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  • windstopper®-soft-shell
Details

This mountaineering balaclava is built to defend from the harshest weather. A soft fleece interior and a weather-resistant shell provide ultimate protection from the elements, and the nose and mesh breathing port are removable, allowing you to tailor the protection as needed.




Fabric :

WINDSTOPPER®, 58% polyester, 34% nylon,6%
ePTFE, 2% spandex

Avg. Weight (oz./g): 3.0 / 86 L

Features
  • Water Resistant
  • Breathable
  • Wicking
  • Wrap-Around Design
  • Removable Facemask
  • Mesh Breathing Port
Technology
  • WINDSTOPPER® Soft Shell

    WINDSTOPPER® Soft Shell offers all the wind protection and warmth of standard WINDSTOPPER® fleece with the addition of a durable stretch-woven exterior for improved resistance to snow, spray, and abrasion.

    View More Information
Lab Rat Reviews

Lab Rat Reviews

by PowerReviews
 
4.9

(based on 7 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (6)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Warm (4)
  • Good protection (3)

Cons

    Best Uses

        • Sizing:

        • Feels full size too small

           

          Feels half size too small

           

          Feels true to size

           

          75% 

          (3 reviews)

          Feels half size too big

           

          Feels full size too big

           
        • Gear Usage:
        • Winter sports (3)
        • Was this a gift?:
        • No (3)

      Reviewed by 7 customers

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      Displaying reviews 1-7

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      4/26/2011
       
      5.0

      Awesome Protection

      By OR user

      from Virginia Beach

      See all my reviews

      Verified Reviewer

      Pros

      • Breathable
      • Good Protection
      • Warm

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Snowboarding

        Comments about WS Gorilla Balaclava�:

        This product held up very well under extreme weather conditions!

        • Sizing:
        • Feels true to size
        • Gear Usage:
        • Winter Sports

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        Was this review helpful? Yes / No

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        3/15/2011
         
        5.0

        Best head cover

        By Tin

        from Quebec city

        About Me Advanced

        Pros

        • Best service
        • Good Protection

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Skiing and hiking

          Comments about WS Gorilla Balaclava�:

          I used this cover for almost two years, i am bald head so it is very warm. I used it for skiing at - 25 C and still confortable.
          I lost the nose cover and aks to buy a new one on the internet site of outdoor research THEY ANSWER BY SENDING ME A NEW ONE FREE OF CHARGE. Want a nice way to take care of customer.

          • Sizing:
          • Feels true to size
          • Gear Usage:
          • Winter Sports
          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

          Was this review helpful? Yes / No

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          3/6/2011
           
          4.0

          Great Technical Piece

          By Rob from New Brunswick, Canada

          from New Brunswick, Canada

          About Me Professional

          See all my reviews

          Verified Reviewer

          Pros

          • Warm

          Cons

          • Fear of loss

          Best Uses

          • Backcountry

          Comments about WS Gorilla Balaclava�:

          Love this Balaclava. I recently used it while leading an ice climbing/mountaineering trip into Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park, Maine. Warm and kept the wind off during one extremely windy cold day (couldn't summit so I set up some ice in the only, yet exposed spot). My only issue is I would be afraid of losing the handy removable face mask.

          • Sizing:
          • Feels half size too big
          • Gear Usage:
          • Winter Sports
          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

          Images shared by Rob from New Brunswick, Canada

          Pamola Ice Cliffs, Mount Katahdin, Maine

          Image Thumbnail

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          3/4/2011
           
          5.0

          Very Durable and Versatile.

          By Arctic Biker

          from Anchorage, AK

          About Me Expert

          Pros

          • Breathable
          • Dries Easily
          • Good Fit
          • Good Protection
          • Warm

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Backcountry
            • Cross Country
            • Windy Cold Weather

            Comments about WS Gorilla Balaclava�:

            I've used this balaclava for three years with no trouble. I wear it from November through March, five days a week, three hours per day. It dries quickly, washes easily, and retains it's shape. The removable nose cover and chin protector is what makes this my "go to" mask while the others stay in the drawer.

            • Sizing:
            • Feels true to size
            • Gear Usage:
            • Cold Weather Exposure, Cold Weather Living
            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

            Was this review helpful? Yes / No

             - You may also flag this review

            12/15/2010

            (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Just Add Goggles

            By Margo Talbot

            from British Columbia, Canada

            Pros

            • Great Fit
            • Removable Breathing Port

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Altitude
              • Mountain Storms
              • Polar Travel

              Comments about WS Gorilla Balaclava�:

              When you need full frontal facial protection, this is the mask for you. Once you don your goggles there is no place for the elements to enter. I have tried many different types of breathing portals, and although they all frost up to some degree I find this system to be the best. The breathing port is removable, allowing you to thaw it out/ warm it up inside your jacket if it starts to get too frosty. I have used this product at altitude and in the Polar regions, and I wouldn't return without it.

              Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

              Images shared by Margo Talbot

              Geographic South Pole

              Image Thumbnail

              Tags: Picture of Product, Using Product

              (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

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              12/12/2010

              (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              Perfect protection in extreme conditions

              By David T Connolly

              from Austin, TX

              See all my reviews

              Verified Reviewer

              Pros

              • Versatile
              • Warm
              • Wind proof

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Mountaineering

                Comments about WS Gorilla Balaclava�:

                I wore my Gorilla on a recent climb (Nov 20)of a Colorado 14er and the winds at the top were insane. The temps were in the mid twenties with wind gusts in excess of 50 MPH the windchill was intense. But with the Gorilla on I was very comfortable. As I entered the wind shadow area of an adjoining peak it was easy to remove the face cover for comfort. I love the Gorilla and would not even consider a winter climb without it.

                Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

                (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                Was this review helpful? Yes / No

                 - You may also flag this review

                12/10/2010

                (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                5.0

                Gorilla Balaclava

                By Austin

                from CT

                Verified Reviewer

                Comments about WS Gorilla Balaclava�:

                this is the best balaclava I have use, i wear glasses and goggles in the mountains; finding a full face mask i can wear without fogging them out is a rare thing, but the Gorilla Balaclava takes this challenge and excels at it. from the high alpine climate, to every day use in 0 degree weather while i work, this cover helps keep me going back day after day.

                thank you OR

                Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

                (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

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                Displaying reviews 1-7

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                Lab Rat Q & A

                Have questions about this product?

                Get answers from Lab Rats and in-house experts with Ask a Labrat.

                7 Questions | 8 Answers
                Displaying questions 1-7

                • Q:

                  will it work -65°F
                  Asked on 6/18/2012 by Anonymous

                  1 answer

                  • Outdoor Research Employees

                    A:

                    This is the warmest balaclava that we make but I can not guarantee that it will keep you warm at -65°F.

                    Answered on 10/25/2012 by Customer Service from Outdoor Research
                • WS Gorilla Balaclava�

                  Q:

                  i measure 23 inches exactly...do i go for a snug medium or a large?
                  Asked on 6/1/2011 by Roy7

                  1 answer

                  • Outdoor Research Employees

                    A:

                    I would recommend going with the size large. It will still provide the same warmth and protection but with more comfort.

                    Answered on 6/9/2011 by Outdoor Research CS from Seattle, WA
                • WS Gorilla Balaclava�

                  Q:

                  Can this Balaclava be washed in a washing machine? Is there any give/stretch to the fabric? My head measures 23.5 inches which is slightly larger than the large size. Any problem wearing glasses with these?
                  Asked on 1/20/2011 by Jim from Los Angeles, CA

                  2 answers

                  • Outdoor Research Employees

                    A:

                    You can most definitely wash the Gorilla Balaclava. There is very little to no stretch in this balaclava as the material is most similar to a soft shell jacket with the light fleece backing.

                    Answered on 2/1/2011 by Outdoor Research CS from Seattle

                  • A:

                    I have a huge cranium and bought the large. The large is just that, 'Large', maybe even too large. I have washed mine and did not have any shrinkage, but I did not dry it in a dryer, I hung it to air dry. I assume the dryer is where any shrinkage would take place. In regards to glasses, I have used mine while wearing my glasses and did not have any issues, specifically no issues related to fogging of my lenses because the face mask deflects your breathe down.

                    Answered on 3/6/2011 by Rob from New Brunswick from New Brunswick, Canada
                • WS Gorilla Balaclava�

                  Q:

                  Would you recommend the Gorilla Balaclava or the Baffin for use while snowblowing?
                  Asked on 12/28/2010 by BT from Norwich, VT

                  1 answer

                  • Outdoor Research Employees

                    A:

                    Hey BT thanks for the question! It all comes down to personal preference. Both Balaclavas use a Gore Wind Stopper material. However the Gorilla has a Soft Shell outer, and the Baffin Balaclava uses a Technical Fleece. I personally would go for the Baffin, as it has less parts to get lost along the way.

                    Answered on 12/29/2010 by Outdoor Research CS from Seattle
                • WS Gorilla Balaclava�

                  Q:

                  do this mask cover your eyes also and if so can some one see through it
                  Asked on 12/16/2010 by nettebird from maryland

                  1 answer

                  • Outdoor Research Employees

                    A:

                    Thanks for your question. The WS Gorilla Balaclava does not cover your eyes.

                    Answered on 12/17/2010 by Outdoor Research CS
                • WS Gorilla Balaclava�

                  Q:

                  Would this be good under a skit mask or is there another option with better visibility?
                  Asked on 12/11/2010 by idahospud from Minneapolis

                  1 answer

                  • Outdoor Research Employees

                    A:

                    Thanks for your question. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. The WS Gorilla Balaclava has a good field of vision and should work fine for skiing as would most of our balaclavas. One of the simpler windproof designs like the Sonic Balaclava or the Helmetclava would also serve you well and save you a few bucks. I'd say the key reason that you'd need a technical balaclava like the Gorilla or the Baffin would be if you need to be able to eat, drink, or smoke while on the hill. Good luck with your decision.

                    Answered on 12/23/2010 by Outdoor Research CS from Seattle
                • WS Gorilla Balaclava�

                  Q:

                  Is it possibble to purchase the removable nose-face protection separately? I own 2 of your balaclava's and would like to add this to them to make them more functional. Also is the fleece on this peice a lighter weight that works with a helmut?
                  Asked on 12/5/2010 by jhskigirl from Jackson Hole

                  1 answer

                  • Outdoor Research Employees

                    A:

                    Thanks for your question, I'm sorry to say that we do not sell the removable nose shields separately. However if you call Customer Service they might be able to locate a couple to send to you. The nose shield is the same fleece that we use for the balaclava's.

                    Answered on 12/10/2010 by Outdoor Research CS
                Displaying questions 1-7

                Have questions about this product? 

                Gorilla Balaclava™

                Style# 83992OR

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                A windproof, weather-resistant balaclava designed to provide full weather protection in virtually all conditions.

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                $55.00

                Quick Overview

                A windproof, weather-resistant balaclava designed to provide full weather protection in virtually all conditions.

                Color:

                Black

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                Size Guide
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