Outdoor Research Men's Gorilla Balaclava

I got the Gorilla balaclava after high winds at high altitude left the tip of my nose looking like wax. In high wind areas, it is a lifesaver, and has a permanent place in my pack during the winter. Even so, the mesh covering the nose tends to frost up or otherwise not provide good air flow. To maximize that air flow, the leave an opening, which my nose typically pokes through. Ocassionally, I'm left in the awkward catch-22 of taking the mask off and freezing, or leaving the mask off and suffocating. A common problem with all windstopper fabrics is that they block hearing, and this balaclava is no exception. Still, I swear by this thing, and I'm not nearly smart enough to figure out how to solve all of the problems I've mentioned without making others worse.

Superior face cover for extreme cold. My wife and I used these in St. Paul, MN and Madison, WI in early February for an outdoor photo shoot of the state capitols. Temperatures were down to about -20 with wind chill. These face covers were lightweight and breathable. Not really a negative, but perhaps have a mirror or a buddy to align the Velcro on neck and nose covers. For best results, maybe a thick beanie over it. I highly recommend this item for folks working/playing outdoors in the extreme cold!

Confortable and fits really well. Used it under helmet for snowboarding. Also, it keeps your ears and face warm. Did not feel any cool air leaks either.

I imagine that it can be used off the slopes for sports or cold outings.

Also, this is very versitile as you can use it it different configurations (e.g. can keep nose section off).

item works very well, because it has a velcro closure you are able to tighten it to your liking. Very comfortable. Nose piece detaches. Only improvement I could think would be to provide some type of button or way to attach it to the headpiece to prevent losing it.

I am a ski patroller in Montana where the weather can, at times, be relentness and this balaclava is a life saver. The wind can blow upwards of forty miles an hour when the temperature is 0 or less and protection is a must, this garment performs beyond expectations!

Bought as an early birthday gift for my sister who bikes 5 miles to work daily in Boston. She absolutely loves it! really likes the mouth and nose openings as they do not ice up badly.

Completely blocks the wind. Fits tightly. On the downside it slips up over my mouth if I don't put it on exactly right.

I haven't actually tried this in the field. However , it seems to fit well and accepts eye glasses wearers OK.