How to choose a balaclava (balaclava) that you won't regret and 7 recommended items this winter [A review of self-paying comparisons without consideration]
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
Hidden essentials for winter hiking and snowy mountains and snow sports
The most frightening thing about outdoor activities in winter is hypothermia, which is caused by cold and cold. For this reason, you must be especially careful about keeping the ends of your body warm, such as your fingertips and feet. Among the headwear that helps keep your head warm alongside socks and gloves, balaclava is an essential part of snow mountain climbing and active snow sports during the harsh winter.
On the ridges of winter mountains where temperatures are far lower than those at the foot of the mountain, and are exposed to strong winds and snow, even if you wear a knitted hat, beanie or neck warmer, bare cheeks and nose areas are at risk of frostbite. For this reason, when exposed to wind and snow in snowy mountains, "baraclava" is a must-have item that covers all your faces except the eyes. In the past, they were sometimes called "baracaps (personally I used to call you "Happy Bo"), but be careful as this is what you call them today, they seem to be treated like an old man.
I have tried dozens of balaclava pieces so far, but I feel that it's a difficult gear to find the ideal model. First of all, although each person's head shape is actually different, there are only one size or two sizes wide. It's rare that it fits perfectly with my size.
Also, even if it looks good when you try on the item, it is often the first time you notice unexpected discomfort and difficulty using it on site, such as not being able to prevent the cold wind when you actually wear it on site, the sunglasses become cloudy due to exhalation, or the fact that it is too hot to adjust, or the unexpected discomfort and difficulty using it... Since it is a tool that you wear in sensitive areas in harsh situations, it is difficult to find something that fits you perfectly and fits you. Even though it's a luxury item, the price of nearly 10,000 yen is a problem, and it tends to be affordable (pretty quality).
So, this time, I have been studying balaclavas from all over the world and the present, and have organized and shared how to choose balaclava again and also picked out 7 recommended balaclavas by type, so if you are interested, please take a look.
table of contents
- Four points to check out to choose the best balaclava
- Recommended: 7 recommended balaclavas by type
- Perfect for snow leisure comfort and sophisticated: Patagonia Caprien Air Balaclava
- The quality of wool is 120% active and has solid functionality. Easy to use for all-around use: icebreaker Apex Balaclava
- Adds functionality to the comfort and ease of use of wool to the functionality of a genuine balaclava: Smartwool Intra Knit 200 Balaclava
- In addition to its excellent versatility, it can also be used as a beanie, it is also highly functional, making it suitable for tough activities: Finetrack Balaclava Beanie
- Burton's serious model packed with the ultimate fit, protection and functionality: Burton Premium Balaclava
- Fit, windproof, heat retention, lightweight expedition model with no gaps in all: MAMMUT BALACLAVA ARCTIC WS
- Balaclava is the brand. With this, I feel like I can withstand any extreme cold situation: OUTDOOR RESEARCH Tundra Aero Gel Balaclava
- Comparison of evaluations and features of 7 recommended Balaclava items
- Summary: It's not just the material, it's not just the fit. If you don't want to get hooked on the swamp, be careful when choosing a balaclava.
Four points to check out to choose the best balaclava
Point 1: Protection (heat retention and windproof)
The scene where you need a balaclava is cold and strong winds that cannot be enough to prevent the cold with just a knit hat (beanie) or neck warmer. If you ask what is required in this situation, the most important thing is heat retention and cold protection.
One of the things that greatly affect the heat retention is the fabrics and materials used in balaclava. In the past, when it comes to warming materials for winter wear, traditional synthetic materials such as wool and acrylic were the mainstream, but the tingling texture of these materials became a problem, and there was still room for improvement to wear them on the face. Recently, various advanced materials have been replaced, allowing you to choose according to your purpose and purpose. Below, we will look at some of the materials that are becoming the mainstream these days.
Synthetic fibers (fleece, softshell, etc.)
Fleece, which is currently commonly used as a material for balaclava, is attractive for its good balance, combining heat retention and quick-drying properties. Originally, fleece has evolved into the ideal sweater that is "light, warm and dries quickly" that replaces wool, and goes perfectly with balaclava. Furthermore, subsequent research and development has now introduced a lineup that adds more effective features in addition to basic heat retention and quick drying properties. for example
- Polartec® Power Dry® is perfect for use in extremely cold areas and has excellent heat retention.
- Polartec® Power Stretch® enhances elasticity, improves fit and reduces wear stress
- Fleece with "GORE® WINDSTOPPER®" that enhances wind resistance and allows for high insulation not only in low temperatures but also in strong winds.
And so on. However, in addition to fleece materials, softshell materials that are well-balanced in windproof, heat retention, and breathability, as well as high-performance padding materials with high insulation, so you can't take your eyes off the new approach that makes use of their respective strengths.
Wool-based materials such as merino wool and acrylic
Merino wool is superior to old wool and has excellent moisture absorption and heat retention properties, and is now used in a variety of items as a comfortable heat retention material. The appeal of merino wool balaclava is its moderate elasticity, fit and feel comfortable to wear. Of course, it also has excellent heat retention. Basically, it is fairly windproof and breathable. It has natural deodorizing functions, which is a plain and pleasant item for clothing around the face.
The three on the left are synthetic materials such as fleece, and the three on the right are merino wool and blended materials. The trend is that technical models are mostly synthetic, while casual models are mostly popular with wool, which emphasize comfort.
Additional information: It's not just the materials that determine heat retention.
When choosing a warmer balaclava, one thing you need to be careful about is the construction around the neck. Balaclava that does not cover the bottom of the neck can cause wind to blow in. If you have a model with a short neck circumference, try to close the neck warmer or jacket tightly.
Point 2: Comfort (fit and breath compatible)
No matter how strong the heat is, if the material is too small, your face will be cramped and suffocating, while if it is too large, it will quickly slip off due to the effects of helmets and wind, making it extremely dangerous. In that sense, choosing the size and fit of a balaclava is important, and you need to be especially careful with models that only have one size, or models made from non-stretchable materials. After all, you'll probably try on the vest.
Another important factor in terms of comfort is the treatment of breath. Sunglasses and goggles are a must-have for all winter sports, not just for winter mountain climbing, but for skiing and snowboarding. When wearing sunglasses with balaclava, which has low breathability around the mouth and causes exhalation to come out from the side of the nose, no matter how much you apply anti-fog, the lenses will not be fogged due to exhalation. In balaclava, which is fully aware of this, we are increasingly trying to prevent fog and stuffy by using mesh or vents to prevent exhalation from coming out into the front and going inside the sunglasses. Furthermore, pads and core material are also provided on the top of the nose, making it perfect for preventing the breath from rising.
However, this also requires a bit of caution, and depending on the size of your face and the product, no matter how much ventilation mechanisms are provided in the mouth, the exhalation may not be properly expelled to the front, and the exhalation may rise inside the sunglasses. To avoid this, fitting at balaclava is important!
It may depend on the detailed conditions, but as long as it is mesh, unfortunately, it's not the case that it's fine. You can simply refer to the reviews here to see if it doesn't fog up or try on as much as possible.
Point 3: Versatility
For relatively thin and stretchy balaclava, you can use it in a variety of ways, such as hot, cold, wind, and compatibility with a helmet, by changing the way it is worn according to the situation, such as hot, cold, and more.
Conversely, while models with a large, less elasticity are generally more likely to provide high protection against wind, snow and cold, they are less flexible.
Point 4: Other features
In other cases, each brand has been invented in order to differentiate it from other models. For example, it has deodorizing and deodorizing functions. The balaclava covers the nose directly, and the saliva gets stuck around the mouth due to exhalation, etc. The more you use it to wear it for a long time, the more it has a very deodorizing function. In this regard, merino wool is naturally deodorizing, so you can rest assured. Also, as long as each of the ideas suits your style, such as removable mask parts, which provide even more comfortable and versatility, there's no reason not to choose one.
Recommended: 7 recommended balaclavas by type
From here on, I have tried dozens of balaclava pieces so far, and I'd like to introduce 7 of the balaclava I recommend at the moment. The most suitable model will vary depending on the usage situation, season and purpose, so we choose models that are useful for a wide range of types, scenes, and needs. I have a smaller head size (about 56cm circumference), and I have picked out models that I actually liked, so please be aware of this that some models didn't fit the size before the function.
Perfect for snow leisure comfort and sophisticated: Patagonia Caprien Air Balaclava
Heat retention☆☆☆ Wind resistance☆☆☆ Comfort★★ Breath prevention☆☆☆ Versatility★★☆ Design★★★
This lightweight and comfortable piece is made from Patagonia's unique "Capeleen Air" material, laid out with seamless whole garments. This model is made from a blend of merino wool and polyester, and is made with a 3D knit that balances heat retention and breathability, and a whole garment that doesn't bother you with seams, making it extremely comfortable to wear and no discomfort.
The design is also impressive, and can be worn in a variety of styles, including balaclava, face mask, neck warmer, and beanies, making it truly nothing more than a must-have. However, on the other hand, the exposed parts of the face are wide, the wind is calm, and the fabric was originally developed as a base layer, so it is quite thin and has moderate heat retention, so to be honest, it is not very useful in hard situations. Casual winter sports such as ski skiing and side country, as well as low mountains in autumn and winter, but even if that's all, this item has a unique charm.
The quality of wool is 120% active and has solid functionality. Easy to use for all-around use: icebreaker Apex Balaclava
Heat retention ★★☆ Wind resistance ☆☆☆ Comfort ★★★ Breath prevention ★☆☆ Versatility ★★★ Design ★★★
This balaclava is a genuine North American merino wool apparel brand, Icebreaker, and is a masterpiece that combines the heat retention and comfort of wool with the careful construction that goes well with the user. Above all, I was a little surprised at how comfortable it felt when it was over. The fabric is made of thick wool and a small amount of synthetic yarn for strength and elasticity, and the lining is lightly brushed for a comfortable feel. Furthermore, the easy cutting that wraps around the head and the stretchiness make it an excellent fit. It feels like it brings out the best in the wool.
Furthermore, by making a notch in the mouth, it is easier to exhale breath to the front to some extent, making it less likely for sunglasses to fog. There are a variety of ways to wear it, including balaclava, face mask, neck warmer, and beanies. If you are not using it in the harsh winter mountains during such harsh winters, this one piece would be enough. In that sense, it can be said to be the widest range of defensive models, allowing both leisure and mountain climbing.
Adds functionality to the comfort and ease of use of wool to the functionality of a genuine balaclava: Smartwool Intra Knit 200 Balaclava
Heat retention★☆☆ Wind resistance★☆☆ Comfort★★ Breath prevention★☆☆ Versatility★★★ Design★★☆
The latest work by Smart Wool, the leading merino wool apparel brand, is a 3D knit model that seamlessly achieves different breathability and heat retention within a single knit using cutting-edge three-dimensional knitting technology. As a balaclava fetishist, I'd be happy if only Balaclava puts so generous effort into it.
The parts that require heat retention are knitted thickly, the area around the mouth is made of mesh ventilation that is easy to breathe while maintaining warmth, the areas where sweat is prone to getting sweaty and ears are thin, and the areas with strong curves increase stretchability, and the different functions required for each part are beautifully integrated without stitching the separate fabrics together.
Not only does it make wool comfortable to wear due to the extremely few seams, but it also offers the sophisticated and diverse functionality required for active use, making it a truly cutting-edge technology. It's adorable that it weighs a little more than other models.
In addition to its excellent versatility, it can also be used as a beanie, it is also highly functional, making it suitable for tough activities: Finetrack Balaclava Beanie
Heat retention ★★☆ Wind resistance ★★☆ Comfort ★★☆ Breath prevention ★★★ Versatile ★★☆ Design ★☆☆
Personally, I think this balaclava from FineTrack, a Japanese brand that continues to go its own path by pursuing functionality, is probably the longest-lasting experience. The basic concept is the highly versatile balaclava, which combines balaclava with a beanie, but the key point is its outstanding ease of use, as it has not compromised as a beanie or balaclava.
When used as a balaclava, in particular, the basic protection of heat retention and wind resistance is included, and the ventilation opening that lets exhalation flow forward, and the core material is included in the nose, making it difficult for sunglasses to prevent fog, making it a great design that is carefully designed from the perspective of the user. In addition, the beanie part is made of whole garment for an excellent fit and is designed to satisfy even the smallest details, such as antibacterial and deodorizing treatment. There are a wide variety of ways to wear it, and the design is not too obvious, which is a bit difficult, but this balaclava is truly attractive for its all-around ease of use from a mountain perspective.
Burton's serious model packed with the ultimate fit, protection and functionality: Burton Premium Balaclava
Heat retention ★★☆ Wind resistance ★★★ Comfort ★★☆ Breath prevention ★☆☆ Versatile ★☆☆ Design ★☆☆
Burton is a comprehensive snow brand that now offers a wide range of products, including loose models for slopes, and hard models for authentic BC. The flagship model uses Polartec® Power Stretch®, which has a different combination of elasticity and wind resistance, and is a well-balanced model that combines wind resistance, heat retention, and a comfortable fit and comfort.
The punched fabric is made from the mouth, and the tip of the nose also has holes, making it perfect for breath prevention. Although there is no core material on the nose, the two sizes are available and fit perfectly on the face size, so exhalation never leaks onto the nose.
Since the head and face parts fit separately, you can wear them in a variety of ways than you would expect, such as taking off your head (face mask) or showing your face (head warmer). There is no doubt that it has the performance to be fully useful for mountain climbing, from loose backcountry to harsh winter climbing.
Fit, windproof, heat retention, lightweight expedition model with no gaps in all: MAMMUT BALACLAVA ARCTIC WS
Heat retention ★★☆ Wind resistance ★★★ Comfort ★★☆ Breath prevention ★★☆ Versatile ★☆☆ Design ★☆☆
Mammut, which has recently led the fast and light alpinism of the European Alps, is a high-end balaclava that is extremely lightweight and compact yet has outstanding protection and comfort. The front is made of GORE-TEX® INFINIUMTM WINDSTOPPER®, and while the entire surface is thin, it is made of three-dimensional stitched with stretch fleece, which is warm and highly elastic, making it extremely comfortable to wear. In particular, the discomfort when wearing a helmet is the least common among the balaclavas I've had so far, with the calculated three-dimensional structure filling the gaps in my face while minimizing the feeling of pressure, allowing you to continue wearing it for a long time without stress.
The mouth is less likely to get wet, freeze, and breathability for breathing, and surprisingly, the way it is wrapped in a wide range of ways can be adjusted to fit it with head warmers, face masks, and neck warmers.
Balaclava is the brand. With this, I feel like I can withstand any extreme cold situation: OUTDOOR RESEARCH Tundra Aero Gel Balaclava
Heat retention ★★★ Wind resistance ★★★ Fit ★★☆ Breath resistant ★★☆ Versatile ☆☆☆ Design ★☆☆
Every year, I am the manufacturer, Outdoor Research (OR) who asks the world about new, unique, highly functional balaclavas. It is no exaggeration to say that I have seen Balaclava for many years and trusted the balaclava maker the most. The OR's latest work, Tundra Aero Gel Balaclava, is a very authentic one. This model has the highest protection performance, and is unlikely to affect even in harsh winters or in the polar regions.
The 3D fleece structure with moderate stretch gives it a great fit and the flat seam that reduces the snugness of the seams, making it comfortable to wear, as you would expect from OR, who is well-versed in balaclava. Furthermore, the front is also made of GORE-TEX® INFINIUMTM WINDSTOPPER® to ensure high wind resistance, while the area around the nose, which is sensitive to frostbite, is sealed with the popular lightweight, highly insulating material, Primaloft Aerogel, which is a hot topic, providing perfect consideration for areas that require heat retention. The entire fabric is a medium-thick fleece that is brushed to keep you warm and has a good balance of breathability. It offers protection, heat retention, and ventilation, and has the most unparalleled technology and features to keep your head comfortable even in tough times.
On the other hand, although this type is perfect for protection, it is a scratch on the beads that can only be worn in a full-face style. It cannot be used as a head warmer or a face mask. It is certainly true that you can have one for winter climbs, high mountain climbs, or backcountry tours in the harsh winter, but this type is a bit reluctant to wear it, even if it's just a little wind-blocking, or even on the slopes. However, there is no doubt that you will be even more secure and comfortable when climbing a full-scale snowy mountain that doesn't bother you and you don't care about your appearance.
Comparison of evaluations and features of 7 recommended Balaclava items
| Ratings and Specifications | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| item | Patagonia Caprien Air Balaclava | icebreaker apex balaclava | Smartwool Intra Knit 200 Balaclava | Finetrack Balaclava Beanie | Burton Premium Balaclava | MAMMUT BALACLAVA ARCTIC WS | OUTDOOR RESEARCH Tundra Aero Gel Balaclava |
| Thermal insulation | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Wind resistant | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Exhaust prevention | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Skies and Side Country | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | ◯ | △ | △ | △ |
| Backcountry | ◯ | ◯ | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | ◯ |
| Mountain climbing during the harsh winter | △ | ◯ | ◯ | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ |
| material |
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| size | One size | One size | One size | S/M, L/XL | S/M, L/XL | One size | S/M, L/XL |
| weight | 34g | 50g | 78g | 72g | 55g (S/M actual measurement) | 51g (actual measurement) | 69g |
| Head Warmer | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | |
| Face mask | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | |
| Neck Warmer | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | |
| Beanie | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ||||
| Breathing mouth | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | |
| Nose cover | ◯ | ||||||
| Antibacterial and deodorizing function | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | |||
Summary: It's not just the material, it's not just the fit. If you don't want to get hooked on the swamp, be careful when choosing a balaclava.
So far, I've introduced the key points to choose from up to this point, which I've reached my own way, and the recommended models I've used, but to be honest, I haven't been able to find the definitive version that says "this is the best" yet. However, of course, balaclava is just like other mountain tools, and there is no way to fit any situation, so it is best to remember that the wisest way is to understand your strengths and weaknesses and use them according to your purpose and situation.
In that sense, if you choose your current starting lineup, it would be a light, compact and comfortable slope-to-side country icebreaker Apex Balaclava an OUTDOOR RESEARCH Tundra Aerogel Balaclava for places where storms need complete protection, such as the Northern Alps and North Japan from January to February , and if you want to be able to handle either of these things (this is probably the most common feature), it would be a Finetrack Balaclava beanie or a Smartwool Intra Knit 200 Balaclava Of course, with all this, it can change depending on your mood.
Balaclava is a plain item, but snowy mountains can easily be hit with failures in choosing tools, so be sure to use this article as a reference and enjoy playing in snowy mountains with peace of mind this year.
