show us your balaclava
 

this is one of mine. I've been using it lately. I like it because it is thin. it's a little long in the neck & I have to roll it up, but it don't mind. the opening looks like it's only big enough for the eyes but it actually stretches under my chin, covering the front of my chin. I have others but this is the one I'm using to start the balaclava season ... I've had this AEROSSI Balaclava since 2019
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...34943bed20.jpg

Needing glasses to ride limits me to mostly open face balaclavas. The biggest problem I have with balaclavas in general is finding one that sits properly against the forehead. Many of them tend to float or pull back leaving the forehead unprotected.

My current favorite when its not too cold or windy is this Dakota brand one from the Canadian chain Marks. A lot of stretch so I can easily pull it below my chin. And it has a nice puffy waffle pattern inside that seems to be known as grid fleece. The Under Armour Base x.0 thermal tops / bottoms have the same kind of pattern. Not quite as wind resistant as some of my other balaclavas and my ears can start getting cold when its windy.

When its colder I use the face mask part from an Outdoor Research Gorilla Balaclava with a polyester balaclava that I sewed velcro onto.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...36e319db1d.jpg

I've been using an old Smartwool one that was quite thin but it is shredded now. I am disappointed in the current market as all seem to be the very-tight headsock variety (including current Smartwool) and I cannot seem to find another loose wool one. Happy to see the two above and will have a look. I have a big skull (hatsize about 8) also which doesn't help with the compression aspect of the OSFM approach. Open face style for me and when below about 15F then I wear a half-mask respirator facepiece over that (without filters) in order to pre-warm and pre-humidify the incoming air. Looks stoopid but quite comfortable.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c41a2c6c4c.jpg

Balaclava
 

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c217de4bf.jpeg
Wool balaclava and polyester neck gator. - Pearl Izumi non insulated rain proof jacket (rain proof equals windproof). - Three base layers; one light polyester, one Smart Wool 200 weight and one Smart Wool 260 weight - Thermal winter tights - Ski gloves - Smart Wool medium weight socks, and old Nike mesh upper running shoes.

Photo is from Dec 2017 with old bicycle. - My current winter "scooter" is a Trek FX 3 with Planet Bike fenders and Schwalbe Marathon Winter 700x35 studded tires. - Today's ride was great; sunny, light wind at 9° (1° wind chill).

I'll be 79 years old this April.

Mariano

I like this one a lot
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...fdc65cc22e.png

ppl must be breaking out their hoodies right about now, eh?

wore the baclava for the first time yesterday. And my warmer pants too.

can't find mine. ugh, where is it?