Balaclava

The EE Hoodlum 20-40F has worked well for me on a hand full of short trips. I also have a down balaclava (Zpacks) that I use in summer because it’s a tad lighter. Both work well and I have not found either one to be noisy in any disagreeable way. I have not noticed any unusual or unexpected sound dampening effects with either one. However, I do notice significant sound dampening with neoprene balaclavas.

Both closure methods have pros and cons.. It’s nice being able to open up the Hoodum in front, kind of like a hood, and I like it in wet conditions where condensation is more likely under the tarp (my head touches the underside often when sitting up). But I prefer the way the Zpacks closure cinches into a small opening when it’s really cold at night sleeping, and the Zpacks model is a little lighter and packs a little smaller.

Hands down, if you want down, there is no choice other than the Blackrock-clava.  The absolute warmest and lightest I have ever used.  But Ben at Goosefeet would I’m sure make you a killer one as well, his gear is top notch.

https://www.blackrockgear.com/product/blackrock-clava/

The EE hood is good quality AND it has a front opening, something a few others do not have. But there

The EE hood is good quality AND it has a front opening, something a few others do not have.

But there is a down hood by Nunatak that does have that same front opening. It would be my choice.

What’s the downside to synthetic? You get dinged with a little extra weight? I looked online at the hood made by  MLD and they make a case for (and list of reasons why) synthetic is superior to down.

At this point, I think if I go synthetic, I’d do the EE 0F-20F or if down the Nunatak. Both have the front opening/

Which one?

You can read EE’s argument for Apex in this thread:

https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/92441/

I have had the problem of the noise as well. I have had better luck with merino wool balaclava.

The merino wool balaclava sounds interesting. I have an allergy to wool although I can wear it on my feet and legs but not chest and definitely not my face. Too bad too because merino wool is very good in the cold.