Customer Reviews Outdoor Research Essential Face Mask Kit

This would get higher marks from me if the fabric A) had another layer or B) was a bit more thick or C) it were more cheaper than 20 bucks USD. The quality is great, but for the price you can get a better mask, unless you're specifically looking for a thin and light mask. If you are, then this is a great mask for you. Honestly the best part about this mask if the thick and form fitting nose wire. I've got a big nose, so this is a MUST for me, I didn't know it came with a reusable plastic bag (bonus) and the 3 filters are nice, but I'm probably not going to use them just to conserve them for when I need them. I would recommend this to people only looking for a thin and light mask. But for a thin and light, the quality is really good, if not for the price. There are other masks that are either the same price or 2 dollars more that are thicker and more protective, or there are some that are more affordable, with better variety. I am over all pleased with my purchase, but again, the low marks are just because there are better options for the price.

Quality mask, but the removable filter is 1. Very hard to split apart. 2. Is cumbersome to install in the mask. 3. Sticks to beard stubble so comes out every time you take the mask off. The mask needs redesign to provide deeper pockets for the filter and/or tiny velcro to keep the filter in place.

I love the everything about this mask, except for the way the filter fits in it. It's a constant struggle adjusting the filter. Would I buy again? Yes. Would I buy again for the same price without improvement on the filter fit? No thanks.

Overall a decent mask, comfortable and easy to adjust, but, the replacement filter is the issue, it most often does Not stay in place. Maybe a Velcro attachment would work?

I have been looking for a mask that will fit over my large beard and haven't been able to find anything that worked. These masks fit great! I was so excited to put it on to find that it adjusted just right for a perfect fit. However, after less than a minute, this mask felt damp and swampy. Of all of the masks I have tried, this one is by far the least breathable. I love the fit, but I just can't wear it. I hate that I bought a bunch of extra filters, too, because this item is non-returnable. I guess I'm stuck with it.

This is my first review on OR that isn't five stars. I love all of their products and this face mask is almost perfect. The mask fits great on my face, doesn't fall down to expose my nose, and has adjustable ear straps. Pretty cool. However the filter design isn't up to par. Wish there was a better way to secure the filter into the mask because It doesn't stay in place. There should be a way to insert the filter in between the fabric that way it does move around and bunch up. Every time I take the mask off I have to fix the filter. Fix this flaw and the mask would be perfect.

This mask needs another layer. Filter does not do it's job because it does not fit securely.

This is almost the perfect mask. Unfortunately the filter bunches up like crazy - it feels like when you wake up in the night and the top sheet is all thrashed about. Seems like there should be a simple solution - maybe a small hole in each end of the filter and a wire in each end of the mask to clamp the filter down? Other con is that the filter directly against my face gets really clammy after awhile. Wish there was a layer of fabric in between. This mask has the potential to be perfect, and it's frankly really frustrating that the above issues weren't addressed. It would take a truly incompetent QA team to let those issues slide. As it stands I can't recommend this mask, but really hope to be able to if/when it's improved.

Well, it sure beats bandannas and all the homemade options! And it fits nice and securely... I do love that it won't fog up my glasses. But, the thing STINKS and if you're forced to breathe that in, well... I will see what happens after a wash. The filters are upsetting. "3 Pack?" Nope, Its either a 1-1/2 pack or there is a manufacturing defect. From the photos I assumed the filters were folded in half, but they don't unfold, so I had to put two in the mask. They are a bit annoying to put in as well since the tab that goes in the pocket doesn't grip anything,

I was really disappointed in the packaging of this product. Will not shop again until your packaging changes. Product is a great mask, but not worth the amount of disposable plastic.

As a few others have said, these are fine masks but just enormous on my face. For comparison I have the OR 3-layer mask and this is about an inch bigger in both dimensions, leaving a massive gap under my chin. The one-size-fits-all approach is definitely not working here. I bought several of these thinking they'd be good masks for work, but they're just too big to be useful and I think I'll have to give them all away.

This did not work as well as hoped and didn't last long

Just okay

It's not much better than the Walgreens masks I was wearing before.

These masks were highly reccomended to me. I didn't realize that they had to be worn with a filter which does not stay in very well. I am also an RN who stands next to people doing cardiac stress tests and many patients have worn these. I have no idea if I have been exposed .

Unfortunately, the mask is for a larger face not for a smaller woman. I am 5'3" and 115lbs. The mask gaps all around the chin no matter how I adjust it and with or without the filter. The material is uncomfortable to wear on its own and it leaves a line down your nose due to the seams.

These masks are not designed with protection in mind. If you want a mask that covers your face and mouth but allows aerosols to easily enter from the bottom or sides of the mask then you'll be fine with it. For the price not worth it. Also ordered a bunch of filters and they sent wrong size for mask ordered. Refused to exchange unopened sealed filters in original packaging for the correct size. OR you get a C- for this product. F for customer service.

The mask actually fits well but fabric is so thin that it absolutely requires that you put a filter in in order to hinder incoming or outgoing "droplets" (I guess that is the PC term :). And getting the filter in without it becoming a wrinkled mess is impossible.AND it will not stay in.if you take the mask off when you get in the car it is almost impossible to get filter back in well. I generally like the cut of the mask but it is going in the trash and I bought three!!! REALLY stupid of me!!

The rave reviews are mystifying -- sure the cover is lovely and the ear loops are adjustable...but the main selling point for my husband -- a professor -- was the filter! Alas, it's a good idea, but SO poorly executed -- the filter slides around, is not secured at the top at all and is just too loose for comfort/safety. We bought 5, not realizing there is a NO RETURN policy, even for the 4 that are still sealed in their pouch. What a shame.

The looks, fit and form of the mask are great. It also has adjustable tension which helps customize the fit. The MAJOR downside is the whole filter system. The filters don't stay put in the mask and will just wad up and annoy your mouth and nose. And if it's all wadded up and moving around is it serving it's purpose? No. Needs snaps or something to hold the filter in place It's currently just not designed well enough to be functional.

I got these masks for the kids to wear to school and the filters don't stay in them at all. They're always falling out and the kids are constantly having to touch them and fix them. I ended up getting different masks that hold filters between cloth so they're not having to mess with them all day. I do like the ear loops for the kids but not the ones for the adults.

Filters do not stay in place

The cloth mask itself is good, it fits well, is comfortable etc whatever. The issue is the design of the filter pocket, or rather the lack of one. The little pockets on either side of the mask do not work to hold the filter in place. Every time I take the mask off the filter pops out of the pocket on at least one side and I have to fiddle with it and potentially contaminate the filter to fix it. There should just be a full-width pocket to hold the filters in place like every other filter mask has. OR usually has good designs so i thought maybe there was some trick that would make this work, but no it just sucks and I don't understand why these are so well reviewed. If you just want a cloth mask go ahead get this, if you want to use a filter buy something else.

I like the large size that allows sun glasses to sit over the mask helping to prevent fogging. The filter system however is not very good at all. The filters will not stay in place and essentially need to be repositioned any time you take the mask on and off. We eventually gave up on using the filters as it was just to frustrating.

I really wanted to love these masks, but the filter does not stay in place and slides around if I'm doing anything besides just standing still, which is incredibly frustrating. They fit my face well and I appreciate how lightweight they are, but I can't actually wear them for any kind of activity, because I'm constantly having to take it off and re-adjust the filter. I have continued buying the filters on their own to put in other masks I have that actually keep them in place, but I've stopped wearing the OR masks entirely because they are so annoying.