Wearing a balaclava is strictly recommended in winter, especially if you practice an outdoor sport or if you ride a motorcycle. This accessory will protect the most sensitive areas of your face from the cold. But how to make the right choice among all the models available on the market? Save time by reading this guide dedicated to the best balaclavas of 2021.
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Our selection
"Multifunctional, these masks are recommended for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, running, climbing and skiing. The hoods can also be worn under a motorcycle…"
"Fans of popular culture will probably recognize the design of this balaclava which is based on a famous character from Mortal Kombat. Nevertheless, this model…"
"This Nike balaclava is designed to allow athletes to train outdoors, even during the coldest weather. As it is made of a light and elastic…"
"Optimized for aquatic activities, this balaclava has a very smart design. When you first put it on, it may feel a little small, but that's…"
Multifunctional, these masks are recommended for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, running, climbing and skiing. The hoods can also be worn under a motorcycle helmet.
10,76 £ on AmazonMade with hypoallergenic and skin-friendly lycra fabric, these high quality hoods are known for their breathability. They absorb perspiration perfectly and are very resistant. Don't be fooled by their lightness, they are very resistant to abrasion. No matter what outdoor sport you practice, you will stay warm and dry in these hoods.
And because they're so stretchy, you can wear them as an open hood or as a neckband for better ventilation. All three hoods come in one size, but rest assured, there's no tightness after putting them on. For care, opt for machine washing and air drying.
Fans of popular culture will probably recognize the design of this balaclava which is based on a famous character from Mortal Kombat. Nevertheless, this model is rather recommended for the activities which are practised in the mountain in winter.
6,39 £ on AmazonWhether you're cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, mountaineering or similar, this cotton balaclava lined with fleece fabric will keep you warm and dry. At first glance, it looks a bit thick, but this balaclava is very breathable. Perspiration is absorbed by the fleece fabric before it escapes. The part that protects the mouth and nose is made of a soft material close to silicone.
The air vents are very well designed. Thanks to them, you won't need to lower the hood to be heard by your friends. Even better, these vents let the warm breath from your mouth pass through, preventing your glasses from fogging up.
This Nike balaclava is designed to allow athletes to train outdoors, even during the coldest weather. As it is made of a light and elastic fabric, this balaclava is also compatible with the motorcycle helmet.
31,14 £ on AmazonKeeping you warm and dry are the primary purposes of this Nike balaclava. If you're a fan of US sports, you've probably seen your favorite athletes wearing this hood, especially baseball players. Since it's made of an insulating fabric called Dri-FIT and has no seams, comfort is a must.
With its flat seam design, you won't need to constantly adjust it because it wears like a second skin. If necessary, you can wear it as a neck warmer while your skin gets a little cooler. Recommended outdoor activities with this balaclava are running, hiking, trekking, biking, motorcycling and team sports.
Optimized for aquatic activities, this balaclava has a very smart design. When you first put it on, it may feel a little small, but that's the nature of neoprene hoods. It takes a little time to get used to it.
14,39 £ on AmazonAny specific needs?
The best entry-level balaclava
Your guide :
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| THE BEST | NOT EXPENSIVE | TOP OF THE RANGE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
8/10 |
8/10 |
9/10 |
9/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Mayouth lot of 3 balaclavas
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Tagvo multifunctional balaclava with breathable mesh
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Nike Pro Hyperwarm Hood
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QKURT cagoule de snorkeling
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Multifunctional, these masks are recommended for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, running, climbing and skiing. The hoods can also be worn under a motorcycle helmet.
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Fans of popular culture will probably recognize the design of this balaclava which is based on a famous character from Mortal Kombat. Nevertheless, this model is rather recommended for the activities which are practised in the mountain in winter.
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This Nike balaclava is designed to allow athletes to train outdoors, even during the coldest weather. As it is made of a light and elastic fabric, this balaclava is also compatible with the motorcycle helmet.
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Optimized for aquatic activities, this balaclava has a very smart design. When you first put it on, it may feel a little small, but that's the nature of neoprene hoods. It takes a little time to get used to it.
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Material
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Hypoallergenic Lycra
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Fleece and cotton
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Dri-FIT- 88% polyester and 12% elastane
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Neoprene
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Activities
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Outdoor, motorcycle and scooter activities
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Skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, winter racing
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All outdoor activities
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Snorkeling, Paddle Board, Surfing
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Product benefits
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These hoods are very soft, wrinkle-free and lightweight.
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This hood does not include any allergenic products.
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It converts to a neckband for personalized warmth.
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This hood protects from the cold, but also from ultraviolet emanations.
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Available in different sizes
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No
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Yes
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In S only
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Yes
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Available in other colors
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Yes
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Yes
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No
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No
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The material you choose depends on the activity you practice. If you are a fan of two-wheeled machines, prefer models made of cotton or silk. However, if you practice an outdoor sport, such as hiking or trail running, choose a balaclava made of cotton mixed with a synthetic fabric. For surfing or scuba diving in frigid waters, a neoprene balaclava is better.
Make sure the balaclava fits you properly and doesn't make you sweat too much. Avoid models that are too tight, you will suffocate if you wear them under a helmet. The ideal is to choose a balaclava that can be worn like a second skin.
Keep in mind that the balaclava also provides a hygienic role. So, go for a model that is easy to maintain. A product that can be washed in the machine will help you save time. But before that, always try to read the maintenance instructions recommended by the manufacturer.
Of course, the design has its importance in the choice of a balaclava. Manufacturers make sure to meet all expectations, especially those of athletes. Between the sober models and the colorful ones, you will be spoilt for choice. Make sure that your visibility is optimal even with the hood. Make sure the eyeholes are large enough for you to have better visibility on the road.
This criterion goes double for outdoor enthusiasts. The best balaclava shouldn't get in your way. Yes, one-size-fits-all models exist, but they don't fit all head sizes. To avoid having your face compressed, go for a model that has an adjustment system and that allows you to adjust the hood according to your preferences.
Like a neck warmer, a balaclava provides the same thermal protection, but with a wider range of action. In principle, this accessory must cover the whole head, the mouth and the nose. Only the eyes should be visible. Whatever the activity, the balaclava is worn to avoid heat loss, but it can also be used to limit perspiration, to preserve one's haircut or just to complete a look.
In practical terms, no! But wearing this accessory is highly recommended, especially if you drive a two-wheeled vehicle. Indeed, the balaclava is a comfort asset that you will appreciate especially if you drive fast. In winter, this equipment protects you from the cold.
In other circumstances, the balaclava is used to preserve the anonymity of police officers or members of the elite forces of the army for example. It is also very popular with Airsoft players as it reduces the pain of being hit in the face with plastic or gel bullets.
That depends on the activity or circumstances you need to wear it for. Traditionally knitted with wool, the balaclava is now made with different materials. Ideally, choose a balaclava that is elastic, breathable, comfortable as it is the case of the nylon or silk balaclava for example. The cotton balaclava is comfortable, but it does not evacuate perspiration very well.
Also called open balaclava, the porthole balaclava, offers a large opening at the level of the eyes, which confers a very good visibility. It is this category of hood that pilots use in competition. Firemen also wear them, but in another variation: the one that lets the nose and the mouth appear.
The owl hood has an opening for each eye. It is just as effective for good vision, although it does not offer excellent side view. This category of balaclava is very practical for outdoor activities and fun activities such as Airsoft, especially in its camouflaged version.
The Canadian balaclava is made of a fleece fabric that is known for the insulation and warmth it provides. Very convenient, the Canadian balaclava is both soft and light. Its fiber keeps warm while wicking moisture quickly. It is the perfect equipment for outdoor activities when it snows. This accessory can be worn in 3 different ways. Indeed, the Canadian balaclava can be used as a neck warmer, a head and neck protector and a nose warmer.
Nylon is a thin textile that allows the skin to breathe freely. It is ideal for wearing under a helmet, but also for outdoor activities such as climbing, running, hiking, canoeing, hunting, skiing, rock climbing and tactical training in Airsoft or paintball.
The use of the neoprene hood is more limited. Indeed, this accessory must be worn when surfing in winter. The advantage with this hood is that it allows to concentrate the blood circulation around the vital organs, which reduces the heat loss.
There is no right or wrong choice between nylon and neoprene hoods. The type of balaclava depends only on the nature of your activities. If you are not a surfer, a light, soft balaclava that provides good absorption and wicking of sweat will fit you like a glove.
Versatile and multifunctional, the classic balaclava or the one worn for motorcycling protects your face and neck from the cold. It also protects you from the harmful effects of low temperatures. This equipment is essential for many activities that are practiced outside. In winter, this accessory prevents you from frostbite.
Breathable balaclavas are designed to reduce fogging when worn under your helmet. The part that covers the nose and mouth is often made of mesh, which offers good ventilation as well as being breathable. This prevents fogging, which can be a serious problem when it sticks to the helmet's transparent visor.
If you're wearing a jet helmet, the hood offers extra protection against mosquitoes. It also reduces contact with the bacteria on the bottom of your helmet, which comes mostly from sweat accumulation.
For certain types of people or professionals, the balaclava is a great way to ensure their anonymity. Since the accessory does not reveal any facial details, it is virtually impossible to guess the identity of the wearer. The accessory is also worn for tactical reasons.
The balaclava is primarily a fashion accessory for bikers and outdoor enthusiasts. By wearing such an equipment, you will be in the air of time while being very comfortable in the disciplines that you practice.
In our opinion, the best brands of balaclavas in 2022 are :
Mayouth is a brand that specializes in microfiber sportswear and accessories. Its collection of balaclavas is known for being comfortable and weatherproof.
Chinese company based in Shenzhen, Tagvo offers a wide range of equipment and accessories for water and outdoor activities. With a very elaborate design, its balaclavas are especially popular with snowboarders.
Nike is a sports equipment manufacturer that we don't need to introduce anymore because it is so popular. Nevertheless, we would like to point out that its range of balaclavas is one of the most technical on the market. They are adapted to different activities.
Swimming suits, gloves, mittens, ski suits, balaclavas for sports, QKURT has made its specialties for many years. Although little known by the general public, the reputation of the brand is no longer to be made among extreme sportsmen.
Krexus is a brand specialized in equipment for motorsports enthusiasts. This manufacturer has gained fame thanks to its thermoactive balaclavas that can be worn in winter as well as in summer.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Maintain your balaclava regularly
The balaclava is an accessory that is worn as close to the skin as possible. As it absorbs a good part of your perspiration, you must wash it frequently by respecting the cleaning indications prescribed by the manufacturer.
Choose a bacteriostatic material
Some balaclavas are bacteriostatic. In other words, they evacuate heat so well that bacteria will not be able to grow in them even in hot weather. Despite this, these hoods should be washed regularly.
Prefer a resistant product
The most resistant hoods are those with no visible seams or those with double seams.
Use a waterproof balaclava
Neoprene hoods do not allow moisture to pass through, even if you are fully immersed in the sea.
Prefer elastic models
The fabrics with which hoods are made each have their own specificities. For comfort reasons, choose elastic textiles that are more comfortable.
To wear the Canadian balaclava properly, pull the inner tube up over your nose and ears and pull the hood over it. Adjust the hood by pulling on the cord. You can pull the lining slightly to get a visor that offers very good protection from the sun.
RAID men must wear hoods because of the special nature of their work and so that they cannot be recognized. As soon as they have to appear in public, these professionals have to do everything to hide their identity.
If you wear glasses, prefer a porthole hood with a large opening in the front. These hoods are optimized so that you won't feel any discomfort when you're riding your motorcycle or riding in the wild.
Whatever material the hood is made of, cleaning with water is more than enough to remove stains and kill bacteria. If you're in a hurry, machine wash your balaclava. This accessory usually dries quickly in the open air.
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