Insulated Balaclava (Hoodlum) vs. Merino Wool Balaclava

In the same area last August and used a Hoodlum as part of my sleep system when temperatures were around 30 at night. No regrets and I’m planning on doing the same thing this year. In reality, you’ll be fine with either.

The hoodlum is substantially warmer then the baclava it’s probably more than you need for that time of year even on the High Sierra route it specially where you can go with a nice fleece beanie and possibly any additional Hood elements you may have in your sleep system such as hooded fleece or jacket the answer would be the hoodlum if it you were going at the end of October in to November

I have MLD’s insulated balaclava and much prefer it over any other form of headgear when I’m sleeping due to both its warmth and comfort.  I plan on buying a second thicker one for winter and will likely go with EE’s Hoodlum the next time around, although I do recommend MLD’s.

merino headgear is in no way as warm as insulated headgear

if you body is insulated by the quilt but yr head is under insulated … the head then becomes the largest area of heat loss

remember that major arteries run along the neck area … simply putting an ice cube to your carotid artery will show you how much they affect you

;)

Thanks everybody.  I think, deep down, I was hoping to save some money after purchasing my 20 degree quilt.  But Eric’s comments convinced me to not “cheap out” on this.  Decided it would be better to have the hoodlum and not wear it, than to be cold and not have it.

Thanks!

If you’re bringing a hooded down jacket then you can just use that. I usually wear mine when it’s that cold, but if you’re warm enough without and just need it for your head you can fold it up as pillow and just use the hood (from what I’ve read at least).

I’ve ordered a hoodlum.