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Snow & Winter Sport Accessories

Best Ski Mask & Balaclava in 2024 – Reviews & Buying Guide

Nature has its way of getting on your nerves when skiing or snowboarding in the cold. As a sports enthusiast, masking your face can save you from the various harmful effects of an unfriendly environment, especially from the chill that brushes off your skin causing nerve damage.

We know that selecting the perfect ski mask for your needs can be daunting, but don’t worry! That’s the reason we’re here. Today, we’ll help you find the right mask for you with a list of top-of-the-line products and a comprehensive buying guide.

So, let’s begin!

10 Hand-Picked Ski Masks Reviewed

01 Ergodyne N-Ferno 6823 Winter Balaclava Ski Mask (Editor’s Choice)

Ergodyne N-Ferno 6823 Winter Balaclava Ski Mask

Having considered all the features for each of these masks, this one tops the list by a combination of specs, positive comments, and ratings. It had over 5500 reviews on Amazon and an impressive score of 4.4 at the time of the research which means it was more popular than every other product on this list. The price was also reasonable at around $10.

This Ergodyne Balaclava is from high-quality fleece, and we’ve found that it’s designed to protect your head, face, and neck against cold. There is another synthetic fabric over the mouth and nose area to keep you safe from the raging wind.

It measures 10.2 x 0.5 x 15.2 inches and weighs 2.88 ounces. So, it’s height is reasonable and light enough to give you a comfortable feel when wearing it with a hat or helmet.

Besides, it’s stretchable making it ideal for almost any head size or shape. You can use it for skiing, snowboarding, dog walk, and snow removal tasks. Thanks to its hinge design that allows you to wear it as a warmer, mask, or neck cover.

However, we observed that it’s more effective when you’re working out in the cold than staying idle. So, we recommend you wear another mask too if you’re not busy outside. Since it was not a severe issue, we gave it a five-star rating.

It has a mesh fabric on the mouth area which allows for a quick escape of breath, helping to prevent the fogging of your goggles. This means you can wear your glasses comfortably with it.

Pros

  • Wind-resistant
  • Breathable
  • Long enough, reaching your shoulders
  • Versatile
  • One size for all
  • Lightweight and comfortable

Cons

  • Less temperature when you’re not sweating

Our Verdict

Overall, we were happy with this product. It keeps you warm, covering your head, nose, ears, and neck. The fabric used here offers long-lasting protection from the sun, dust, and cold. You can keep it on for hours without feeling any discomfort on the skin. It’s an excellent ski mask for the price.

02 Self Pro Balaclava UV Protection (Runner-Up)

Self Pro Balaclava UV Protection

This Self Pro Balaclava also deserved a right spot on this list and had a better score than our top pick with 4.6 stars from 3,216 consumers showing that it pleased almost all the buyers.

Unlike our top choice which is from fleece, this one features premium quality polyester, which is durable and offers excellent protection from the sun’s UV, wind, cold, and dust. It’s shorter and lighter than our first choice, measuring 4.2 x 2.8 x 0.4 inches with a weight of 1.76 ounces. You’ll feel good wearing it with the helmet as it doesn’t feel bulky on the head.

It’s breathability and sweat absorption rate are great, making you feel warm and comfortable.

Many users have attested to its superior performance and design as it covers from the head to the neck areas. Also, you’ll appreciate the extra length at the front which prevents it from pushing too hard against your nose.

It doesn’t have a dedicated size, so it can be worn by men, ladies, and children thanks to its 4-way stretch design. That’s why it’s widely used by females. Unlike other models on sale, this one is machine washable, so you’ll spend little time cleaning and it dries quickly too after washing.

We’ve noticed that it did a better job at keeping off the wind than providing warmth when you’re exposed to super freezing temperature but it’s a good investment considering the amount you’re paying (about $10 on Amazon).

Pros

  • Machine washable
  • Easy to use
  • Quick to dry
  • Ultimate protection from wind and sun’s UV
  • 4-way stretch
  • Flatlock seams

Cons

  • Not perfect for super freezing temperature

Our Verdict

This one is cheap but offers better protection against wind and cold than many products you’ll find on the market. It also protects you from dangerous UV rays from the sun, as you know, UV rays can cause skin cancer. It’s not as long as our top pick but the good thing is you’ll enjoy an excellent fit despite your shape.

03 Zanheadgear Neoprene Half Face Mask (Great for Half Face Protection)

Zanheadgear Neoprene Half Face Mask

The Zanheadgear is perfect at insulating your ear, mouth, and nose areas. It’s made from Neoprene with a perfectly stitched seam to ensure it fits securely and stays durable. It has a scary graphics and unlike our first and second models, it is available in both full and half styles depending on your choice.

About the size, we have ‘small’ for children, ‘oversized’ for overweight adults, and the adult unisex size. While testing, we noticed that there are vents around the nose and mouth parts for better breathability and prevention of eye soreness. Unlike our top pick, this one is reversible; meaning you can wear it inside out at any time.

You’ll notice that it has an adjustable closure that keeps it secure even in the most demanding weather conditions. Besides, its edges are bound with nylon to reduce the rate of wear. However, a few users did complain about its comfortability because it smashed their noses a little though this wasn’t a deal-breaker to us considering its affordability and size options. We also tried it in hot weather conditions without feeling that much.

It’s also a popular choice on Amazon with a total of 1583 buyers and scored 4.0 stars at the time of the research. Sold at a little under $9, it’s a good choice if you are low on budget.

Pros

  • High-quality material
  • Air vents around mouth and nose
  • Reversible sewing
  • Ultra-comfortable and versatile
  • Available in different sizes and styles
  • Adjustable closure

Cons

  • Most users have issues with fitting

Our Verdict

This Zanheadgear model is pretty affordable and loaded with features that’ll give you the perfect time out there. The printed graphics adds a funny tone to it. Though it has its little issues, we can always recommend it for any user.

04 Beardski Ski Mask

Beardski Ski Mask

If you’re looking for a balaclava that’ll make you resemble the smiling Santa, then this one is for you. It’s the only one on this list that’ll surprise your friends and scare the children to bed.

It didn’t have much by a number of buyers but it’s interesting that it’s among the highest-rated on this list (4.4 out of 694 reviews). It’s designed for use with glasses since it sits a little below your cheeks. Unlike our 2nd choice, you wouldn’t worry when trying to make fire as its absolutely non-inflammable.

Also, the neck area is made of thermal fleece while the nose and mouth parts are Neoprene; so, it’ll keep your face pretty warm. There is a Velcro attachment that makes it easier for any male adult user to clamp on and hit the outside. However, it only covers the neck, mouth, and ears meaning you’ll buy a separate fabric for your head.

Its construction too is superb, with high-quality silk lining to improve its durability. The mask itself is water-resistant so, you’ll have nothing to worry about when it’s raining. Unlike the Self Pro Balaclava that is machine-washable, you can only wash this one by hand; making it a little difficult to clean. Besides, while it’ll make one look funny, it’s somewhat creepy and not many women would want to use it.

Finally, you’ll have to spend around $30 for this choice. This may not be the first to consider if you’re on a budget.

Pros

  • Adjustable attachments
  • Water-resistant
  • Non-flammable
  • Combination of fleece and Neoprene
  • Ideal for surprises

Cons

  • It’s relatively expensive
  • Not machine washable

Our Verdict

This is the perfect mask to wear if you want to appear different from what others are using. It’s reliable and durable though it’s a little pricy; you’ll get a good value for your money.

05 NIKE Pro Combat Hyperwarm Hydropull Hood (Advanced Choice)

NIKE Pro Combat Hyperwarm Hydropull Hood

NIKE is a brand that needs no introduction when it comes to sporting wear and this Pro model comes with a superior design, making it a favorite of numerous athletes. We had a good time with this mask as it provided better heat keeping us dry. It’s made from nylon which feels soft inside and does not itch.

This NIKE Pro is well-constructed, having flat seams that gives a smooth touch on the head and nose. It measures 6.4 x 3.7 x 1.3 inches and weighs 4 ounces making it a little heavier than our editor’s choice. Though it offered full protection for the head and mouth; it wasn’t long enough to cover the whole neck thereby leaving out some parts open.

This one was easier to wash for us and dried much quicker than the Beardski model. Besides, it was more versatile, suitable for running, skiing, snowboarding, cycling and other outdoor activities.

What’s more, you can convert it to a neck gaiter or half-face mask depending on your needs and it can fit almost any size.

So far, it wasn’t given many reviews as our top model but it had a great average score! We’re considering 4.5/5 stars out of 295 consumers on Amazon at the time of the writing. It costs a little above $30, so it’s in the same price range as our 4th choice.

Pros

  • Form fitting comfort
  • Flat seam construction
  • Full facial and head protection
  • Easily to convert to a neck gaiter

Cons

  • Exposed some neck parts to wind

Our Verdict

This is an advanced choice with a great performance though it comes at a price. It’s good looking and will last long for your daily winter needs.

06 Balaclava by GearTOP

Balaclava by GearTOP

This best full face mask from GearTop will protect you from burns, germs, and keep you warm in colder temperatures. It’s made from super Roubaix material with interlocking knit construction that feels soft and great at wicking off moisture from your face.

It features flat stitching with smooth seams that prevents itching and makes you comfortable under your helmet. Besides, you can wear it in different styles depending on the weather and your activity. It’s the lightest on this list weighing 0.16 ounces despite its long length and full coverage.

It can fit both adults and children and it’s a lot easier to slide on and off. It also looks cute on women. Its greatest advantage which separates it from every other model on this list is the lifetime guarantee from the manufacturers. So, you’ll order it with confidence knowing you have a backup if it’s below your expectation.

It currently retails for a little over $12, so it’s a good contender if you’re not desirous to spend much. It’s Amazon rating was also amazing with 4.4 stars out of a total of 761 reviews.

Pros

  • Lightweight and durable
  • Fits great
  • All black design, soft
  • Anti-odor
  • Warm in winter and cool in summer
  • Lifetime guarantee

Cons

  • Not many options for color and size

Our Verdict

This is a great budget-friendly blank ski mask for daily use. It’s interesting that you’ll get warmth and protection in winter while feeling cold in summer. Though it came with a lifetime guarantee, we’ve not had any issues that will cause us to contact the company.

07 Under Armour Men’s GoldGear Infrared Tactical Hood

Under Armour Men’s GoldGear Infrared Tactical Hood

This one makes our list for the reason it uses a thermo-conductive inner coating to dry the sweat while keeping your body warm. It also has an anti-odor treatment that prevents the growth of microbes which causes allergies and itching. Its 4-way stretch build allows you to move freely without changing its form.

This GoldGear model delivers superb warmth and comfort over your head, face, and neck. It’s available in white and black colors but it’s one size fits all construction may not be ideal for users with heads that are smaller than average.

Though it’s thin enough for wearing a hat, it didn’t provide enough protection from wind. Besides, it’s a little more expensive than most of our top models though it’s worth the price.

It’s an excellent choice for hunting, mountaineering, snowboarding, biking, and skiing in the open cold. Like our runner up choice, you can wash it via a machine regularly.

For the price, it’s sold around $25, so it’s neither cheap nor too expensive but you’ll be satisfied.

It got many positive reviews on Amazon though it wasn’t the most popular but a score of 4.5 from 937 customers is worth the consideration.

Pros

  • Lightweight and durable
  • Full-facial protection in extreme cold
  • Thermo-conductive inner coating
  • Greater ease and mobility
  • Anti-order technology

Cons

  • Relatively expensive

Our Verdict

With the GoldGear mask, you can’t go wrong on your ski mask choice. Its major difference from other types here is the black color option gives you an extra advantage while hunting. It’s regarded as one of the best hunting face masks by many. It may not be as cheap as our top choice, but it’s also a popular choice for a lot of persons.

08 Balaclava Windproof Ski Mask Tough Headwear

Balaclava Windproof Ski Mask Tough Headwear

We had a little difficulty deciding whether to make this one our advanced choice, though we finally settled for the Nike Pro because of durability.

This Balaclava Headwear has a mesh panel at the front which helps to enhance your breathing while reducing fog formation on your goggles. It’s well-made such that you can run it through the machine for cleaning and drying regularly without losing its form.

This one is covered with fleece lining to provide better warmth. From our observation, it fits perfectly and is thin enough for use with helmets. It protects the head, ears, nose, mouth, and neck. Besides, it was a lot easier pulling it down when to cover only the neck and easy to return as full-face mask too.

This one measures 5.4 x 4.3 x 1 inches and weighs 1.6 ounces. It’s pretty lighter than our NIKE Pro model. You’ll notice that it has a reflective logo on the front, side, and back which allows you to stay visible when hitting the roads at night.

It’s also a popular choice on Amazon with many positive reviews and was given an average score of 4.5 stars from 1360 users. It’s sold around $10; but did the job much better than we’d expected from a product at this price.

Pros

  • Mesh ventilator
  • Easy to wear and remove
  • Compatible with helmets
  • Lightweight and affordable
  • Reflective logos

Cons

  • Not very long

Our Verdict

This Balaclava is perfect for all weather conditions and also pocket-friendly despite its excellent coverage. It has one of the highest scores on this list and definitely a great option to buy. For the money, it offers a good value and you can’t go wrong buying this.

09 Oldelf Tactical Heavyweight Balaclava

Oldelf Tactical Heavyweight Balaclava

If you’re looking for a great solution against cold weather, this is the perfect option for you. Oldelf Tactical Balaclava features a multipurpose design meaning you can wear it as hat or scarf while enjoying complete protection around your neck, head, and shoulders. It’s also available in military green, black, red, dark grey, and blue colors so, you have more options to choose from.

This no-mouth model is ideal for skiing, snowmobiling, mountain climbing, and a lot more. It has a cord around the neck that lets you control the closure around your neck. Besides, it’s made from fleece composite fabric, so you wouldn’t only feel warm but safe from allergies too.

It has dimensions of 13.5 x 12.6 x 1.4 inches, a lot longer than most models here. It can fit inside you collar without leaving a gap in the back. It weighs 4.2 ounces, it’s therefore among the heaviest options we’ve listed.

Though it’s perfect for cold weather, it didn’t offer much protection against the wind but that’s not an issue to us since it’s comfortable to wear. It’s also a cheap ski mask as it costs around $10.

This cute mask had many great reviews too, averaging at 4.3/5 stars from 1383 buyers at the time of writing.

Pros

  • Super warm
  • Good quality
  • Feels soft
  • Classic styling
  • Suitable for all outdoor sports

Cons

  • Not suitable for areas with strong winds

Our Verdict

This model really impressed us; we are happy with the price, build quality, fitness, and versatility. It ticked almost all the boxes for the perfect ski mask and it looks great as well.

10 Seirus Innovation Unisex Neofleece Combo Scarf

Seirus Innovation Unisex Neofleece Combo Scarf

The Seirus Innovation model comes in a combination of Neoprene and fleece materials so you’ll feel comfortable and warm without going through the hassle of wearing extra fabrics.

This Combo has a Velcro strap that makes it easy to wear. It’s designed to provide warm for your nose, mouth, and neck though you’ll need an extra cover for your head.

We’ve observed that the nose has a peculiar design that makes you feel good while breathing.

There are tiny holes on the front that allows the moisture to escape while regulating the airflow so you’ll not freeze. We didn’t experience much fogging on the glasses when breathing through the nose and mouth holes.

While many users were happy that it came in different sizes; others complained of the discomfort from the nose and chin contours. However, to avoid issues of mismatch, always check the fit guide before buying.

You’ll get it between $20 to $45 depending on the size you choose. It also scored high on Amazon online store, averaging at 4.5 stars out of 872 users at the time we checked.

Pros

  • Neoprene and fleece combo
  • Contoured nose and mouth design
  • Perfect for integrating with goggles
  • Velcro adjustments
  • Excellent breathability

Cons

  • Nose contour may not fit most persons

Our Verdict

This is a great product for those of us who live in cold areas and also love spending more time outside. Though it’s a little expensive when compared to our top pick, you’ll get a good value for your money.

The Ultimate Ski Mask Buying Guide

Best Ski Mask Buying Guide

1. Type

The most common types of face masks include:

  • Half Masks– They’re mostly made from Neoprene and only covers the lower part of the face, exposing the eye areas for goggles. Half masks can also be made easily using DIY methods.
  • Balaclava –  Often used as underhelmets, Balaclavas are also called full-face ski masks with one, 2 or 3-hole designs. They are a bit different from regular ski masks. If you can put them on correctly, they provide protection for the head and face against the chilling weather. They’re mostly from wool which delivers superior heat and comfort.
  • Neck Warmers – Rocking these will prevent the cold breeze from hitting your neck, thereby keeping you warm and fit for any weather condition.
  • Neodannas – If you’re concerned about getting a good cover against the temperature without compromising on style, then neodannas is the right choice for you. They’re the perfect alternative for the bandannas.
  • Beardskis – As the name implies, these ski masks are with beard attachments. They’re for surprising your friends or children. However, beardskis are only for men.
  • Bandannas – They’re thin and lightweight and they cover the face and the neck. Bandannas (often mistakenly spelt as ‘bandana’)look stylish and fit with any other head cover depending on your choice of fashion.
  • Designer Masks – One of the most significant benefits of wearing designer masks are the beautiful looks. They’re available in many styles but may offer less comfort and warmth when compared with other types. Camouflage designs are widely popular.

2. Fit

Most masks companies claim that their products can fit any adult wearer. While this is true for a few brands, you can opt for the ones with specific sizes to let you know your ideal fitness. You can also choose those models with fitness adjustment features like Velcro straps, and recommended for the children. For overweight individuals, custom masks would be required to fit perfectly as most models for sale wouldn’t match. As you can apply snowboard bindings on certain skis, you can also use the same mask for both the sports.

3. Material

There’s no perfect material for ski masks since they all have their downsides and benefits. Depending on your temperature needs, you can opt for any of these;

  • Polyester – They’re lightweight with tiny fishnet vents that offer timely evaporation of moisture while keeping you warm. Most of them have anti-bacterial treatments to prevent unwanted odor and accumulation of germs. Some of the warmest models are made from this material.
  • Merino Wool – Offering the most excellent warmth, it feels thick and soft but can be allergic to most users. They’re breathable, odor-resistant, and suitable for various applications. Most vintage models are made of wool and cotton.
  • Nylon – These are durable, affordable, and perfect for areas with both snow and rainfall. Also, they’re great at wicking out moisture and offers quality proof against wind. Combining nylon with polyester or spandex makes it robust enough for snowboarding.
  • Neoprene – It shares similar properties with nylon but less breathable yet provides excellent heat. It’s cheap and also resistant to wind and water.
  • Others — Apart from the above, plastic, cotton and leather are often used in making such masks. However, leather models are more expensive and kind of rare if you look for.

4. Coverage

As mentioned earlier, most ski masks provide covering for both head and face while other ones can only cover the lower parts of the face, leaving out the head and ears. In each case, there are openings for the eyes.

5. Integration with Goggles

Masks with smaller eye openings are more natural to use with goggles since they protect the eye area against the sun’s beam, frostbite, and debris.

6. Size

The mask or the full headed balcavas should have the perfect size and shape, giving you the right fit. It shouldn’t be too tight or loose but should enable you to carry out your sporting activities with ease. You can also make a balaclava on your own so that it fits correctly.

Why Use Ski Masks

Whether you are a skilled or a beginner skier, a ski mask will protect your eyes from flying debris, insects, bugs, and ice particles. It also blocks cold wind from reaching your face, keeping you warm and active. They protect your face like your gloves save your fingers. Even in the freezing weather, most people still sweat, which often results in deadly frostbites. But, a good face-mask will quickly absorb the sweat, helping you to stay dry and safe.

Masking balaclavas helps protect your eyes from the harmful effect of sun glare, thus removing incidences of fatigue, slow reflex, and any discomfort that would hamper your performance. These are essential in different hunting grounds including duck and bow hunting scenarios. We recommend camo graphics for such purposes. They are available in different materials, brands, shapes, color, prices, and much more to choose depending on your needs. You can also wear these masks when riding skateboards during winter.

There are plenty of colorful models you can find out there. Most popular colors are black, white, green, navy blue, light blue, purple, brown, neon green, orange, pink, light pink, yellow, royal blue, olive green, lime green, red and cyan.

FAQs

1. Why is a ski mask necessary?

Ans. Ski masks don’t only keep you warm, they are a requirement at many ski resorts. A good ski mask blocks the wind, keeps the face warm, protects from the sun, and provides protection from unanticipated flying objects.

2. How tight should a ski mask or balaclava be?

Ans. Ski masks shouldn’t fit tightly around your face. They have enough cloth to move over your ears. Balaclavas should snugly fit around the head but stay loose around the front of your face. This allows your head to move freely.

3. Can I use ski masks for other activities?

Ans. Ski masks are known for their high adaptability. You can use them for outdoor sports or running. They work great as a sporty winter cover when you need some warmth.

4. How do I wash a ski mask?

Ans. Most of the ski masks are machine washable and dryable. If you find one that advises against using washing machines, then you should check the instructions from the manufacturer. In these cases, a spot clean or gentle hand wash with mild detergent will do the job.

Wrapping It Up

If you’re desiring to beat the cold, wind, and frostbite this winter; then a good face mask will serve the purpose. What you need is a cloth that’ll wick away moisture, provide warmth, and easy to wash. Hopefully, our ski mask reviews shed light one the ultimate models that you can choose safely.

For persons who’ll want an extra feeling of amusement along with the protection, the Beardski mask is the ideal option. The Zanheadgear may not deliver full-face and head coverage but its cheap and available in diverse designs.

We’ve offered you many choices of balaclavas for defying the weather when skiing, snowmobiling, or running. This guide will help you find the perfect ski mask for your needs. You’ll need to factor in your activity, environment, and budget before you buy one. We’ve provided the links to the online shop from where you can buy the products at a reasonable price.

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