Balaclavas - anyone use them?

[johnr]

With the prospect of more severely sub-zero temperatures, I've been looking at Balaclavas - Gore on Edinburgh Cycles and the Wiggle brand. Anyone got one? Do they get soggy round the mouth? Do you have to look out for police snipers?

 

[fossyant]

Tend to use a windproof skul cap and a buff round my neck, although have seen a few regular commuters with balaclavas recently

 

[addictfreak]

Skull cap or ear warmer thing for me. I have a helly hansen balaclava but it tends to make me too hot.

 

[jig-sore]

i use a good old woolen balaclava on cold days with no problems

 

[snomaes]

I use a Lusso balaclava sometimes, but find that a skullcap (under a helmet) and a buff are more comfortable as I can breathe more easily through the fabric.

 

[jgs]

Hi,

I use the dhb (Wiggle) balaclava most days at the moment.

At the start of my ride I may have my mouth and nose covered, which is fine from a sogginess point of view (none at all) but causes my cycle glasses to fog badly when I stop at lights. The exhaled air escapes from the gaps beside the nose.

More often I wear the balaclava so my mouth and nose aren't covered. This works for me in -3 so far, which is about the coldest I've recorded. The key I think is the sides of the face and the neck being covered - helps stop that frozen feeling.

The dhb balaclava is not warm enough on its own though, so I have to wear a cap with it - I use the Gore windstopper one.

There is def a feeling of Black Ops with it!

HTH.

With the prospect of more severely sub-zero temperatures, I've been looking at Balaclavas - Gore on Edinburgh Cycles and the Wiggle brand. Anyone got one? Do they get soggy round the mouth? Do you have to look out for police snipers?

 

[Maz]

Balaclava, you must be joking. I'd look like an Al-Qaeda operative.

 

[gbb]

I use (only when it's sub zero) a motorcycle balaclava, very thin and light, but it makes a heck of a difference. Yes, it does get a bit soggy round the mouth and wants washing regularly ( i detected an odour after a couple days)

For really cold riding, it does the job for me. Otherwise, for days like today where it's about the zero mark, skull cap for me.

 

[HLaB]

On the coldest days I'd usually where a skull cap too and that has done the trick, having said that I've also wore a buff a few times this winter can't stand it over my mouth so I roll it down but it does the job.

 

[cyberknight]

Tend to use a windproof skul cap and a buff round my neck, although have seen a few regular commuters with balaclavas recently

Same here free buff and free skull cap from C+ sub

 

[Jezston]

Buff here in full-face mode.

Rarely pull it up over my mouth and nose though as even my new official one, despite being a lot more breathable than my C+ freebie, still restricts my breathing a little too much.

Thus I am growing my beard.

A beard is the manliest way to keep your face warm.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Gimp mask here, like a Balaclava but far more interesting....

 

[johnr]

Thanks for all of that. I've been happy with a skull cap and buff for years.... but commutes at -12 and -14 were like nothing I've experienced before. I think we've been lucky that so far the winds have been moderate. Strong winds with these temps? No thanks. I'm going Gore.

 

[cyberknight]

Thanks for all of that. I've been happy with a skull cap and buff for years.... but commutes at -12 and -14 were like nothing I've experienced before. I think we've been lucky that so far the winds have been moderate. Strong winds with these temps? No thanks. I'm going Gore.

Is that Al gore ( in a turban very cosy )

 

[crazy580]

Hi,

I use the dhb (Wiggle) balaclava most days at the moment.

At the start of my ride I may have my mouth and nose covered, which is fine from a sogginess point of view (none at all) but causes my cycle glasses to fog badly when I stop at lights. The exhaled air escapes from the gaps beside the nose.

Same here, but after a long ride it can get a bit soggy, but not too bad. Price was alright at £16