is so soft like fleece. I usually layer it over a more skin fitting "tube" from HAD - that I wear as a headband, scarf or balaclava.
Permalink Reply by Lee Diamond on December 21, 2009 at 11:52pm
I have one of the Crafts and use it at as my principal balaclava. I am more likely to put on a skull cap and gaiter over this vs a second balaclava if needed. Of the various issues I have in the winter with super cold windy days, I actually feel pretty good face wise, especially when rocking the goggles.

J said:
Ditto Ibex or nice wool in general. On the other hand, two winters ago got so bad that I had to resort to synthetics. I switched to a Craft windstopper balaclava and continue to use it when the temperature dips more than 5 degrees below freezing or there's wet precipitation. It's basically a super wicking base layer with hollow fibers (like wool) for warmth... but most importantly, there's a very thin Gore Tex covering over the mouth and neck. So it basically blocks the wind like beefier neoprene designs but pulls moisture and sweat away from your skin like a good base layer, keeping you dry and happy.

Kelvin Mulcky said:
i'd suggest Ibex or Smartwool. I've had both and never felt cold in either. On really cold days i wear a ski helmet and goggles and that combo seems to work great.
Permalink Reply by Molly on December 22, 2009 at 1:20am
Yes, I am looking for one that keeps the moisture at a minimum. Dry=happy

J said:
On shorter rides, this works. But on longer or wetter rides, non-breathable wind blockers actually make matters worse. I think that's what the original poster is referring to, how moisture gets trapped on the inside. Dry = happy.

daniel brown said:
good thread.

my rule : "LAYER"

and you can even put a wind/waterproof layer between layers (think shower or swim cap).
and it doesn't show either !

DB

J said:
Ditto Ibex or nice wool in general. On the other hand, two winters ago got so bad that I had to resort to synthetics. I switched to a Craft windstopper balaclava and continue to use it when the temperature dips more than 5 degrees below freezing or there's wet precipitation. It's basically a super wicking base layer with hollow fibers (like wool) for warmth... but most importantly, there's a very thin Gore Tex covering over the mouth and neck. So it basically blocks the wind like beefier neoprene designs but pulls moisture and sweat away from your skin like a good base layer, keeping you dry and happy.

Kelvin Mulcky said:
i'd suggest Ibex or Smartwool. I've had both and never felt cold in either. On really cold days i wear a ski helmet and goggles and that combo seems to work great.

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