Balaclavas

A balaclava is a single knit or fleece layer that covers the head, neck, and lower face, leaving an opening for the eyes or face. It replaces a hat and neck gaiter with one piece that seals out cold at the collar and stays put under a hood or helmet. Outdoor Research balaclavas come in brushed fleece and merino wool, in styles built for skiing, mountaineering, and cold-weather hiking.

Fleece and Merino Warmth

Fleece styles like the Alpine Fleece Balaclava and Vigor Plus Balaclava trap warmth with soft, breathable loft that dries fast. Merino styles like the Alpine Onset Merino 150 Balaclava regulate temperature and resist odor on long days, which makes them the pick for touring and travel.

Built for Skiing, Mountaineering, and Winter Trails

On lift days and in lift lines, a balaclava works as a ski face mask that pairs with goggles and a helmet without bunching. On a skin track or an alpine route, a lighter balaclava keeps wind off your face while venting hard effort. For winter hiking, it packs small enough to live in a pocket until the temperature drops. Every Outdoor Research balaclava is sized to layer cleanly, with XL and XXL options on select styles, and all of it is covered by the Infinite Guarantee.

Balaclavas are one piece of the cold-weather headwear range; the full lineup of Hats spans beanies, winter caps, and brimmed styles.

FAQs

What is a balaclava?

A balaclava is a close-fitting layer that covers the head, neck, and lower face in one piece, with an opening for the eyes or full face. Unlike a separate hat and neck gaiter, it has no gaps for wind or snow to find, and it layers flat under a hood or helmet. Most Outdoor Research balaclavas can also be worn folded down as a neck gaiter or pushed back as a hat.

What is the difference between a balaclava and a ski mask?

The terms overlap: a ski mask is any face covering worn for snow sports, and a balaclava is the one-piece head, neck, and face style. Every balaclava works as a ski mask, but not every ski mask covers the neck the way a balaclava does. For skiing and snowboarding, a balaclava is usually the better choice because it seals the gap between goggles and jacket collar.

Can you wear a balaclava under a ski helmet?

Yes. Outdoor Research balaclavas are cut low-profile so they fit under ski and climbing helmets without pressure points or bunching, and thin fleece and merino fabrics keep the fit of the helmet unchanged. Wear it over the ears with the face panel up or down depending on conditions.

What is a balaclava made of?

Outdoor Research balaclavas are made of brushed fleece or merino wool. Fleece is soft, warm for its weight, and quick to dry; merino regulates temperature across a wide range of effort and resists odor over multi-day use.