BlackStrap balaclava are the best defense against cold and brutal winter weather, providing optimum warmth, moisture control, and durability. These ski masks are ideal for snow sports, trekking, and cold-weather training since they integrate with your gear while providing excellent protection and comfort.
BlackStrap balaclava provide moisture-wicking, odor resistance, quick drying, and up to 98% UV protection, ensuring you stay comfortable and protected from the elements on any outdoor trip.
History of Balaclava
The history of the Balaclava is fascinating. To keep warm during The Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War (1853-1856), British soldiers wore knitted headgear that covered the top and bottom portion of their faces, leaving just their eyes exposed.
The town of Balaclava was close, and the name eventually became connected with the unusual face masks used by the troops. Balaclavas were traditionally made of wool but are now made of various textiles such as silk, fleece, and bamboo. Firefighters, police officers, race car drivers, electrical workers, SWAT teams, and special forces personnel use balaclavas for protection.
Sports in which balaclavas are used
For winter sports enthusiasts, the balaclava is a reliable best friend. Skiers and snowboarders use this helpful device to protect themselves against chapped skin and, in severe weather, frostbite. Winter mountaineers use balaclavas to provide additional warmth and protection. Balaclavas are also beneficial to snowmobilers, motorcyclists, and bicycle riders because they block the wind from causing skin damage.
Purpose and Function
The most apparent use of a balaclava is to keep the user warm and dry. Balaclavas protect the head and lower part of the face, so heat from the top of your head does not escape, but their breathable material prevents goggles from fogging. Helmets can be worn over balaclavas, making them suitable for skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.
How to wear a balaclava.
Wear a balaclava by placing it on your head and rolling it down to your neck. Make the necessary modifications to the entrance to ensure your comfort. Depending on the size of the aperture, some balaclavas can be rolled down around the neck like a gaiter under certain circumstances.
Balaclavas are responsive, tiny, and lightweight clothes, making them convenient to carry with you on cold days. They’re quick and easy to pull out of your baggage and put on, allowing you to adapt to changing temperatures. Balaclavas are compatible with your existing jackets, coats, and caps and may be worn with any outfit to offer an extra layer of warmth.
How to pronounce balaclava
Balaclava is pronounced ba · luh · klaa · vuh, emphasizing the third syllable (klaa). Often called ski masks in the USA, Balaclavas are named after the town of Balaklava. Fighting in the Crimean War in the mid 19th Century, British troops began to wear hand-knitted hoods to cope with harsh winter conditions. These were the first balaclavas.
The effectiveness of this method of insulation in cold weather caught on, leading to the range of balaclavas on offer today. Popular among skiers, snowboarders, and mountaineers, balaclavas are also helpful for winter hikes and trail running during colder months.
The North Face has a history of equipping outdoor adventurers, from weekend warriors to elite athletes. Our decades of experience are combined with a relentless focus on innovation and development. We engineer all the gear you need to handle whatever nature throws at you. Furthermore, Grab what you need to focus on performance and enjoy the experience. Never stop exploring.
How does a balaclava fit?
“You know your balaclava fits if you feel comfortable moving and breathing in it, and it provides enough protection for the environment you’ll be in,” Sara implies.
Sara suggests putting it on with goggles, glasses, or a helmet if you intend to wear it with them. “Move your head from left to right, up and down, then do some jumping jacks to test whether it stays where you want it.
Moreover, You don’t want lifts or holes around your face; the edge of the balaclava should be comfortable or somewhat snug.” Review our Hat Size and Fit Guide, then proceed from there. Whether driving a snow machine over the icy tundra or skipping work for a powder day, a balaclava is essential for staying warm and comfortable on your local ski hill.
Which kind of balaclava is best for you?
Our Protective Essentials Midweight Balaclava Kit is ideal for anyone seeking additional protection. Firstly, This washable balaclava can be worn as a bare face covering or paired with the Essential Filter for maximum filtration efficacy. However, The Essential Midweight Balaclava Kit is coated with HEIQ V-BLOCK and includes a 3-pack of filters and a storage pouch.
The fit is completely customizable, featuring a hinge structure and nose wire for a pleasant and secure fit. Furthermore, it offers UPF 50+ sun protection. It is water and stain-repellent, resistant to microbial deterioration, and can be laundered up to 30 times without losing any HEIQ V-BLOCK functionality. After thirty washes, HEIQ V-BLOCK will gradually disappear.
Our most elegant and lightweight balaclavas are the Alpine Onset, composed of breathable, natural, odor-resistant merino wool, and the Option, made of synthetic fiber with a thermoregulating treatment. Additionally,The Alpine Onset and the Option are for all-day use with a helmet. The nose and mouth are uncovered to relieve heat and facilitate eating and drinking.
Heavyweight choices for colder conditions include the Ninjaclava, Sonic, and Helmetclava.
The interior of the Ninjaclava fleece has been brushed for suppleness. Silicone grips around the eyes help retain the goggles in place.
The Ninjaclava covers both the chin and cheeks, but its overlapping shape makes it easy to pull open when you need to eat or drink or if there is too much heat accumulating inside.
The Sonic Balaclava is specifically developed for high-wind environments. It has Gore Windstopper microfleece over the ears and Polartec Wind Pro hard face fleece for improved hearing. A mesh breathing port helps prevent condensation from forming.
As the name implies, the Helmetclava is designed to be used with a climbing helmet. It’s ideal for mountaineering and other strenuous sports in wet or windy conditions. A Gore Windstopper soft shell protects the face and neck, while the crown of the head and back are lined with ActiveTemp-treated fleece.
The Gorilla Balaclava provides the most customizable and changeable protection. Firstly, nose and cheekpieces are detachable, and the entire face and neck can be opened. Moreover, This convertible design, composed of Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper fleece, is ideal for high-intensity activities or changing to microclimates.
The new Tundra Aerogel Balaclava now includes NASA-tested, PrimaLoft Aerogel insulation for the coldest, most extreme weather conditions. However, “We did a frostbite study to understand what areas of the face are most at risk in harsh weather,” adds Sara. “Frostbite redness and blistering typically appear first on the nose and cheekbones. So we created a Primaloft Aerogel Insulation pattern piece to cover the at-risk areas exactly.”
The Tundra Aerogel’s Aerogel nose piece, together with the neoprene breathing port and Gore-Tex, Infinium Windstopper fleece, makes this a lightweight and protective balaclava for harsh circumstances such as high-altitude mountaineering. Its narrow eye opening may be entirely covered with goggles to keep the heat in.