Expedition Brushed Balaclava Kodiak Fleece

What a beast of a balaclava, if you need warm this has you covered. I personally have a hard time wearing it if the temps are over 20 degrees F it is so warm. The thicker wool and inner fleecing of the fabric make it so warm and comfortable, literally the day after I received it the temp dropped to 4 degrees F and I am very happy I had this to keep me protected. Though I am pleased and giving it a 5 star review here are some things that need to be addressed in design. First, The size of this item seems good but the face covering is loose and only get looser throughout the day pulling away from your face allowing the cold to get in, IMO this is mainly due to the multi piece design. Second, the way the face covering attaches to the side and front of the balaclava is a bit of an odd construction, the bottom is not solid with a hinged top like most, it is a chin length balaclava that has a face covering sewn on. Its sewn on either side behind the ears then in front at the bottom by the chin. The bottom edge of this face cover is open and as it transitions by the dimples in your cheeks to the sewn in areas it creates an opening in the fabric due to not having enough overlap which causes small openings to let cold air in and freeze your cheeks. This tends to only happen when you have the face cover pulled up near the bridge of your nose.

This is the balaclava to reach for when the temps drop below 0°F. I really like the construction of this 'clava, but unless it's extremely cold, or if you're very static (think ice fishing), it can be too warm. I was hoping to use it for skiing, but honestly it's just too thick for all but the most brutally cold days!

I have had the midweight balaclava for a few years but needed something more substantial for cold weather, and this is it. I love how adjustable it is with the two layers (over nose or under chin depending on wind direction - ears well covered both ways) and that I can still hear my surroundings while wearing it. If I'm moving at a good pace, I do sweat in it, but still don't get cold. I do still use my Minus 33 headband over top of it if it's real windy because my ears really hate wind, but it is great being able to hike without my ears or neck being cold at this time of year. My only (small) nit is that the neck part is quite long for being - well, neck-sized in diameter - so it's a bit bunched up on me at the bottom - but better too long than too short, and I just love how comfortable it keeps me and haven't missed my much-needed daily hikes due to weather since I got it. :)

With out wind block material in it, I don't care how thick the wool is the wind blows through it.

Overall a well made piece of gear, however, it fits to large on my head. Other wool balaclavas I own don’t have this issue. I do like that is has enough material to tuck in my sweater, which is great because it doesn’t come out when I look up or move my head around. Craftsmanship and quality of the material is good, which is very important to me. If you have a huge head and neck you will love this balaclava.