Outdoor Research Men's Option Balaclava

Priced: $11.98 - $25.95 Rated:   - 5 stars out of 5 by 26 reviews.
Outdoor Research Option Balaclava -
Bring a little extra weather protection on your climb with the Outdoor Research Option Balaclava.
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.

Fabric:

  • Flat seam construction
  • 63% nylon, 23% polyester, 14% spandex
  • Thermodynamic fabric; durable nylon face and looped polypropylene interior

Ventilation:

  • Breathable
  • Wicking

Neck:

  • Works as a neck gaiter, balaclava, or hat

Features:

  • Contoured shape
  • 1.8 oz. / 51 g (L/XL)
Moosejaw

The Option Balaclava by Outdoor Research. This versatile alpine 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.


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.


ProLite Gear
This versatile alpine balaclava's Thermodynamic™ fabric is stretchable enough to convert to a neck gaiter or hat when conditions permit, and it provides excellent moisture management.
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Average Price History: Price History
Review RatingNumber of Reviews
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8
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Also available for: Women
Avg. Weight (oz./g):1.8 / 51 L/XL
Country of Origin:China
Hat Type:Balaclava
Insulated:no
Material:Moisture-wicking Thermodynamic Fabric
Outer Material:68% nylon/26% polypropylene/8% spandex
Type:Balaclava & Facemask
UPF Rated:no
Warranty:lifetime
Waterproof:no
Weight:(L/XL) 1.8 oz. / 51 g
Weight [with packaging]:Large/X-Large: 0.25 lb, Small/Medium: 0.35 lb
Windproof:no
Compare specifications to related products.

Outdoor Research Option Balaclava Reviews:

Reviews:

Great fit!

This is a great lightweight balaclava that is in my pack regardless of the conditions. It is very lightweight, very comfortable, and provides a good combination of warmth and wicking. I wear it under a beanie, cap, or visor depending on the conditions and it's thin enough that I do not need to adjust cap sizes or anything like that. Personally I wish the face opening was about a centimeter larger in diameters, for me it is a little tight to have under chin so I typically wear it over mouth, under nose. I would like to think I have an average size head and a medium fits great.
Christopher at Moosejaw on 02/03/2012

Tried this one on when I recieved it and was convinced I was shipped the wrong product. Looking at the product photo I was expecting the length in the neck to be significantly greater than what it truly is. Maybe I am wrong but isnt one of the purposes of a balaclava is to cover the head neck and face? Just too short at the lower end of the neck and wouldnt tuck in into collar of jacket. Nice fit, feel and construction, I give it that. Just not for me.
BTW measurement from bottom of opening down to seam at the neck is 7 inches / size L-XL

Gary Todd at Backcountry.com on 10/05/2012

I love my OR Balaclava, I use it for everything from ice climbing to sled ridding. On really cold day I combine it with a thin winstopper hat to retain more heat. It does ice up a bit from my breath when I cover my mouth and nose, but this is to be expected. It has a great fit, not too tight, and the neck doesn't sneak up while I wear it.

Willy Syndram at Backcountry.com on 01/12/2011

I needed something to cover the lower half of my face and neck while on my motorcycle. This works perfectly. Fits under my moto helmet without bunching or getting annoying. Best of all it keeps my bare skin warm down to 25F while going 30-50mph. Worked great on my mountain bike too. Probably looked like a creep but who cares? My ears face and neck were warm.

bab2911359 at Backcountry.com on 11/11/2011

Awesome Product

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 07/07/2007

If you love skiing the pow than you must have the OR Option balaclava. It keeps the freshies from getting into your jacket plus its polypropylene material is super lightweight, packable, comfy, and warm which is a must on the slopes. Plus it stays dry! What more could you ask for?

Riley at Backcountry.com on 12/28/2011

ever wanted to like like a ninja?

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

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

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 06/06/2008

Great for fighting that windchill

This versatile balaclava is great to have for those winter days when the wind picks up and/or the snow flies. It keeps the heat in well. It does ride up in the back some, but a quick adjustment fixes that.
h_town at Mountain Gear on 01/01/2012