Customer Reviews Outdoor Research Option Balaclava

I bought the smallest size, but this is still too big for me. If this doesn't fit your head snugly,the opening is loose and doesn't stretch into place, so it actually covers the outside corners of both eyes when worn as shown in the picture. I find myself constantly readjusting it. In addition to interfering with my vision, it's annoying. Also, the opening comes well up over my nose when worn as shown, but that's not too bad of a thing because it helps to warm the air, but it gets a little steamy in there! All in all, it gets the job done for the short amount of time I need to wear it on wintry walks, but the fit is not ideal. Not surprising, though--unisex sizes usually present this problem. So ladies--this might not be for you. And Outdoor Research--maybe consider making an extra small?

5

Very warm & comfortable

Normally I'd go for a medium, but the L/XL fits just right. Out on the water in the boay during rainy weather, my neck and head is dry and warm.

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!!

My second one of these. Lost the first one at Yellowstone over the winter. Excellent choice for someone who sweats a ton.

Light/thin but warm. Just what I was looking for.

Light weight, snug fit, works great.

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.

Great cold weather gear! Fits perfect

Just used it on a wet, icy and windy 40 degree day. Worked well under a hat and hood and filled in the exposed spots.

I most commonly wear this OR balaclava when road cycling during winter. I've worn it when the temps have gotten into the mid-20s and didn't need anything additional on my head (besides my helmet, of course). It breathes very well, so I've had almost no issues with sweating. And it's pretty thin, so there's no problem at all with it fitting in with my helmet. Just a great product.

Use this for cycling and skiing in the Pacific Northwest. Keeps my face and ears warm by itself. Not the easiest thing to breath under, but you can just move it down and it will stay.

Fits like a glove

Excellent balaclava for layering when windy or cold (below -10C). Can be easily used as a stand alone if above -10C.

Aawesome

As always, OR made an excellent fitting product at a good price

I misplaced the balaclava I've had for years and after shopping various models made by cycling companies, I settled on the Option Balaclava. I've had great luck with other OR products, so I figured I may as well give their balaclava a try. It's working great for me. It breathes so much more effectively than my old balaclava. Even though it feels thinner than the old one did, I don't feel like I've lost any insulation. Very pleased with the purchase.

Awesome lightweight balaclava. Fits perfect under a helmet and is surprisingly warm for how light it is. Fit is great, no riding up on back of neck.

I've had this Balaclava for some time now and had had it through it's paces, as far as use goes. From, in and out of the Cat while guiding in British Columbia's interior, to pre-dawn sled rides in -25 without the wind. It's compressible, versatile (doubled up into a beanie, or down for full protection) and warm and wind resistant. The brushed outer blocks a surprising amount of wind, keeping me warm in -25 (-30 or lower with wind chill) This is the ideal back up layer for any trip, any season, anywhere. And at 51g thinking or a reason not to bring it is next to impossible. kiwi (Ice climbing, glacier and ski guide, avalanche professional.)

I find I'm carrying this everywhere with me -- it gets me through those first 10 minutes of a chilly early morning run and has been fine to sleep in during winter camping trips. I think it has some sort of thin wind-resistant layer inside it that makes it much warmer than other balaclavas with such a light weight. For the minimalist or ultralight type that deals with cold weather, this is a great gift.

I use this product on all of my outings. I even take it with me during summer backpacking (you never know when you will need some extra warmth). If you are looking to go light and take as few items as possible, the Option Balaclava is perfect. It provides plenty of warmth and can be used in a variety of ways. It is also thin enough to fit under a helmet (biking or climbing).

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

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.

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