Outdoor Research

Option Balaclava

It’s comfy, it works as OR says it works, no complaints.

Warm and comfortable!

Not much to say other than it fits well under a helmet and keeps the head warm.

The material is very durable. This balaclava helped me survive the sudden drop of temperature at nights when I was at the mountains for field exercise. Highly recommended if going to sleep at night with a sleeping bag without tent. Can be used as a neck warmer as well. From beginner to an expert would appreciate this product. Don't hesitate to buy!

Super warm and comfortable!

I highly recommend this balaclava for wearing under your helmet while skiing or snowboarding. I live & ski in Colorado and it's been a huge improvement to my overall warmth. I often need to take it off while hiking/skinning because I get too warm.

Kind of small, but excellent heat retention.

Maybe I have a big head, but the L/XL is still a bit small (doesn't even go down to my collar bone) but its still works great. Fantastic heat retention, even in 1 degree weather. On the shooting range, on a run, shoveling snow, this thing is great!

Would buy again

Has wider eye opening than others which make it less troublesome with googles.

Excellent protection from the elements in a harsh marine environment

This balaclava has withstood some heavy use off the west coast of Vancouver Island for the last 6 months. I highly recommend it!

One of best purchases I ever made!

Really have loved this since I bought my first one years ago, so now I am getting another one. (In between bought one from a different brand, was no comparison, their material pilled up, and they had a very annoying center seam right across the nose and mouth, not the two side seams like the OR.) This thing is so versatile, due to it giving you just enough warmth, yet still being extremely lightweight and thus easy to fit in a pocket, purse, etc. I bought it for watching outdoor football games but last few years it is my go to on the bike trail. In weather from 30F-50F I wear it as a single layer to add just enough warmth, or keep it in my pocket "just in case." In weather from 0F-30F I wear it with a winter hat over the top, and/or a scarf around it, over the face hole. Either way it fits well under the helmet. I really can not do with out it, and was worried what I would do if something ever happened to my original. Thus, I am so happy to see I can get a 2nd one... thanks OR!!

Good for high exertion

I use this balaclava for commuting in the NE. It's the perfect weight for biking below ~25F. Fits under a helmet better than a beanie. One complaint; when worn over the nose, it squishes my nose pretty severely, making it difficult to breath.

Good, but slighlty tight

Like other reviewers have mentioned, the L/XL fits a little tighter than what I think would be ideal. So far I have used it snowboarding under my L size helmet as a thin layer to hold all my hair in place and manage sweat without being too hot, and for that purpose it's great. After a while of wearing it with the helmet on I stopped noticing it being too tight, but at first it feels a little uncomfortable and I could see it being a problem for others with larger heads than mine