[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

Monday, December 1, 2025

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've tried dozens of balaclavas, but I find it difficult to find the perfect one. First of all, even though everyone's head shape is different, there's only one size, or at most two sizes, so it's hard to find one that fits perfectly.

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, Outdoor Gearzine has compared and reviewed approximately 70 outdoor balaclava models currently available on the market from various angles, using its own unique perspective, to select the best models to suit various uses and preferences.In the second half of the article, we will also introduce some points to consider when choosing the perfect one for you.

Please note that we are only introducing one or two items in each category here, but you can view the other best candidates and a comparison table of all 71 items by becoming a member.

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All recommended synthetic insulation jackets and a comparison table of all 71 models are available with a paid membership.

table of contents

Vests and balaclavas for different occasions and preferences
Four points to check out to choose the best balaclava
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.

Vests and balaclavas for different occasions and preferences

Best All-Around Balaclava: The North Face Midweight Balaclava

Warmth ★★☆ Wind Resistance ★★☆ Comfort ★★★ Breathability ★★☆ Versatility ★★★ Design ★★★

First, we will introduce a model that offers a high level of overall balance and is recommended for all winter mountain activities, such as winter mountain climbing and backcountry skiing.

Of all the models this season, the one that really caught my eye was The North Face's "Midweight Balaclava." To be honest, this was a surprise.

The material is "FUTURE FLEECE," which is lightweight and offers excellent warmth and breathability. The mouth area is mapped with "DOTKNIT" technology, which is breathable, quick-drying, and feels dry even when wet. It's also stretchy, warm, and not too thick. It's versatile enough to be used not only as a balaclava, but also as a head warmer, face mask, and neck gaiter. Unfortunately, the nose area doesn't have any shape-retaining material, but as mentioned above, that's not a problem, as you can fix that yourself. In other words, it's pretty much what I'd hoped for.

The North Face Midweight Balaclava, Unisex, Medium Thickness, Warm, Breathable, Stretch, Black, Size L

created by Rinker

THE NORTH FACE

¥8,000 (As of 2025/12/03 12:20:10, according to Amazon - details)

Best balaclava for winter mountaineering: NORRONA arktis Ousland edition Facemask

Warmth ★★★ Wind resistance ★★★ Comfort ★★☆ Breathability ★★☆ Versatility ★☆☆ Design ★☆☆

When considering the most severe cold and harsh conditions, such as high-altitude mountaineering in the dead of winter, long-term traverses, or winter alpine climbing, a model with high insulation and protection is more reliable than one that is easy to use in a variety of situations, as mentioned above.

Here, we've selected models that offer particularly high levels of wind resistance, warmth, and protection (blocking out the cold). While the high-end models from authentic alpine brands are all of high quality, and you won't go wrong with any of them, if we had to pick one particular model, we'd recommend the NORRONA arktis Ousland edition Facemask. This is part of the "Arctic Collection," a collection developed in collaboration with polar explorer Borge Ousland for Arctic expeditions. With GORE-TEX® Infinium (Windstopper) for high wind resistance, Polatec Powerstretch pro for the neck, and neoprene for the mouth, it offers unparalleled functionality and durability for extreme environments. What's even more interesting is the adjustable face protection, which can be attached or removed as needed, adding a level of versatility not found in many expedition models.

Best Balaclava for High-Intensity Activities: Houdini Pace Flow Balaclava

Warmth ★☆☆ Wind Resistance ★☆☆ Comfort ★★★ Breathability ★★★ Versatility ★★★ Design ★★★

Until now, the main materials used for balaclavas have been fleece or merino wool. However, active insulation materials have become more popular in recent years, and they have naturally attracted attention in the balaclava field, with an increasing number of models adopting them. This is no surprise, as they offer all the elements required for a balaclava: lightness, warmth, and breathability.

Balaclavas incorporating these trendy materials are ideal for more active winter sports. The Houdini Pace Flow Balaclava . The main fabric, Polartec® Power Dry® Mesh, is familiar from the Pace Flow Houdi jacket, which also uses the same material. Just like the original, this balaclava is a lightweight mesh material with incredibly high breathability and moderate insulation. This keeps your head warm no matter how intense your movements. On the flip side, you'll need a helmet and hood to keep you warm, so finding the right balance can be tricky. While its suitability is limited to certain situations, it's a powerful piece of gear when you get the hang of it.

Houdini Pace Flow Balaclava, Size Small, True Black

created by Rinker

HOUDINI

¥11,000 (as of 2025/12/03 12:22:21, according to Amazon - details)

Best Affordable Balaclava: Mountain Hardwear Power Stretch Balaclava

Warmth ★★☆ Wind resistance ★★☆ Comfort ★★☆ Breathability ★☆☆ Versatility ★★★ Design ★★☆

As always, I've chosen high-value models under the condition of "under 5,000 yen." Balaclavas are now often priced at over 10,000 yen. While it's always better to choose a more reasonable model, I'd like to start by saying that if you don't have any particular preferences, you can't go wrong with Montbell's budget models. Despite their diverse lineup, almost all of them are under 5,000 yen, with plenty of models in the 3,000 yen range, and yet they all meet the minimum of the five points I mentioned.

That said, if I had to pick the best one in all these categories, it would be the Mountain Hardwear Power Stretch Balaclava . Not only does it offer versatile cut patterns, but the Polatec Powerstretch fabric provides a comfortable fit. And at just 5,000 yen, it's definitely worth it.

Best and most comfortable balaclava: Houdini Lycan Balaclava

Warmth ★★★ Wind resistance ★☆☆ Comfort ★★★ Breathability ★★☆ Versatility ★★★ Design ★★★

Finally, as a bonus (?), this is a noteworthy model that is not only highly functional, but also has a more comfortable feel and warmth, making it suitable for use on winter travel and leisure trips, making it suitable for use in both everyday life and the field.

Our top pick, the Houdini Lycan Balaclava, uses the innovative Airweb Knit™ material. It's a knit fabric created by combining Waveron™ and Deltapeak™ yarns, developed by Teijin, a company that's been creating a sensation in the outdoor industry recently, with Shima Seiki's 3D knitting technology, which has also been dominating the industry for several years. This insulating material offers exceptional softness, breathability, and a smooth texture, and it also eliminates the need for traditional waste disposal. While this fabric could be used to create a more active, high-end model, Houdini has chosen to create a sophisticated design that is comfortable for everyday wear.

[10% OFF Coupon Available] HOUDINI Lykan Balaclava / Airweb Knit Scarf, Hood, Snood, Stretchy, Quick-Drying, Lightweight, Outdoor, Men's Lykan Balaclava

created by Rinker

¥14,300 (as of 2025/12/03 12:25:49, according to Rakuten Market - Details)

You can read all the other recommended balaclavas above and a comparison list of all 71 models in the paid membership article.

Four points to check out to choose the best balaclava

Point 1: Is the protection (heat retention and wind resistance) sufficient?

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.

Typical fabrics used in balaclavas: fleece and active insulation

Fleece, which is now commonly used as a material for balaclavas, is attractive for its well-balanced combination of warmth and breathability/quick-drying properties. Originally, fleece evolved as the ideal sweater to replace wool - "lightweight, warm, and quick-drying" - and was a perfect match for balaclavas. However, recently, active insulation materials such as "Polartec Alpha" and "Octa" have begun to appear as synthetic padding similar to fleece, combining high levels of warmth and breathability, and it's important to keep an eye on new products that take advantage of the strengths of each material.

In addition, some models are designed for more extreme cold, such as those used in alpine climbing in the dead of winter or polar expeditions, and offer even greater protection by incorporating a windproof membrane.

Typical fabrics used in balaclavas: Merino wool

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: Is the comfort (fit and breathability) sufficient? Does it fog up when you breathe?

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.

How to insert a core into the nose area with DIY

Until now, you had to choose a model that had a resin or metal core in the nose area of the product.

However, recently I discovered a way to insert the core material into any model myself, so I no longer worry so much about whether or not there is a core in the nose area.

I'll note down how to do that here.

I used a shape-retaining material for crafts, which you can buy on Amazon. It's 2mm wide. It might be better if it was a little thicker.

Hamanaka Technoroth L Shape Retention Material, 5m, H430-058

Cut this to the appropriate length and sharpen one end with a cutter or similar tool. Then, simply insert it into the bias tape on the edge of the nose. It's not fixed in place, but so far it hasn't shifted easily inside.

I was worried about my goggles and sunglasses fogging up, but now I can attach nose pads to most balaclavas that don't have nose pads. If you have the same problem, please use this as a reference.

Point 3: Are there many variations in how to wear it?

Balaclavas are relatively thin and stretchy, so you can wear them in multiple ways depending on the situation, such as whether it's hot or cold, how strong the wind is, or how well they work with your helmet, allowing you to use one balaclava in multiple ways, as shown in the diagram below.

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.

Focus on the balaclava's sewing pattern

You can generally check whether a balaclava is "constructed to allow multiple ways of wearing it" by looking at its stitching pattern.

As shown in the diagram below, there are about three different types of balaclava structures.

In each model, the one with the area around the eyes sewn shut provides excellent protection against the cold but makes it difficult to open the mouth or remove the balaclava from the head alone (left), while the one with the lower half sewn on the outside makes it easy to lower the lower half (mouth area) and switch to a head warmer when it gets too hot (center). Finally, the one with the upper half sewn on the outside not only makes it easy to lower the mouth area, but also to remove the upper half (head area) and switch to a "face mask style" that covers only the mouth and ears; personally, I like the balaclava with the structure on the right the best in terms of how easily it can be customized into a variety of styles.

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.

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.

Finally, for reference, looking back at my current personal outfitting routine, the two main pillars of my outfit are the lightweight, compact, warm, comfortable, and versatile THE NORTH FACE Midweight Balaclava and the finetrack Merino Spin Balaclava , and I use these two items almost all the time. Depending on the situation, I use a more protective one for mountain climbing in the dead of winter, a more breathable one for running, or a more stylish model for use in town.

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.