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Outdoor Research Option Balaclava

Snow Sports > Masks & BalaclavasRated: ***** by 16 reviews. Also available for: Women, Men & Women

Mountain Gear

Head into mixed conditions with confidence when you wear the Option Balaclava from Outdoor Research. Thermodynamic fabric provides light insulation and excellent moisture movement to keep your noggin and face warm and dry.

Features:

  • Neither cold, dry air, nor your balaclava will abrade your face - comfortable flat seam construction prevents chafing, so you won't end up with that wind- or carpet-burned glow
  • The smooth nylon face stretches and breathes, while the looped polypropylene interior manages perspiration
  • Wear as a neck gaiter or a hat when conditions permit; the versatile Option provides enough stretch for either

SummitHut.com

Head into mixed conditions: Thermodynamic fabric gives this balaclava light insulation and excellent moisture movement. The smooth nylon face stretches and breathes, while the looped polypropylene interior manages perspiration. Flat seam construction prevents chafing around your face on long, cold days. Stretchable enough to wear as a neck gaiter or a hat when conditions permit, the Option is a multi-functional alpine balaclava.

Features:

  • Contoured shape
  • Flat seam construction
  • Thermodynamic fabric; durable nylon face and looped polypropylene interior
  • Weight: 1.8 oz (size L/XL)
  • Works as a neck gaiter, balaclava, or hat

Altrec

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.

Features:

  • Avg. weight: 1.8 oz. (51 g.) in size L/XL
  • Flat-seam construction and contoured shape
  • Thermodynamic fabric; durable nylon face and looped polypropylene interior
  • Works as a neck gaiter, balaclava or hat

Backcountry.com

The Outdoor Research Option Balaclava's lightweight, low-bulk design makes it ideal to bring along on winter trips where you run the risk of encountering an unexpected storm. Its stretchy polypropylene material provides a close fit, which allows this Outdoor Research balaclava to be worn as a hat or neck gaiter when less-than-full coverage is preferred. The Option Balaclava's 1.8oz weight appeases weight-obsessed alpinists.


Campsaver.com

This versatile Outdoor Research Option balaclava is stretchable enough to wear as a neck gaiter or a hat when conditions permit. The smooth, stretchy polypropylene fabric offers light insulation and excellent moisture management.

Features:

  • Contoured shape
  • Flat-seam construction
  • Thermodynamic™ fabric; durable nylon face and looped polypropylene interior
  • Works as a neck gaiter, balaclava, or hat

Moosejaw

No description provided.

Country of Origin:China
Face fabric:nylon
Liner fabric:polypropylene
Material:Thermodynamic polypropylene
Warranty:Lifetime

View other products from Outdoor Research classified in Snow Sports > Masks & Balaclavas.

View all products from Outdoor Research.
View other products classified in Snow Sports > Masks & Balaclavas.

Sometimes brands make complementary products for the opposite gender that coordinate with this product, we also try to show these products below.

Outdoor Research Option BalaclavaOutdoor Research Option Balaclava - Women's$22.00
Outdoor Research Option BalaclavaOutdoor Research Option Balaclava - Men's & Women's$21.95

These are products that have been indicated being comparable to this product:

Outdoor Research Alpine HatOutdoor Research Alpine Hat
Kid's Clothing > Headwear
$16.50 - $21.95
Outdoor Research Flurry BeanieOutdoor Research Flurry Beanie
Men's Clothing > Headwear
$18.00 - $24.00
silver star GearBuyer.com Top 25 Category Product
View other top products in this category...

Option Availability:

Use this chart to find which retailer offers this product in the size, color or other options that you desire. Click on the price to purchase.

SizeColor
Black
Black
Lg / Xl16.50
S / M19.7519.952 More...
Small / Medium22.00
Large / Extra Large22.00
L / Xl19.7519.952 More...
Sm / Md16.50

Legend

  •     - Moosejaw
  •     - Backcountry.com
  •     - Mountain Gear
  •     - Campsaver.com
  •     - Altrec
  •     - SummitHut.com

Outdoor Research Option Balaclava Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
*****12
****4
***0
**0
*0
To see how this product compares to others view Balaclavas & Face Mask Reviews.

Reviews:

Does what it says...

Rating:*****
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.
Anonymous at Altrec on 01/17/2009

Perfect Item for Base Layer or Above Zero (F) Wind shield

Rating:*****
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!
Robert Cope at Altrec on 12/09/2007

Lightweight yet warm

Rating:*****
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.
Simeon Lott, NJ at Altrec on 12/09/2007

Awesome Product

Rating:*****
I used this balaclava on Mt. Rainier to protect from the cold while climbing at night and then from the sun while descending during the day. Felt great the entire time, and never took it off even in full sunlight coming down the entire time. Felt great and I will use this on many other hiking and climbing adventures.
Desert-Boonie at Mountain Gear on 07/27/2007

"ever wanted to like like a ninja?"

Rating:****
this guys are so clutch. you can look like a ninja, keep warm, use it just as a neck gaiter if you need, or you can pull it up and cover your whole face if its super windy and cold. solid item to have along with you on any northern expedition.
Drew at Moosejaw on 06/29/2007

Outdoor Research Option Balaclava

Rating:*****

This Balaclava is awesome. It's not windproof, but it blocks out the majority of the wind that comes against it. It's very warm, and doesn't ride up too much. It looks a bit odd when you wear it as a hat, but it is still functional.

Jeff McGill at Backcountry.com on 01/16/2009

Good Stuff

Rating:*****
Short of getting a full face shield, this is the best way to go. It's warm and fits under a helmet easily. I use this and a MH Alpanista hat for all but the coldest temps. Think of it as layering for your head.
SpankyBob at Mountain Gear on 06/17/2008

Awesome fit & comfort factor

Rating:*****
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.
John in CA at Altrec on 11/11/2008

works well

Rating:*****

Haven't had to use it much, but it's surprisingly warm and very light. I always bring it backpacking because it's tiny and weighs nothing. My only complaint is that it's a little small (or I have a big head).

ultranaut at Backcountry.com on 09/18/2008

Perfect weight and fit

Rating:*****
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.
summitbum at Altrec on 02/09/2007