Here is everything you need to know about how to choose the best cycling balaclava for winter cycling. A lot of heat is lost from the head, so if you have a good windproof cycling balaclava, you will be much more comfortable when cycling in cold weather. But how to decide which is the best balaclava for you? Well, to save you tons of research time, we have a chart that carefully compares 7 of the best cycling balaclavas. Then, we have more details about each of these 7 balaclavas, including videos. Finally, we present a lot of information about the most important factors to consider when you choose a cycling balaclava.
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Contents of this Post
- Chart Comparing 7 of the Best Cycling Balaclavas
- 7 of the Best Cycling Balaclavas
- No. 1: Chaos CTR Tempest Multi-Tasker MicroFlex Fleece Balaclava with Windproof Face Mask
- No. 2: The Weatherneck System Balaclava
- No. 3: Trendy Swede Face Mask Sports Balaclava
- No. 4: Gore Bike Wear Balaclava mask
- No. 5: Pearl Izumi Barrier Balaclava
- No. 6: Pearl Izumi Transfer Balaclava
- No. 7: Outdoor Research Option Balaclava
- Important Factors to Bear in Mind when Choosing the Best Cycling Balaclava
- Will the Cycling Balaclava keep your neck warm?
- Will you be able to breathe wearing a Cycling Balaclava?
- Some Balaclavas Make it Easier to Breathe
- Will you be able to wipe your nose while wearing a Cycling Balaclava?
- Will you be able to see while wearing a Cycling Balaclava?
- Will you be able to wear glasses with your Cycling Balaclava?
- Will a Winter Balaclava keep you warm?
- What size Cycling Balaclava should you get?
- Do you need a reflective logo?
- Here’s to Your Warm Head!
Chart Comparing 7 of the Best Cycling Balaclavas
 | Variable size eye hole depending on configuration | |
 | 10% Windshield Windproof Fleece Hinged construction allows for multi function features, wear as balaclava or neck tube Can be worn alone but also works very well under a helmet Laser cut breathing panel with mesh for superior air exchange Lycra binding around the face to seal out the elements Flat lock seams and 3D panel construction | Breathe through windproof face mask, or pull down the hinged mask |
 | Small hole but mouthpiece can be pulled down as material is stretchy (no hinge) | |
 | Barrier panel over the forehead and ears insulates from windchill, and works in conjunction with P.R.O. Thermal to wick moisture and keep your head dry. | Medium-sized hole |
 | with reflective elements. P.R.O. Transfer fabric provides optimal stretch, recovery, compression, and moisture transfer. | Medium-sized hole |
 | 25% Polypropylene 11% Spandex Knit. Thermodynamic fabric; durable nylon face and looped polyester interior. Smooth, stretchy polypropylene fabric offers light insulation and excellent moisture management. | Large hole |
 | (85% Nylon,15% Elastane, Insert:100% Polyester, Windstopper®Membrane,100% Polyester) | Meshed thermo-stretch panel over mouth; small hole under nostrils |
7 of the Best Cycling Balaclavas
No. 1: Rockbros Cold Weather Balaclava Ski Mask
This balaclava offers warm and cozy thermal fleece protection for your entire head and neck. It fits comfortably under any kind of helmet, making it useful for a variety of outdoor sports. The Rockbros balaclava can be arranged in multiple configurations to suit the weather conditions; for example, you can wear it as a full balaclava, or wear it as a neck gaiter. The soft thermal fleece against your skin makes it warm and comfortable.
Refreshingly, this balaclava is available in a range of colors (not just black!) The premium design and construction make this balaclava our top choice for cyclists this winter.
No. 2: Chaos CTR Tempest Multi-Tasker MicroFlex Fleece Balaclava with Windproof Face Mask
This is a great product for a very competitive price (buy it here from Amazon). Made from a blend of polyester and spandex, this winter balaclava is part of CTR’s Tempest range, which are products made from MicroFlex fleece with Windshield Ultra and a 4-way stretch.
MicroFlex fleece is a lightweight stretch fleece that is designed for lasting warmth and comfort. It also features wicking properties to help draw moisture away from your face. The microfleece makes for a soft and toasty feeling on your face and neck.
Perhaps most importantly, this balaclava offers very good cold protection and ample chest and neck coverage. There is a windproof face cover for complete protection, so only your eyes are exposed. In case you need more air, the mask is hinged so that you can easily pull it downwards. Also, you have the option to pull it down and just use it to keep your neck warm, once you warm up. This balaclava also mists your glasses less than similar products. Definitely worth considering if you are cycling in very cold conditions.
As its name indicates, this winter balaclava is suitable for cycling, hiking, motorcycling, skiing, and pretty much anything else you might enjoy doing outside when it’s cold!
Here is a video demonstrating this balaclava. It goes by a slightly different name in the UK, but is essentially the same balaclava.
No. 3: Friendly Swede Face Mask Sports Balaclava
Related Post: How to Dress for Winter Cycling – Cycling Clothes that will Keep You Warm and Dry
Related Post: Safe Winter Cycling – How to Cycle Safely in the Winter
Related Post: Our Top Nine Tips for Safe Winter Cycling
No. 4: Gore Bike Wear Balaclava mask
This one has been a favorite with many cyclists for a long time. Like other advanced cycling products, it uses a combination of fabrics: a 100% polyester fabric with a windstopper membrane for the forehead and ears, and a combination of nylon and elastane for the rest.
This balaclava features a meshed thermo-stretch panel that keeps your mouth and nose, warms, but makes it easy to breathe. This product is lightweight, yet offers excellent cold protection. Some cyclists increase the breathability even more by simply sticking the tip of a ballpoint pen through the holes! Buy this balaclava here from Amazon – its competitive price and great quality makes it one of my favorite balaclavas.
No. 5: Pearl Izumi Barrier Balaclava
This one is a very good product for a very good price. It is constructed from quality materials, as you would expect from Pearl Izumi. This is their balaclava for colder conditions. This winter balaclava has no fancy construction, but is easy to pull up and down over your nose and mouth. I really like this balaclava. They have combined textiles, using a barrier windproof panel of 100% polyester for the part that goes over your forehead and ears, and a thermal material made of nylon, poly and spandex for the rest.
No. 6: Pearl Izumi Transfer Balaclava
The Pearl Izumi Transfer Balaclava is meant for slightly less cold conditions, and has a focus on good wicking ability. I think it is an excellent option. However, it would most likely not be enough for freezing conditions.
No. 7: Outdoor Research Option Balaclava
This is a relatively simple balaclava made out of a single piece of very stretchy thermodynamic fabric. It comes in various colors, which is a nice change from the usual basic black. It has a large hole for the face, making it impossible to cover the nose, so I would not recommend it for below freezing conditions. However, it has made many cyclists happy for a relatively low price, so if you don’t mind the large hole, it could be worth the relatively low investment.
Here’s to Your Warm Head!
I trust that your found this information useful, and that one of these 7 cycling balaclavas will be perfect for you.
Below are links to all of our best posts on winter cycling gear
How to use the slideshow: Click on any slide to go to the post on that subject. Hover your mouse to pause the slideshow. There are back and forwards arrows on each side as well.
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