Best balaclavas according to redditors

As a semi-professional costumer, I offer the following suggestions. One, get a balacava (example here) to cover the neck. Two, look into different boots that cover the bottom of the feet.. or for goodness sake, don't wear white socks!

Get baby powder. Before you put on the mask, throw a bunch of baby powder into the mask, shake it around, shake it back out. Putting the mask on and taking it off will be much easier now and less likely to tear the mask. Keep a small travel-sized bottle of powder with you when you go on break to put into the mask.

Consider buying a very thin balaclava like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012TZ04E/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It makes wearing the mask much nicer and also makes it easier to put on and off. You can either tuck the opening in the balaclava below your chin or cut a mouth hole for easier breathing if the fabric feels restrictive.

At the very least, get a cheap wig cap from Wal-mart or even a Halloween store. That will keep your hair from moving around and getting in your face and also keep the mask from tugging at your hair.

Ask for explicit instructions on how to put on the mask and take it off. NEVER EVER grab the face of the mask to adjust it. Always use the flat palms of your hands on the sides or top of the mask to shift it around on your head. The face of the mask is the thinnest part and is easiest to tear. Never hold the mask by the face, always by the head or both hands holding the lower chest and shoulder edges.

Put on the mask and take it off by sliding your hands, flat, palms facing each other, up inside the neck of the mask. Gently stretch your flat hands away from each other inside the neck of the mask to open up the neck and slide it on or off your head.

Im going to second the balaclava that was linked to be a great one to use when suiting. But heres the same one on amazon for cheaper.

http://www.amazon.com/Schampa-CoolSkin-Balaclava-Black-Size/dp/B0012TWSSA/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1457831052&sr=8-7&keywords=cooling+balaclava

You'll probably be renting most of your ski gear, so here are the warm items you'll want:

1. GLOVES. Since you're just going on vacation, get a moderately good pair that are waterproof, and buy some cheapo glove liners (example glove, example liner).
   
2. Scarf. Thick scarf preferably.
   
3. Balaclava (example here) - optional if your scarf is really good, but recommended.
   
4. Overpants (wear underarmour and jeans underneath). First time I went, I went to target and got a pair for about $15. (example here)
   
5. Beanie.
   
   Now my personal two most important, but expensive items:
   
   
6. Socks! Go to rei and get yourself a pair of these ski socks. Nothing is worse than freakishly cold feet, or feet that get destroyed by the crappy rental books. These socks are built to keep your feed warm and padded.
   
7. Jacket. Ok...here you can cheat a bit by layering. The 'real deal' would be to get something like this. OR, do what I did (and continue to do): underarmour + long sleeve shirt + sweater + rain jacket. Yeah, you don't have a good seal, and you'll end up getting snow on your clothes and be a bit cold by 2pm, but if you don't have hundreds of dollars for a ski jacket it's a good deal. Note: i've found that cheap ski jackets are garbage, and you will pay the price for them.
   
   Hope this helps! You can buy pretty much all this except for the jacket for under $100, and maybe even less if you're really thirfty. Helmet, boots, and skis should be taken care of by the rental folks.

Get ready. It's only going to get colder from here, until about March.

January is usually particularly brutal though. Get a face-mask. They really do wonders.

Awesome idea! If you love that person that much more, just had to share a step up from this product without having to know tire pressure: http://www.amazon.com/FOBO-Bluetooth-Compatible-Monitoring-Motorcycles/dp/B00WBD00FO

Added this to my wheels and having pressure and a quick temperature readout in the morning before leaving my kitchen is pretty insanely nifty.



Other ideas for OP:

Freezeout Balaclava: http://www.amazon.com/FREEZE-OUT-Balaclava-Black/dp/B0096R08W8/

Microfiber Cloths (great for visor wipes, general cleaning, and wiping condensation off the bike in the morning): http://www.amazon.com/Zwipes-Microfiber-Cleaning-36-Pack-Assorted/dp/B000XECJES

Cat Crap (visor antifogger): http://www.amazon.com/EK-Ekcessories-10003P-AM-Anti-Fog-Cleaner/dp/B002BHWZFI/

Lock Laces: http://www.amazon.com/LOCK-LACES-Elastic-Tie-Shoelaces/dp/B00975EAJ6

Motorcycle Tire Inflator (fits under my seat easily): http://www.amazon.com/Slime-40001-Motorcycle-Tire-Inflator/dp/B000ET9SB4/

What about a mall? What about a mask and some extra layers?

I am
(was? it's been almost gone since I lost so much weight) asthmatic and cold air has always been one of my triggers. When we got hit with the first windchill under freezing I bought us balaclava masks ($15 or so at Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S0YA5GM/) and they helped immensely, they keep my head and neck very warm and they breathe really well. Plus they can be worn with or without covering the mouth and nose.

I also started experimenting with the clothing. I got thermal pants, these have been great in sub zero with just a windbreaker pant worn over. For the top I stopped wearing my parka and switched to wearing two pairs of long sleeve stay dry shirts over one short sleeve shirt of the same material. I am now even running wearing these, just this morning I was more concerned about the ice patches than I was about being able to breathe when it was so damn cold.

> Do you by any chance know where I can get to learn how to ride during the winter?

Hub/Cycles for Change usually have a class I think. There have also been seminars at the Winter Bike Expo. A lot of it comes down to clothing selection and regular bike maintenance. We salt our roads heavily and wiping off snow after riding is worth the time spent. I highly, highly recommend using a "wet" lube instead of a "dry" lube on your chain. Avoid Tri-flow, Finish Line Dry/Red, White Lightning, anything "wax." You want something like Rock and Roll Gold, Finish Line Wet/Green, Chain-L... something "wet."


Things I consider must haves (other people may disagree):

1. A cycling cut windbreaker. You wear this as an outer layer and it amplifies the effectiveness of your insulating layers of shirts. Cycling windbreakers are long in the back and long in the arms to keep you covered when bent over the handlebars, and have vented pits/back to vent moisture.
   
   
2. Balaclava with an open nose vent and perforated mouth area. Something like this instead of this or this. The kind that cover up your nose fog glasses and get snotty. You might not wear glasses but you'll probably want eye protection against the cold.
   
   
3. Wool/Smartwool/Costco smartwool knockoff socks
   
   
4. Something more wind-resistant than jeans
   
   
5. Layers, layers, layers. Tights, compression shirts, longjohns, baselayers, fleeces, "athletic tshirts." That windbreaker I mentioned first means I can get away with wearing something like a compression shirt and a long sleeve wicking tshirt or two and being plenty warm on the bike much of the time.
   
   
6. Eye protection. Ski goggles, lab goggles, motorcycle goggles etc. I'm kinda a wuss about my eyes being cold and need them covered around 20°F/-7C
   
   
7. A pair of studded tires, a bike that can fit at least a 32-35mm tire, a good set of tire levers and a floor pump. Riding on studs sucks when you don't need them and not having studs when you need them sucks. Tire choice is rather personal and too long to get into so here's Peter White's thoughts on studded tires.

Something like this? https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Leathers-HWH1017-Eagle-Black/dp/B007R4H334?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1

A balaclava or something similar makes a big difference for the cold air. You can get half masks too that just cover the neck/mouth/nose if you have a hat you prefer. The thin fabric doesn't make you sweat but it gives just enough protection.

It's technically a balaclava http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balaclava_(clothing)

I purchased this one specifically. It's a tighter fit, more like lycra or something. You don't want a knit ski mask.

It is ~$13USD, and it is a Schampa Warmskin.

Have gone through a few different from local outlet stores and finally settled with this one, very warm. Highly recommend for winter squidding

Nah, wear this balaclave combine with this neck gaiter and your head should be fine from the cold.

I don't know why it has so many negative reviews, I imagine they can't breath because they have it jammed down their throat.

What kind of social faux pas are you thinking of? Gangs and maybe gay cruising are the only ones I can think of and honestly I wouldn't worry about either. I wear bandanas almost with every ride (in Brooklyn, NY) Remember, it's under your helmet most of the time anyway, and it'll probably come off when you take off the helmet. Mine do, anyway. If you're still worried about it, get some crazy patterns. Go with any style you like. Here are a couple I bought-

Sunshine Joy Grateful Dead Vibrating Bear Bandana https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00695MAV2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_XER.ybW58R5HD

ZANheadgear Paisley 100 Percentage Cotton Premium Bandanna (Navy, 22" x 22") https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003IXC75C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fGR.ybWHK7MEP

A balaclava can (to some degree) protect you if you have to use someone else's helmet.

There's a cheap one on Amazon that I use for riding in cool weather. Fogs up the visor like nothing else every time I breathe during a rain, but that can be dealt with.

One of my friends cosplays Darth Talon and swears by the paint from Reel Creations . They tend to be a little pricey but you don't have much to cover so you won't need a ton of paint. My friend usually SLEEPS in her paint, so I know it doesn't come off easily.

Edit: I've personally used pax paint and that stuff is durable as hell. It's great for small areas like just the neck or the neck and face. Just don't get it in/near your eyes and make sure you buy the remover! (That goes for both these products, ALWAYS get the remover!)

But paint aside, have you considered a balaclava? Yeah they're hot but so much less of a pain, not to mention cheaper.

Need one these guys:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S0YA5GM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And wool socks, toe warmers, badass gloves, and layers to add/remove as you start sweating

Its cold as fuck, but doable

Get a balaclava. Covers your head except your eyes/nose and is thin so fits well under a helmet. It'll keep you toasty no matter what helmet you choose to get.

https://www.amazon.com/Balaclava-Windproof-Motorcycle-Comfortable-Hypo-allergenic/dp/B00S0YA5GM

Right?! This is the balaclava I bought. Total stealth mode.

big bearded backpacking balaclava owner here, i use the minus33 midweight merino wool balaclava for my winter uses, or i use my melanzana hood drawn tight as a clava as well.

i like the merino wool because it's not too tight, and will stretch to fit after not too long, does a great job of wicking away moisture and still stays fairly warm. i've also used those separate fleece hood/balaclava things, i got a cheap one at target years ago now. not this one, but close: https://www.amazon.com/Balaclava-Fleece-Hood-Performance-Construction/dp/B01316Y5T6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1518499272&sr=8-4&keywords=fleece+hood+mask

Here is what I use in cold weather:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019F18TX4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The longer front was nice since it provided more coverage. I haven't backpacked at -15F with it, but did have it on for 5 hours of trail running in -15-20 F weather. The bottom froze up a bit but it kept my face warm.

https://www.amazon.com/Your-Choice-Balaclava-Motorcycle-Protection/dp/B07FMLT212/

lol

For winter I just use my normal gear with a ski coat that's slightly to large to fit over my moto jacket, ski pants to keep the wind off my legs, knee high thick socks because some air does go up the pant leg. Winter motorcycle gloves.

So basically I just wear what I would if I went skiing over my normal summer motorcycle gear. Oh and this IS A MUST: Balaclava

Bleaugh. Would a summer balaclava help at all?

I've had similar problems. Here's how I do it:

• When you put on your balaclava, check yourself in your side mirror. It will show you that it's a bit off center, even though it seemed fine.
  
• Get your balaclava on tight. Pull it all the way down so there's nothing left for the helmet to pull. Pull it down in the back to keep too much material above your eyes. It should be nice and smooth - no crumples for the helmet to snag on.
  
• Then put on your neck warmer. I use this one. This cheaper one also looks good.
  
• When you put on your helmet, roll it onto your head. Start by looking into it, like you're putting it on your face rather than your head. And roll it into position - even overshoot so the chin portion thing ends up too high, then bring it down into position.
  
• Ride to work, take off your helmet, and walk around the rest of the day with the most absurd looking hair.
  
  Then you should be good to go. I use a cheap flimsy t-shirt headsock I got free from the go-kart track on mild days, and I use this balaclava when it's super cold
  
  Good luck!

I will go from the top down,

My helmet:

http://i.imgur.com/9W7xG.jpg

I put "cat crap" on the visor to keep it from fogging. Works great and keeps me relatively warm.

I have ordered this snowmobile balaclava:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MQAWOY

I dont think I will need it for another month, I also have a neck warmer from my snowboard kit.

I have this jacket:

http://www.amazon.com/Joe-Rocket-Motorcycle-Large-Tall-851-4015/dp/B0025YIK2Y/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1320407840&sr=8-2

I wear it with a hoodie under it and it keeps me warm. I have a really heavy DNA coat (I'm a snowboarder) that I can wear if it gets extremely cold, but to date I havent needed it.

Gloves:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UROUJO

They work ok, still new so I am getting the feel for them.

Pants:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/41/37261/ITEM/Frogg-Toggs-Classic-Tekk-Toad-Pants.aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch

I bought a cheap pair of wind proof/water proof pants. I havent needed them yet, I keep them on the bike in case I get caught in rain @ work.

Since I now live in the Shenandoah Valley I dont really need to get extreme like the people that live in the north. The nights get pretty dang cold though.

I bought a Carhartt force fleece helmet liner mask on a whim because it was $15. Pretty versatile and light. Got the blaze orange one in case I was hiking in an area with hunters.
Edit: here is the Amazon link https://www.amazon.com/Carhartt-Mens-Helmet-Liner-Mask/dp/B002G9UH92

I tried a few different things. Some of them ended up fogging my glasses, others maybe were too thick to fit a helmet over.

The one I use all the time is:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012TZ04E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's very thin. I still wear a winter hat over it, then a helmet on top of that.

This is what I wore when I went as Guy-Man. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0012TZ04E?cache=eb5501b32266315762431fdbe796b096&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70#ref=mp_s_a_1_13&qid=1393778256&sr=8-13

Here's the closest thing I could find to what you're looking for

This is my favorite! :)

Schampa CoolSkin Balaclava (Black, One Size) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012TWSSA/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_uGo5wbAW3BCCP

I think it keeps the head nice and cool.