Outdoor Research Option Balaclava
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Description
11 Reviews
Sizing ChartOutdoor Research Option Balaclava
This rugged balaclava, made from a thermodynamic fabric, will keep whatever part of your head warm that you want it to. Need a neck gaiter? A hat? A full balaclava? The Option Balaclava™ from Outdoor Research is way ahead of you.
- Thermodynamic fabric; durable nylon face and looped polypropylene interior
- Flat-seam construction and contoured shape
- Works as a neck gaiter, balaclava or hat
- Avg. weight: 1.8 oz. (51 g.) in size L/XL
11 Reviews - Outdoor Research: Option Balaclava
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Warren MacKinstry - 2010-01-05As warm as advertised
Great hat providing the warmth and wind resistance as advertised. The OR logo is not embroidered and peeling eliminating the reflective opportunity when I exercise at dawn. Not a bother, but surprising on a quality garment.
Philip - 2009-12-30Very versatile
I've been using this balaclava as a scarf in the mornings and a full on face/headwrap in the evening descents during my bike rides. Wind is significantly reduced as it shields cold air from entering through the top of my jacket. The material is thin but it's warm and lightweight to carry in your camelback.
Jim - 2009-12-28Great service and product.
Perfect for riding in our low 40 degree temperatures. Fits nicely under bike helmet, and I like to be able to wear it in different configurations as the temperature changes.
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11 Reviews - Outdoor Research: Option Balaclava
Warren MacKinstry - 2010-01-05As warm as advertised
Great hat providing the warmth and wind resistance as advertised. The OR logo is not embroidered and peeling eliminating the reflective opportunity when I exercise at dawn. Not a bother, but surprising on a quality garment.
Philip - 2009-12-30Very versatile
I've been using this balaclava as a scarf in the mornings and a full on face/headwrap in the evening descents during my bike rides. Wind is significantly reduced as it shields cold air from entering through the top of my jacket. The material is thin but it's warm and lightweight to carry in your camelback.
Jim - 2009-12-28Great service and product.
Perfect for riding in our low 40 degree temperatures. Fits nicely under bike helmet, and I like to be able to wear it in different configurations as the temperature changes.
Anonymous - 2009-12-20I get dual usage from it!
Not only is it a great balaclava I use in the cold mornings when I have to go out and scrape my car window or clear the snow off ( especially in a blizzard ). I also wear it for sleep at night under my CPAP facial mask. The straps always put big red marks on my face and also wear away at my bald spot. Putting this on first cushions the straps very well!
Anonymous - 2009-01-17Does what it says...
I love this thing and on cold, windy days I'll usually throw it on. It's one of the best ways I've found to keep wind off my ears.
It's thin and stretchy, but it does a good job blocking the wind.
I usually wear it pulled down below my chin and it works fine that way, or you can tug it up to cover your mouth. The fabric is breathable enough so that you don't feel like you're drooling on yourself after a few minutes of exhaling.
I wear this cycling and found it to work great down to 30 degrees or so, and you can always layer on top of it.
John in CA - 2008-11-11Awesome fit & comfort factor
I bought this for using under my helmet when I ride my Vespa during these cold months and it works perfectly!
It's super-thin, yet keeps my head, ears and chin warm. No more arriving at my destination wishing I had driven my car.
Robert Cope - 2007-12-09Perfect Item for Base Layer or Above Zero (F) Wind shield
I'm outdoors with Minimal movement for periods of 4-5 hours at a time.
This item Works Great, and does not add bulk. As a stand alone item it functions great for temps Zero or above with 5-10 MPH winds. Below that it is a Awesome base layer/wicking layer. With a simple scarf it immunizes you against wind and temps into the below zero range.
Must have for outside workers!
Simeon Lott, NJ - 2007-12-09Lightweight yet warm
I bought this to keep my (very bald) head warm when winter cycling, and although thin it does the job admirably. It stops the wind perfectly and has become my most treasured outdoor apparel. I have a 57cm head and chose the smaller option which fits nicely. The neck could be a smidgin longer but I heartily recommend it.
summitbum - 2007-02-09Perfect weight and fit
I was concerned this balaclava would not be warm enough since my previous one was made from windstopper but everything is perfect. The balacalava fits nicely is easy to pull over your mouth and blocks the wind.
CornyBum - 2009-12-09Great balaclava without ideal full coverage including nose
This was my first balaclava purchase, and I was really looking forward to using this item and expecting to love it. As I found, it is a great balaclava as the other reviews say. The material provides a snug fit while being stretchy enough to be worn in more ways than I'd ever use (beanie/skull cap, "full" balaclava, balaclava with exposed nose and mouth, neck gaiter, and venting hat). It's also thin enough to fit nicely under my bicycle helmet when worn as a "full" balaclava yet seemed to be warm enough for whatever cold weather I'd face around town. Even with the balaclava covering my mouth, it seemed quite breathable.
However, one shortcoming in design left me disappointed. I'm confident that many others would consider a "full" balaclava's coverage to include the nose so that only the wearer's eyes would be exposed. According to the diagram on this product's packaging and my experiments in eyes-only coverage, this balaclava is not designed to offer what I consider an ideal "full coverage" option that leaves only the user's eyes exposed.
I found that I can cover my nose in two ways, each with its downside. Firstly, I can simply tug the balaclava's bottom portion up to cover my nose. However, this creates wrinkles to the sides of my eyes that bump up to allow (cold) air inside. Secondly, I can follow up the first method with also stretching the upper portion of the balaclava so that the previously mentioned wrinkles will stretch flat back against my skin. However, this basically left the balaclava moved up in its position on my head so that much of my forehead was exposed. This looked strange and probably would leave me colder than is ideal.
If nose coverage isn't important for you, this balaclava will probably be excellent. If like me, you expect a balaclava's full coverage to have a snug fit with only the eyes exposed and the nose and mouth kept warm, I recommend something else.
S - 2009-11-30Good Wind Protection and Warmth
Tested at 12,200 feet. Kept my face warm, until the moisture built up from my mouth (that is to be expected). I would have been miserable without it. It saved my ears from temps and wind in the teens. Would have rated 5 but the hole is slightly too large. Fits under my chin and I got the small. Overall a good buy, but I would recommend the Under Armour one if you can find it on sale.
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Sizing Chart
| Small | Medium | Large | XLarge | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | 6 7/8 | 7 1/8 | 7 3/8 | 7 5/8 |
| Inches | 21 5/8" | 22 1/4" | 23 1/4" | 24" |
| Centimeters | 55cm | 57cm | 59cm | 61cm |
| Small | Large | |
|---|---|---|
| Inches | 19 - 20.5" | 20 - 21.75" |
| Centimeters | 48.25 - 52cm |
51 - 55.25cm |
Black. Available sizes, while supplies last, include size s/m and size l/xl: s/m, l/xl.
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