Traditional balaclava?

I like the knitted acrylic ones because the fit is stretchy and loose.

I bought one at a military surplus store, and the other from the hunting section of the local discount superstore (not walmart). The surplus store also had wool, but I wouldn't want to wear it on my face or neck due to the scratchiness. I prefer fleece or acrylic for headwear because it's always getting wet, and it feels totally dry just by slapping it against my knee a few times.

Seirus is a company which makes many fleece balaclava/hood options. I have a face mask of theirs which I like.

The Patagonia R1 balaclava will do everything you want – but is not 'traditional' – it is a very fine bit of kit though.

Here is my pick:

http://www.altrec.com/outdoor-research/ninjaclava

I liked the versatility to wear it in many configurations.

GL in your search!

Five dollars at Walmart.

you can do all that with the Loki hat

http://www.lokigear.com/product_detail.php?id=H207

Bryce,

Is that balaclava all one piece or several? Do you have the weight?

Thanks!

1 piece, almost hinged at the temple to flip back easily. Allow me to drop my hat from my gear list in winter. Listed 1.8, mine is 2oz I think. It is a rather warm one, not a thin balaclava. But the ability to wear it many ways will let me regulate heat well. GL.

I have the Ninjaclava. I disagree, though.

For me it works best in full face mode or one of the weird modes. When I use it with my nose sticking out (hem under my nose) it puts too much pressure on my lip and makes a mark. I fell asleep with it like that and woke up to a painfull sore under my nose- the hem was too tight. Then sliding it down my face to expose my whole face, the hem is so tight I can't stand it. I cant even do that for a bit.

The material is awesome, when its in full coverage mode it friggin rocks. I really want to love it but when I use it with my face exposed it is really uncomfortable.

Since Bryce, and undoubtedly many more as it has been made for years, find it comfortable, maybe I have a fat face or something.

I have changed my setup to a SW neckgaiter (soon to be OR Radiant fleece neckgaiter) and a syn beanie hat. Yeah, its two pieces, but very comfortable and versatile.

…Just a differing opinion for discussions sake!!

Guess it's all in the fit.

My head is 22 1/4in circumference (as I recall) and the Small/medium is tight enough to stay on, but not pressing. GL!

Bryce- yes! its all in the fit.

after reading your post I checked my sizes… I have a 22.5inch head and use the S/M and it hurts. Dammit/ interseting

haha…da*n 1/4 in. :p

Hrmm..mine is brand new, perhaps they have revised the ninjaclava over time? Dunno.

I cut the stitching at the 'hinge' on my Ninja.
Much more comfortable now. (for me anyway)

I have a Ibex balaclava. My weighs about 1.7 oz. It sounds like what you are looking for, plus it is made from Merino wool. It is $29.95 at backcountry.com

Mike- it hasn't ripped further?

hmmmm may be worth a try.

Maybe the design has changed over the years, but the 'top' is only tacked onto the 'lower' section with a single row of stitches on mine. The row is about 5mm long. I could have made a neater job with a razor blade, but the original cut hasn't frayed. I can now wear it as a neck gaiter without feeling as if i'm being strangled, and flip the top up when needed.
I was like you, great in full ninja mode, but uncomfortable in other positions.
Mine ia a few years old.

I have the rab powerstretch blalclava and use it for all that you have mentioned above. Material is nice and stretchy, I would be worried of you go for a wool one because in my experience wool is not that stretchy.

http://rab.uk.com/products/mens-clothing/headwear/ps-balaclava.html

Yes! Couldn't see the forest for the trees. Its like those two stitches were meant to be cut. MUCH better.

The Ninjaclava is back, baby! What What?

What?

Thanks Mike.

(PS- I used sharp scissors) ;)