ZanheadgearNylon Balaclava Black, Shiesty

used for hunting gear, good coverage and warm

I bought one of these several years ago from another company and have used it in cool to cold weather riding here in Florida. Most people think it doesn't get cold here but when you are used to normal temperatures from 75 and up for the largest part of the year, those 30's and 40's and colder get your attention really quick. I use these under my helmet to stop the drafts that get in on my face and the back of my neck where my coat doesn't fit tight. When I first saw one of these in the box, I thought that because of the thinness of it there was no way it could keep me warm. But I tried it and much to my surprise, it was plenty warm. Made a believer out of me. I was in the market for some more of them this year and saw them on Amazon for a better price so I ordered 3 of them. 2 for me and one to give to a fellow biker as we were talking one day about cold weather riding and he mentioned the same problem. He has likewise used his and is also very happy. Kudos Amazon for yet another great product. You may not make it all yourself, but you make it available for Joe Public to buy it.

Keeps me warm on motorcycle rides. I wore it once covering everything but my eyes, and I breathed into the fabric a lot. It kept me warm, but I noticed the next time I wore it the fabric covering my mouth smelled like bad breath. So now I just cover my mouth leave my nose uncovered and breathe through my nose so I keep my breath moisture off the cloth, and it stays perfectly clean and good smelling. I ride when the temp is in the teens (fahrenheit) and it makes a huge difference. It covers your ears, your entire neck, and as much of your face as you want. easy on, easy off. I have no qualms about this product. I forgot it yesterday and immediately regretted it once I got to cruising speed (30+ mph).

I bought this balaclava to replace one I lost towards the end of winter. I use it primarily on winter bike rides to protect my ears, face neck, and (on really cold days or long rides) nose. My previous balaclava was a C9 by Champion one from Target, which I liked much better because it was thicker (thus warmer) and more comfortable, but apparently stores don't feel like selling winter clothing in February anymore, so I had to look elsewhere. That's where this one came in.When I first got it, I was immediately surprised by how thin it is. I don't think I could use this in the middle of winter; I'd need something thicker and warmer. However, for short rides or warmer temperatures (say, 20s or 30s) I've found it acceptable. It is very tight, so I could see people with larger heads having problems with this. There is some stitching down the middle that other people noticed and I thought might concern me. If I wear it only around the perimeter of my face, it's fine, but if I pull it up over my mouth or nose, is is noticeable (not quite irritating in my opinion). The "neck" portion is also very long, which I find nice on this one because I thought it was actually too short on my old one. Like my old one, it's also fairly "adjustable" in that I can wear it to cover just my neck, my chin, my mouth, or my nose and whole face except the eyes.On the bright side, it's cheap. It's not horribly constructed from the looks of things, but within weeks a thread from the middle stitching came loose. Nothing else has happened since cutting that off, and I don't even notice much if any damage from this. I just wish it was a bit warmer, but for this price I can hardly complain. I do know that I'll go back to my old brand next winter when they are hopefully in stores again, but I'll definitely keep this one around, perhaps a second under-layer to use on particularly cold days.UPDATE: Lasted through the rest of that winter and the first part of this one with no problems. I did replace it with my thicker one once stores started selling them again. Unfortunately, I lost it but really want a second layer (this) under my thicker balaclava for the sub-zero days we've been having lately, so I think I'll order one of these again. Again, it's thin, and maybe a tad tight, which is the primary reason for my rating, but it's cheap enough that I'm not sure you can expect much more.

This worked well in my ski helmet, not too heavy and allowed enough air flow to keep me from overheating. I found the balaclava snug, but not too tight, and I have a hat size 7 3/8 (almost XL). At the top of Storm Peak at Steamboat, the wind was howling (25 mph+) and temperature was 10-15°F. This balaclava was just adequate, but something heavier was in order (you actually had to be fairly hard core or stupid to be there). If I were going to use this in serious cold (-15°F or less) I would probably have to have a second hat on, or definitely a hood up. If you're in cold and windy situations, then this is probably not the covering you want, it leaks a bit much for that. For skiing, where the balaclava covers your face and the helmet provides additional covering for your head, I found it worked well. I didn't freeze, but I didn't overheat either. This may be a good option for those who find most balaclava's to hot and constricting.An update: I was throwing away the merchandising card that was attached to the balaclava and looked at it one more time. Interestingly, it proposed use of this balaclava for exactly what I used it for... a helmet liner.

Some of these by other brands have been far shorter...this one DOES extend down into and around your neck...with a turtleneck, etc. ...it is the best fitting i.e. the longest I've bought...I have immediately ordered more. The fabric quality feels like they all do when new ... this one feels maybe better...we'll see with heavy extended wear which I put on these bad boys.........I typically have to take black threat and needle and stitch up separated seems what with my use ALL the time on my BMW motorcycle ..... this one I've had for only one major ski weekend. And 10 motorcycle rides...it is THE BEST. Shipping was excellent as always...free super shipping with $25 total of other stuff.