![[Fall/Winter 2025] A hidden necessity for snow sports: the best balaclava models for different uses and preferences, plus tips on how to choose one without regrets](https://outdoorgearzine.com/wp-content/uploads/20210410_120200.jpg "[Fall/Winter 2025] A hidden necessity for snow sports: the best balaclava models for different uses and preferences, plus tips on how to choose one without regrets")
[Fall/Winter 2025] A hidden necessity for snow sports: the best balaclava models for different uses and preferences, plus tips on how to choose one without regrets
How to choose , Mountaineering Introduction , Recommendations , Mountain Hardwear , NORRONA , Houdini , Balaclava , THE NORTH FACE
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
![The second round of cooperating brands for the "First Time Snow Mountain Hike & Gear Experience" has been announced!](https://outdoorgearzine.com/wp-content/uploads/yukiyama_brand_02.jpg "The second round of cooperating brands for the "First Time Snow Mountain Hike & Gear Experience" has been announced!")
![[A self-funded review] The importance of "lightness and warmth" as I realized in the Southern Alps at -20°C. Montbell's hidden gem, the US EX Light Down Anorak, is the ultimate lightweight down jacket for snowy mountains.](https://outdoorgearzine.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC02277-1.jpg "[A self-funded review] The importance of "lightness and warmth" as I realized in the Southern Alps at -20°C. Montbell's hidden gem, the US EX Light Down Anorak, is the ultimate lightweight down jacket for snowy mountains.")
![John Muir Trail Northbound Traverse (2025 NOBO) Record [Chapter 6] From the Lower Basin to the Middle Fork](https://outdoorgearzine.com/wp-content/uploads/JMT_catch_06.jpg "John Muir Trail Northbound Traverse (2025 NOBO) Record [Chapter 6] From the Lower Basin to the Middle Fork")
![NEWS: "Hobonichi Station AKAGI" is now underway! Climbing Mount Akagi will be even more fun. [Alpha Open Information]](https://outdoorgearzine.com/wp-content/uploads/1630804.jpg "NEWS: "Hobonichi Station AKAGI" is now underway! Climbing Mount Akagi will be even more fun. [Alpha Open Information]")
![[Fall/Winter 2025] This season's best hard shell jackets, essential for the harsh snowy mountains, and tips on how to choose them safely](https://outdoorgearzine.com/wp-content/uploads/hardshell_best_2.jpg "[Fall/Winter 2025] This season's best hard shell jackets, essential for the harsh snowy mountains, and tips on how to choose them safely")
![[Fastest Review] "AEROGOGO GIGA PUMP Air" - a high-power, ultra-lightweight air pump that weighs just 28 grams and fits in the palm of your hand](https://outdoorgearzine.com/wp-content/uploads/gigapumpair_catchb.jpg "[Fastest Review] "AEROGOGO GIGA PUMP Air" - a high-power, ultra-lightweight air pump that weighs just 28 grams and fits in the palm of your hand")
![[Fall/Winter 2025] Down? Synthetic? Fleece? The key to comfortable layering is choosing the right material. The best mid-layers for mountaineering (cold weather gear) by type, and tips for choosing the right one.](https://outdoorgearzine.com/wp-content/uploads/midlayer_best.jpg "[Fall/Winter 2025] Down? Synthetic? Fleece? The key to comfortable layering is choosing the right material. The best mid-layers for mountaineering (cold weather gear) by type, and tips for choosing the right one.")
![[A genuine, self-funded review] A hands-on review of the ultra-lightweight aluminum cooker and alcohol stove "GARUD kanamari400 & ao" for minimalists who want to enjoy both "ultra-light" and "delicious" food.](https://outdoorgearzine.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC00059-2.jpg "[A genuine, self-funded review] A hands-on review of the ultra-lightweight aluminum cooker and alcohol stove "GARUD kanamari400 & ao" for minimalists who want to enjoy both "ultra-light" and "delicious" food.")
![[Fall/Winter 2025] We've selected the best synthetic insulation for fall/winter outdoor activities from approximately 200 models, and here are some tips on how to choose the right one.](https://outdoorgearzine.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC05318-1.jpg "[Fall/Winter 2025] We've selected the best synthetic insulation for fall/winter outdoor activities from approximately 200 models, and here are some tips on how to choose the right one.")