If you are an outdoor sports enthusiast, you no longer have to worry about extreme weather conditions like in winter, thanks to the various ski masks available today. In the past, balaclavas were mainly associated with gangsters. However, today they are an essential protective sports gear for most sportsmen and women. In this article, we will answer the question “what is the best balaclava for running.”
How Do You Know What is The Best Balaclava for Running?
Be cautious of the material used. Merino wool provides the best warmth in winter sports. On the other hand, the lightweight polyester, nylon, or spandex is ideal for a windy environment. In general, the material used should be flexible, stretchable, and naturally moisture wicking.
You also need to consider the design of the balaclavas. Some of them are specifically designed to fit with another headgear such as a helmet. Otherwise, you may have difficulties in moving your head or getting the balaclava to fit you.
The final aspect you should consider is how vigorous you intend to be in the field, vis-à-vis the kind of weather prevailing at the moment.
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NIKE Pro Combat Hyperwarm Hydropull Hood
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This lightweight balaclava from Nike is made from nylon and spandex; a highly breathable combination. Its stylish design complements other headgears like helmets and goggles. It is available in several colors including black for those conservative sportspersons.
Nike pro combat hood keeps you warm yet moisture free thanks to its heat retention capabilities. It has a flatlock seam design to fit uniformly around the head and cover most of your face. This also extends down towards the back of your neck.
Its hinged opening makes this balaclava to work efficiently as a neck gaiter. However, this ski mask’s limited neckline does not offer all-round protection for your neck. It is also not ideal for strenuous training activities. Use this balaclava on a windy or cold day on the track. You can purchase yours here.
2. Under Armour Reflective Run Balaclava
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This balaclava by Under Armour is made from 100% polyester. It is a lightweight fabric that allows maximum breathability while keeping you warm as you exercise.
Its unique design retains heat during winter and circulates heat away from your body in hot temperatures making sure you don’t overheat. The mouth area is well punctured to increase air circulation. In addition, it has a ponytail hole at the back to give your hair a breathing outlet.
Its moisture-wicking capabilities ensure you remain dry and fresh throughout. It has a stylish construction with a broad collar that protects your entire face from wind or cold. The generous hood also stretches down the neck and easily converts into a neck gaiter.
You can wear it with your favorite sports jacket to provide you the needed layering insulation from frost. This balaclava’s flexibility will not constrain your movement. Its reflective run will keep you safe when working out before sunrise, after sunset, or in foggy weather conditions.
However, this balaclava is only available in one size and one color. Purchase this hood here.
3. KINGBIKE Balaclava
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The KingBike Balaclava is a multipurpose ski mask. Wear it to protect your face when running, jogging, cycling, or when doing tactical training. And then change it into a hat and use it when hunting. Put it on as a neck gaiter when going on a trek. Better still; wear it as an open balaclava when skiing. Whichever outdoor sport you are involved in, this balaclava’s flexible material will keep you warm.
Its design allows for better breathing around the nose area. It will protect you from extreme weather conditions like excessive wind, cold, and dust. The hood will also protect your eyes from the harsh sun. Stash this balaclava inside your thermal jacket the next time you go skiing and get ready for any drastic drop in temperatures.
You can wear it individually or with a complimentary helmet. The Super Roubaix fabric is soft, wicks away sweat, and dries quickly. It stretches to fit you perfectly regardless of the size of your head. The balaclava is ideal for men, women, and children.
This balaclava is strong and durable. Its guaranteed comfort features are worth every cent you spend to buy it. Get yours here.
Tough Headwear Balaclava
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Are you having a tough time skiing, snowboarding, cycling, or undertaking any winter sports due to cold dust, the wind, or harsh UV rays? The Tough Headwear Balaclava is a winter facemask that offers you ultimate protection from harsh weather elements. By doing so, this facemask allows you to perform at your best during the winter. It is equally a convenient facemask protecting your face from harsh wind and dust during the summer.
The Tough Headwear Balaclava features a unisex ergonomic design weighing 1.6 ounces. Its fabric is made of 11% spandex and 89% polyester materials. This dry-fit fabric has thick mesh panels around the face that allow for easy breathing.
In addition, this construction prevents stuffiness especially when worn for extended periods. It will keep you warm both indoors and outdoors. Its fleece lining retains body heat from the head to the neck. The fabric also stretches to stay firmly around the face without interfering with your goggles.
The Tough Headwear Balaclava’s versatile design makes it ideal for various purposes. When worn over the head, it completely covers the upper facial side including the forehead area. It further extends from the neck up to above the nose area. Pull this balaclava down off your head and use it as a neck gaiter, a hat, or a hoodie for extra warmth. You can also use it to keep dirt and dust off your eyes, ears, and nose.
The Tough Headwear Balaclava has reflective logos on the sides, front and sides to improve the athlete’s visibility at night. It is ideal for both men and women and retains body heat around the head and neck. However, it is only available in black.
FAQ About Balaclavas
- What are balaclavas?
- Simply put, these are face warmers. They are uniquely designed depending on the intended purpose. They are usually made of a thick material such as wool while others are made from fleece, polyester, or other synthetic material.
- How do I care for and maintain my balaclava?
- Ski masks are low maintenance gears. Hand-wash them in lukewarm soapy water and allow them to dry. Add a drop of alcohol solution to the final rinse to disinfect the balaclava. Never machine-wash the balaclava and always store your ski mask in a cool and dry place.
- What headgear can I wear with my balaclava?
- Most balaclavas excellently complement goggles, glasses, or helmets.
- Is it illegal to wear balaclavas in public?
- It depends on which state you are in and the public place you want to visit. Whereas many states allow wearing of balaclavas in public, in some states you are not allowed to wear it when entering a bank, for example.
In Conclusion
All of these four Balaclava is a good choice. But we recommended the Tough Headwear Balaclava number one. Use it as a full mask, half ski mask, neck gaiter or as an open balaclava for skiing, snow shoveling, ATVing, hunting or any other winter outdoor activity. It is also an ideal windproof when undertaking high speed and high altitude sports tournaments. These include motorcycling and mountaineering.
The face mask stretches to fit and adjust well to all head shapes shielding you from the possible nose and chin frostbite. However, this balaclava comes in one standard size only and is not waterproof or flame resistant.
Balaclavas are a must have for any sportsperson who needs to train under extreme weather conditions. They afford you the protection that other headgears like goggles lack. It will protect you from frostbites in the cold and keep you free from skin irritations associated with excessive heat in hot areas. The above four balaclavas that we have discussed should assist you in deciding on what is the best balaclava for running. And today, you have a choice of balaclavas based on their functionalities, price, the extent of coverage, and your style.
Thank you very much for this informative and amazing review of balaclava. I think balaclava is very important for sport men and it also helps in running or long distance exercise in area of extreme cold weather conditions and scorching sunlight.i like the KINGBIKE Balaclava than others because of the uniqueness.
Hi, Clement and thank you.
The balaclava can be very helpful in cold weather. Through the years it has been used but with the development of technology in making sports equipment light but warm at the same time it has been understandable more popular than before.
Cold weather can affect the performance and joy of runners so using balaclavas is an excellent method to change it.
If I can help you with anything else, or if you have any questions, don´t hesitate to contact me.
This is a very nice article. I love all the balacavas you reviewed in this article, I particularly fell in love with th King Ike balaclava.
It is a multipurpose face warmer. It also offers the needed protection during hash weather. Although there is no such weather that may warrant the use of balaclava in my place. I will still get the king bike balaclava in case I am traveling out.
Hi, Abiodun S and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
KINGBIKE Balaclava is an excellent choice, not at least because of the multipurpose it has which made it excellent when you are active in many different sports like running, cycling and skiing.
If I can help you with anything else, or if you have any questions, don´t hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for this information
These are quite good items for pro, thought
I want you to explain some things for me that i am yet to understand.
Can a runner use the Under Armour Reflective Run Balaclava during winter?
Is it free shipping to countries like Ghana and Nigeria?
Thank you. I will be waiting your response
Hi, Kehinde Segun and thank you.
It is not only for pro. Balaclava is perfect to use in bad and cold weather. You can even say when it is extreme weather that it is vital to use because of your face.
Yes, it is the idea to use Balaclava in the winter time.
I am not sure if Amazon sends it to Ghana and Nigeria because it depends a lot of the sellers. So you need to check it each time.
If I can help you with anything else, or if you have any questions, don´t hesitate to contact me.
Wow just look at the Kingbike Balaclava! Looks really cool, like Scorpion from Mortal Kombat. It’s getting really difficult to run when it’s so cool and cozy outside not to mention Christmas is around the corner, having the bally would definitely warm my face while running. This may be a weird question to ask, but is it legal to run around with the balaclava around the street? I know we use for skiing a lot but for running, it’s worth a shot 😀
Hello, Riaz Shah, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Well, there are different rules between countries and states, but as it is trendy all over the world, I can’t see why it is not legal. At least I haven’t heard about it, but it could be in some states or countries even so I doubt it!
Don’t hesitate to contact me if I can help you with anything else or if you have any questions.
We enjoy both downhill and cross country skiing a few times each winter. We have decided not to get much specialty equipment for warmth in the past, but after a particularly cold outing last winter, we bought knit balaclavas that didn’t do much. I appreciate this article because we have some choices from the information you have offered.
I will bookmark the page in case we decide to purchase one of these brands.
Hello, Anastazja, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if I can help you with anything else or if you have any questions.
Well, a balaclava is the best way to protect yourself from the freezing wind as described above.
Hi Rizwan.
Yes, it is one of the best ways. The face, fingers, and toes are the most important to keep warm in performance and train well.