This page lists our picks for 7 of the best cycling balaclavas to keep your head warm when cycling in winter. All of these balaclavas will help to keep you warm during your cold-weather bike rides.
Chart Comparing Our Picks for the Best Cycling Balaclavas
 | 10% Windshield Windproof Fleece Hinged construction allows for multi function features, wear as balaclava or neck tube Best Price on Amazon right now: $13.80 | |
 | (85% Nylon,15% Elastane, Insert:100% Polyester, Windstopper®Membrane,100% Polyester) Best Price on Amazon right now: $40.99 | |
 | Best Price on Amazon right now: $39.99 | |
 | Best Price on Amazon right now: $17.99 | |
 | 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. Usually costs around $30. Check the Current Price on Amazon here. | |
 | with reflective elements. P.R.O. Transfer fabric provides optimal stretch, recovery, compression, and moisture transfer. Usually costs around $30. Click here to check the Current Price on Amazon. | |
 | 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. Usually costs around $28. Click here to check the Current Price on Amazon. You can check the price on Amazon Canada here. You can check the price on Amazon UK here. |
Gore Bike Wear Balaclava mask
This one has been a favorite with many cyclists for a long time. Like other more advanced products, it uses a combination of fabrics: 100% polyester with windstopper membrane for the forehead and ears, and a combination of nylon and elastane for the rest.
This balaclava has a meshed thermo-stretch panel over the mouth and nose. Most find this just fine for breathing, but I have heard of some cyclists who have increased the breathability by the simple method of sticking a ballpoint pen through the holes! It is lightweight, yet offers excellent cold protection. It can be pulled down below your mouth, once you heat up a bit on your ride. Buy it here from Amazon – its competitive price and great quality makes it an excellent pick.
The Weatherneck System Balaclava
This cycling balaclava features premium design and materials, and is super versatile. Designed by a cyclist, it is a modular balaclava in two pieces, which you can use in various configurations. It can range from just a neck gaiter, all the way to full face coverage. The photo below shows me wearing this balaclava in two of the possible configurations. I use it for cycling and for cross-country hiking in snowy terrain.
The Weatherneck System Balaclava completely covers the back of your neck with its unique “mullet,” and the face mask completely covers your throat. It fits smoothly under a helmet, and I find it very soft and comfortable. It wa invented and manufactured in the USA, and is a unique and premium cycling balaclava that is ideal for all outdoor winter sports.
You can read a full review of the Weatherneck System Balaclava here. Below, the inventor of the Weatherneck System shows what it does:
Trendy Swede Face Mask Sports Balaclava
This is an interesting option. It’s very cheap but is extremely highly rated by many reviewers. It features a narrow slit for the eyes, and can be easily pulled downwards for air. The Trendy Swede Balaclava has an extra-long neck. It’s intended for fall and spring, rather than super cold winter days. For the price, you might want to get these as your fall and spring option, and have a thicker balaclava for winter.
Chaos CTR Chinook Micro Fleece Balaclava with Windproof Face Mask
A great product for the price (buy it here from Amazon). It offers very good cold protection and ample 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. The microfleece makes it soft and toasty on your face.
As someone who wears glasses, I sometimes have problems with my glasses misting up when air gets trapped in my balaclava. I find that with this balaclava, my glasses mist much less than with similar products. This makes it definitely worth considering if you are cycling in very cold conditions, where cycling glasses and a balaclava are both required.
Pearl Izumi Barrier Balaclava
This one is an excellent product. The Pearl Izumi Barrier Balaclava is constructed from quality materials, as you would expect from this manufacturer. This is their balaclava for colder conditions. The one below is for slightly less cold conditions. This balaclava is easy to pull up and down over your nose and mouth. I really like that 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.
Pearl Izumi Transfer Balaclava
The Pearl Izumi Transfer Balaclava is meant for slightly less cold conditions, and has good wicking ability. I think it is an excellent option. However, it might not be warm enough for freezing conditions.
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 refreshing, so you don’t necessarily have to go with the gangster look. It has a huge hole for the face, making it impossible to cover the nose and mouth, 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 giant hole, it could be worth the relatively low investment.
Below are links to our most popular posts on winter cycling gear
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