Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Rho AR Balaclava

I have the Phase AR balaclava that I also reviewed but also wanted to try out the RHO AR under the same scenarios (snowboarding, hiking, winter camping). Feature wise, the two are practically identical but the cuts are different. The RHO is constructed of two clam shell split vertically down the center of the face continuing around to the back of the head. The eye opening is an oval shape. The Phase is made up of several panels sown together to achieve a more ergonimic fit on the head, neck, face opening and nose. For me, most all of that makes the least bit of difference in comfort as both are comfortable. The only real difference are the eye openings. The eye opening of the Phase is superior if goggles need to be worn. The cut for the eyes is a bit shorter vertically and the cut for the nose and cheeks are easier to work with. Putting on goggles is very easy and there is no exposed skin. The eye opening for the RHO is a bit too tall unless you own newer style goggles that are rather tall/oversized like Electric or Anon for example. Getting an all around seal of the RHO with a goggle takes more effort and often times requires removing a glove (or both) to make that happen. I snowboard and winter camp in all temps and conditions so in this aspect alone, the RHO is not ideal. The RHO is a bit thicker/spongy than the Phase so warmth wise, I like that aspect. The RHO uses Polartec which has been a name around for years and found virtually everywhere; it's tried and tested. The Phase uses Arc'Teryx own textile which frankly doesn't have the industry backing and reputation like Polartec. Is this a deal killer? No. My point is that the RHO has a bit more warmth to it. Both are breathable AND BASE LAYERS. You can easily wear a beanie or toque over either balaclava when the temps really dip. I have often without issue. Summary: the RHO AR is a nice balaclava that offers good warmth for a base layer, yet is breathable and flexible with head and shoulder movement yet lacks a bit of coverage with the eye opening which I think is a bit too tall.

I have the Phase AR balaclava that I also reviewed but also wanted to try out the RHO AR under the same scenarios (snowboarding, hiking, winter camping). Feature wise, the two are practically identical but the cuts are different. The RHO is constructed of two clam shell split vertically down the center of the face continuing around to the back of the head. The eye opening is an oval shape. The Phase is made up of several panels sown together to achieve a more ergonimic fit on the head, neck, face opening and nose. For me, most all of that makes the least bit of difference in comfort as both are comfortable. The only real difference are the eye openings. The eye opening of the Phase is superior if goggles need to be worn. The cut for the eyes is a bit shorter vertically and the cut for the nose and cheeks are easier to work with. Putting on goggles is very easy and there is no exposed skin. The eye opening for the RHO is a bit too tall unless you own newer style goggles that are rather tall/oversized like Electric or Anon for example. Getting an all around seal of the RHO with a goggle takes more effort and often times requires removing a glove (or both) to make that happen. I snowboard and winter camp in all temps and conditions so in this aspect alone, the RHO is not ideal. The RHO is a bit thicker/spongy than the Phase so warmth wise, I like that aspect. The RHO uses Polartec which has been a name around for years and found virtually everywhere; it's tried and tested. The Phase uses Arc'Teryx own textile which frankly doesn't have the industry backing and reputation like Polartec. Is this a deal killer? No. My point is that the RHO has a bit more warmth to it. Both are breathable AND BASE LAYERS. You can easily wear a beanie or toque over either balaclava when the temps really dip. I have often without issue. Summary: the RHO AR is a nice balaclava that offers good warmth for a base layer, yet is breathable and flexible with head and shoulder movement yet lacks a bit of coverage with the eye opening which I think is a bit too tall.

This is a great balaclava it is well insulated but still breathable. the sizing is unfortunate if you don't fit one of the two sizes perfectly but if you do its amazing.

I was looking for coverage for face that was light but warm and I found it. Perfect!

This is the warmest most comfortable balaclava I've found. It has the right amount of fleecy warmth on my face and fits my head really well. The only complaint I have is that it's a bit tight if you pull the mouth/nose part under your chin, but with it up, it's a little baggy. I have a really small head though, so it likely fits others better. I won't ski with another balaclava!

This is a well designed balaclava and great material. It is thin enough to breathe through yet warm enough to standbup to frigid cold and winter winds. Very comfortable. I have a large head (7 7/8") and the L/XL is large enough to cover my head and keep me warm. It even keeps me warm on intensely windy frigid winter days.ice doesn't build up very much by my mouth either. Great piece of clothing technology!

Trs confortable. Tient bien chaud et respire bien: bonne vacuation de la respiration permettant de ne pas avoir de bue sur les lunettes ou masque... Pas de dveloppement d'odeur mme aprs utilisation prolonge. Bref produit au top.

This is not a review (so no need to publish it) but a pressing suggestion for improvement: please decrease the height of the opening so that the balaclava completely covers the eyebrows; the present opening exposes the forehead (and thus the paranasal sinuses!) unnecessarily to the cold (and thus increases the risk of catching a cold via the exposed paranasal sinuses!); IMHO, the present upper form has no function but only dysfunction.

Trs bien mais un peu trop court mon avis pour les temps trs froid...

Tr?s bien mais un peu trop court ? mon avis pour les temps tr?s froid...

Typical Arcteyx quality. I just wish your headwear came in more than one or two sizes. I am a size US 7 1/2 (23.5 inches or 59.5 cm). The size L/XL is just too small. Most Arcteryx beanies come in just one size- imagine the same hattng fitting a 100 lb female and a 250 lb man? Would love to hear you expand size options.

I live in Vancouver bc where it rarely hits negative temperatures, your old balaclava was perfect for riding in the rain all winter, the new version however is way too hot and is not nearly as breathable! Please bring back the lighter version!

Cette cagoule est de bonne qualit et agrable porter mais l'ouverture n'est pas assez souple pour pouvoir la glisser sous le menton, ce qui est vraiment dommage !