Option Balaclava
Details
- A light and toasty balaclava for protection in the storm
- Thermodynamic fabric traps in heat, while pulling away moisture
- Polyproylene material offers generous stretch and a snug fit
- Flexibility is key — can be worn as hat, neck gaiter, or full balaclava
- Item #ODR0154
- Material
- thermodynamic polypropylene
- Style
- balaclava
- Claimed Weight
- 1.8oz
- Recommended Use
- all-mountain skiing, all-mountain snowboarding, freeride/powder skiing, freeride/powder snowboarding, nordic classic, nordic skate, nordic touring
- Manufacturer Warranty
- lifetime
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
4.5 based on 25 ratings
Review Summary
What do you think about this product?
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageJanuary 27, 2022
Would buy again
Has wider eye opening than others which make it less troublesome with googles.
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
February 9, 2021
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!!
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
January 15, 2021
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.
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
January 9, 2021
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
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
November 12, 2020
runs small!
Buyers beware... even the L/XL version of this is SNUG! I'm a 27 yr old female, 125lbs. Not exactly comfortable. I feel like I'm going scuba diving!
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
August 7, 2020
Great head gear
My second one of these. Lost the first one at Yellowstone over the winter. Excellent choice for someone who sweats a ton.
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
February 10, 2020
I would purchas this product again
I have a hot head, so this light weight balaclava is ideal. It fits great under my ski helmet, protects the back of my neck and is not to hot on my head. Ideal.
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
January 20, 2020
Good Under-Helmet Layer
An easy packing, easy to use under-helmet layer. The single round opening eventually shifts (always to my right for some reason) and has to be periodically re-positioned, which is slightly annoying. Other than that it's a good addition to my Alpine kit.
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
April 7, 2019
great, could use one improvement
I use this balaclava at work as a ski patroller. It is a great balaclava for cold stormy days. I intend to keep using it but wanted to give one piece of feedback: the back of the neck should be longer. There is often a gap between the balaclava and my jacket. I do not experience this problem when using something like a buff. A little more length would make this thing perfect.
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
December 12, 2018
Option Balaclava
Thin and stretchy, good for light use. Not a heavy-duty warm balaclava or anything.
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
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