When you’re facing the chilliness of the outdoors, it can be painfully cold to any body part that is left uncovered. While traditional hats provide protection to the top of the head, and maybe even the ears, they don’t prevent the stinging iciness to the face or the biting feeling of trying to breathe through a cold nose or mouth. The best winter balaclava will cover all of your head, leaving only your eyes and perhaps part of your face exposed. These protective garments provide ideal protection when you’re out skiing, snowboarding, hiking, camping, or enjoying any other outdoor activity in cold environments.
While balaclavas are an excellent way to protect your entire head from the cold, they are also very versatile. You can adjust them be worn like a cap, like a scarf, or pulled up for fuller face coverage. The best winter balaclava for your needs may be designed to leave your eyes, nose, and mouth uncovered, while others allow you the flexibility to cover your mouth and/or your nose for added protection, leaving just a slit for your eyes. Those made of thermal or fleece materials retain as much body heat as possible, while keeping out the wind and chill.
Under Armour Men’s ColdGear Infrared Tactical Hood
You may already be familiar with Under Armour’s ever popular top quality ColdGear line of protective clothing for chilly environments. Well, the Under Armour Tactical Hood is a form-fitting balaclava that offers full facial protection from the extreme cold. ColdGear Infrared uses a unique patented thermo conductive interior coating that absorbs and retains maximum body heat.
Made of a soft four-way stretch fabric, this best winter balaclava for men is extremely comfortable and allows for superior mobility. It is adjustable to allow you to control how much of your face you want covered, down to just leaving a narrow opening for the eyes.
Colors: Black, Desert Sand
Sizes: One size fits most adults
Fantastic Zone Winter Balaclava Ski Mask for Men and Women
The windproof balaclava face mask from Fantastic Zone will keep your face warm when enjoying outdoor activities in the coldest of conditions. Constructed of a stretchable wind-resistant fleece material, this ski mask provides coverage for your neck, ears, nose, and mouth, for the ultimate winter protection.
Three-panel construction allows for a no-slip comfortable fit, and the special air flow design across the nose and mouth enables supreme breathability and moisture wicking. Plus, this mask is hand washable for easy maintenance.
Colors: Black, Black with Army Green Camo, Grey
Sizes: One adult size
Nova Sport Wear Fleece Balaclava Wind Protector For Women and Men
Be prepared for the wind and cold with this fleece balaclava face mask protector from Nova Sport Wear. This soft and comfortable head covering is extremely versatile – have a look at the photo for examples of how it can be worn.
From full face mask coverage with just the eyes showing, to leaving nose and/or mouth exposed, you can choose what works best in any given climate situation. Use the adjustable cinches on each side to get the ultimate fit for your head and face.
You’ll love the feel of the soft and cozy fleece material against your skin. And perhaps best of all, this winter balaclava is machine washable. Choose from 8 fashionable colors.
Colors: Black, Blue, Red, Pink, Coffee, Grey, Navy, Olive
Sizes: One adult size, for head circumference 19-24 inches.
N’Ice Caps Kids Unisex Sherpa Lined Fleece Winter Balaclava Crusader
Keep your child warm and protected with this unisex fleece balaclava from N-Ice Caps. We’ve long been a fan of N-Ice Caps gloves for kids, and we think this super highly rated head and neck covering is the best winter balaclava for kids.
It’s made of the softest micro fleece that’s fully lined to ensure comfort and a secure fit. And wind won’t seep through at the neck because this balaclava is designed with a curved collar that amply overlaps a coat or jacket.
Pick your child’s size and favorite color and they’ll love wearing their comfy new headwear.
Colors: Black, Fuchsia, Navy, Royal Blue, Multi-colored (see photo), Black Leopard Camo, Red Polka Dot
Sizes: 2-3 yrs, 4-6 yrs, 7-10 yrs, 8-12 yrs
Chaos -CTR Micro Fleece Balaclava with Windproof Face Mask – Adult and Youth
Breathing is easier and more comfortable with the specialized face mask of this Tempest multi tasker pro micro fleece balaclava from Chaos – CTR. This windproof head protection is made of polartec micro fleece for ideal warmth and comfort, with 5% spandex blended in for just enough stretch to get a good secure fit that won’t slip around during activity.
The hinged construction provides adjustable multi-functionality, so that you can wear this piece as a neck tube, then pull it up for full face, head and neck coverage with just the eyes exposed. The curve shaped bottom ensures full coverage and prevents gathering at the neck.
And machine-washability means you can easily keep your balaclava clean and germ free, and ready to be used for your next adventure.
Colors: Black
Sizes: Junior, Small / Medium, Large / X-Large
Your Choice Adjustable Thermal Fleece Balaclava Face Mask
Don’t let the cold hamper your outdoor winter activities. With this fully adjustable multi-use balaclava from Your Choice, it’s like having several pieces of gear in one – a head scarf or beanie, hood, hat, face mask, or full coverage balaclava.
Drawstrings with clips on each side allow for extreme flexibility in adjusting the fit and function. The polyester fleece blended fabric is soft, breathable and windproof, everything you need to keep your head comfortable and protected from cold, snow, wind, and dust.
Note that in addition to several color options, there are three different styles to choose from as well, so you can get the one that is optimal for your specific needs.
As an added bonus, Your Choice brand even backs up your purchases with a 100% satisfaction or money back guarantee, so you can buy and try with the utmost confidence.
Colors: Choose from a variety of colors, patterns, and styles
Sizes: One size fits adults and older youth