Best Balaclava?

[Clydesdale]

Working on the Xmas list and have never found one that seems perfect. I have some with holes and some without and none of them work very well for breathing for me. I have one old Cannondale model that has a pull up flap that can cover the nose but be left kind of bunched over the mouth to leave room for breathing without exposing skin. That's probably my favorite but I can't find it anywhere.

Anyone have a design they love?

[Mr Cabletwitch]

I picked up a Bontrager one last year that is very easy to slip down and comfortable. My favorite by far.

[bloody sunday]

smartwool has a neck gaiter that I use and love. Doesn't fog up my oakleys when I cover my mouth, either.

[bargainguy]

I'm on my second Turtle Fur balaclava. Wore out the first one. Thin lycra on top so fits easily under a helmet.

[Uncle Jam's Army]

This: http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/capilene-4-baselayer-fleece0balaclava?p=28690-0

[sg8357]

Note, the PI Baklava is too short in the back.
This one is better.

[jpw]

This: http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/capilene-4-baselayer-fleece0balaclava?p=28690-0

i have one. it's not the right shape for cycling imho. i changed to an Assos neck protector and robo/ fugu caps. there are also the balaclavas, but i've not needed one... yet;

http://www.assos.com/en/25/products.aspx?cat=6,19,31,39

[apeescape]

Might I recommend a beard :beer:

[spiderman]

To know there's my way
And
There's got to be a better way than that!
People of the paceline...
This is what Clydesdale has to endure
And what prompts so many really good questions!
...too cold to take the picture outside
And the white frost collected everywhere
Had melted!

[JAGI410]

Outdoor Research Ninjaclava. It's currently -16F, and I have a group ride later today (Global Fat Bike Day!), the Ninjaclava can handle those temps.

I also have a 45Nrth Lung Cookie, which sucks. I can only comfortably wear it down to +20. Lame!

I am considering a Cold Avenger facemask for this season as well.

[shovelhd]

I found a Cannondale last year. I rode last weekend in 15 degree temps and it really helps. Look around, they're out there.

[93legendti]

Outdoor Research Ninjaclava. It's currently -16F, and I have a group ride later today (Global Fat Bike Day!), the Ninjaclava can handle those temps...

I have one and it is almost too warm at temps around 25degrees. Very warm.

I have Spidey's Giro helmet, and it IS very warm but a bad neck prevents me from riding with it too much. The weight of the helmet and the cycling position are a bad combo for me.

For cold temps, an Ibex Loden hat and Ibex neck gaiter work very well

[Puget Pounder]

I used an REI one that I just lost yesterday so I bought this Nashbar one.

Looks like it has great reviews. http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_520020_-1___

[lukeheller]

Love my smart wool balaclava. Best piece of cycling apparel I picked up last winter.

[Saffs]

Although not tested in really low temps yet, I finding this pretty good:

http://www.rapha.cc/deep-winter-base-layer

Magically well balanced too, breaths quite well and I haven't felt like I was getting too hot. Used it for a cold CX race - below freezing - with a jersey on and didn't overheat. In MA although it can be cold, overdress and you're soon too hot, so my concern is something like this could soon see you overheating.

I'll report more as the gets colder.

[sworcester]

Note, the PI Baklava is too short in the back.
This one is better.

Thats important, both important
http://logophilius.blogspot.com/2010/05/baklava-vs-balaclava.html

[Clydesdale]

Appreciate the input. It's supposed to be above zero tomorrow so I may have some "warmer" days to experiment. Somewhere out there is the perfect solution to covering skin, wicking moisture while breathing and air-flow. Thanks for the suggestions.

[christian]

Woolpower/Ullfrotte 400.

[maxdog]

Silk.

[morrisericd]

+1 on the smart wool. Really nice.

[shamsixnine]

http://shop.craftsports.us/active-ws-face-protector.html

Kind of thin and you will definitely feel a chill at first. But once you start riding a bit, feels just right. I've tried others, but the biggest difficulty I've had, was that I started to get too hot. Never had that with the craft.

[rice rocket]

Silk.

I have a pair of Thermasilk liner gloves that I tried once and they were worse than not wearing them at all, I don't understand the concept. They're neither warm nor wicking, running them through the wash proved this as the glove came out sopping wet (while most my synthetic + wool cycling gear barely retains any water).

What's the secret to making this work?

[christian]

What's the secret to making this work?

<-20 C and < 10% humidity. Oh yeah, and standing still.

[rex]

I like the Seirus Dynamax Balaclava: it's thin, stretches, warm and cheap. I have used it in temps from 14 to 40 degrees and it works well.

[rnhood]

I have the Seirus also and it works very well. The neck tucks down nicely under the jersey too. I also have a Smartwool balaclava and its nice....but the Seirus tends to work better for cycling.

[ahsere]

+1 for the Seirus. I've commuted on one for the last three New England winters and I've never found a compelling reason to look elsewhere. Pretty durable too, mine looks and feels like new.

[dmurphey]

The Ibex Coppi merino wool cycling cap is a nice light wool layer for all cool to cold temps, and with a second thin cap layer under is good down to low 30's. It has a small brim that is priceless. I luv it!

[Spoonito]

I have an under armour balaclava that I use when I run. Have not used it on the bike yet though. Thick enough to keep me warm when I run in the dead of winter.

[Saffs]

I have an under armour balaclava that I use when I run. Have not used it on the bike yet though. Thick enough to keep me warm when I run in the dead of winter.

I use that too, for running, and pretty good on the bike too.

[Straz]

I use the Official I Am Not Ted King Neck Gaitor. (http://www.cutaway.us/collections/iamnottedking/products/official-i-am-not-ted-king-multi-purpose-neck-gaiter) Very functional, stylish and all profits go to charity.

[markie]

I only use my balaclava when it gets pretty cold, less than 20F. Above that I prefer wearing a hat and my icebreaker neck gaiter.

Around 0F and I an wearing the balaclava, ski goggles, the hat and the neck gaiter.

[LarryN]

Hello
Bought mine at Target.