Outdoor Research Balaclava

Barkleyfan - 2008-02-07

Money well spent!
Excellent value. Keeps face and neck warm in sub-zero temps, altho I added a knit skullcap under it to keep head warmer. No wind gets through. I did add the skullcap for added warmth,(I shave my head) but also because I run machinery, and this balaclava tends to resonate certain frequencies. fit is excellent, and I've had it for a couple months now, and it seems to be holding up quite well being used as work apparel. One more BIG selling point is the fact that it doesn't itch with stubble. I will certainly buy again when the need arises.

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Edward Jug - 2007-10-13

Great value and excellent product.
Couldn't be happier with the fit and function. Perfect for biking in cold weater.

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Anonymous - 2007-02-25

This is a sure bet.
It's been unusually cold where I live.This product has allowed me to continue taking my daily 45 minute walk in spite of the bitter cold. It's warm and comfortable. I'd definitely recommend buying this item.

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> Read All 13 Reviews

Barkleyfan - 2008-02-07

Money well spent!
Excellent value. Keeps face and neck warm in sub-zero temps, altho I added a knit skullcap under it to keep head warmer. No wind gets through. I did add the skullcap for added warmth,(I shave my head) but also because I run machinery, and this balaclava tends to resonate certain frequencies. fit is excellent, and I've had it for a couple months now, and it seems to be holding up quite well being used as work apparel. One more BIG selling point is the fact that it doesn't itch with stubble. I will certainly buy again when the need arises.

Was this Outdoor Research Balaclava Review Helpful? - Yes - No

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Edward Jug - 2007-10-13

Great value and excellent product.
Couldn't be happier with the fit and function. Perfect for biking in cold weater.

Is this Handy? - Yes - No (1 of 1 liked this review)

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Anonymous - 2007-02-25

This is a sure bet.
It's been unusually cold where I live.This product has allowed me to continue taking my daily 45 minute walk in spite of the bitter cold. It's warm and comfortable. I'd definitely recommend buying this item.

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Anonymous - 2007-02-13

Excellent value!
Great facial protection from wind and cold. Fits closely but comfortably. Seems to be well cut and sewn to last. It remains for me to see how well it protects from snow and rain.

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Rodney W - 2007-01-03

Too good to get caught without it
I bought this and the OR Windstopper gloves together. I am in the military serving in Afghanistan. After driving for 5 hours straight in freezing temperatures with nothing but a military issue neck gaitor to cover my face, I knew that I needed something better for the next trip. I used this balaclava today and it was great. The mesh mouth vent and the open nose port allow you to keep your head and face warm yet breathe without fogging glasses/goggles or totally drenching your face with moisture from your own breathing.

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Anonymous - 2005-03-05

Warm and fits great
This is very warm and comfortable. A must in windy cold conditions.

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Nathan M. - 2004-11-08

the perfect balaclava
This balaclava is bomb proof! I have always been impressed with OR products. They are ergonomic and comfortable. Materials used are always top of the line. G-tex Windstopper fleece is incredible. You can put the balaclava up to your mouth and blow no air will permeate the fleece! This is an excellent hood for skiing, winter ATVing or any other condition where strong gusts of wind exsit.

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Anonymous - 2007-01-31

Outstanding
Definitely a great purchase. However, in hind sight, I should've bought the version where the mouth portion opens up, as it is a lot more convinient (while eating etc.)

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Leah S - 2005-02-23

warm but tight
As always, OR produced a great product. The balaclava is really warm and wind resistant, but a little on the snug side. I ordered a medium thinking it would be slightly too big, but it's actually a struggle to get it on. Once it's on it's great. Also, the color (blue) is much darker than I thought from the online picture, but still better than convenience-store robber black.

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Anonymous - 2005-02-08

Does what it's supposed to.
One of the few windstopper balaclavas on the market. I got it for my daughter, since there is a gap between her ski helmet and goggles that gets problematic on cold days. The only criticism is that it's got a fairly wide opening, which lets some wind through around the temples.

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Craig Shelley - 2005-01-08

Good balaclava with nose and mouth coverage
I've used this a lot during the past few weeks that I've owned it. It works well at keeping my whole head warm. It is difficult to pull on though. I believe OR makes a more expensive balaclava that would be easier to get on. At times it has been too much warmth and my head sweats, although this balaclava breathes, as within anything there is a limit. When I wear glasses or sunglasses, the balaclava fogs up the lenses less than with another one I own. The breathing hole with the mesh over it works fairly well. I don't know that it could be any better. Overall, I'm fairly satisfied with it but not so satisfied that I won't try out something else if I believe it may work better - in other words, I'm not convinced that there isn't something better out there yet.

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Anonymous - 2004-11-07

Best Design Yet!
I have been through a number of balaclavas in my search for the best. The winters here in South Dakota are cold and windy, with 30-45mph winds the norm. This fits the best, has the best wind resistence, and best warmth of those I have tried including OR Gorilla and Blackhawk Nomex versions. I have a fairly large hat size and this fits comfortably snug in size large.

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Greg Wahlers - 2004-10-31

I use this to talk to my early morning classes.
This is really functional but somewhat scary to other people that you walk by.

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