A balaclava, also known as a ski mask or racing mask, is a form of cloth headgear designed to expose only part of the face, usually the eyes and mouth. Depending on style and how it is worn, only the eyes, mouth and nose, or just the front of the face are unprotected.
The name "balaclava" originates from the 1854 Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War, near Balaklava in Crimea, where British troops wore knitted headgear to stay warm. Handmade balaclavas were sent to the British troops to protect them from the bitter cold weather.
Charge of the Light Brigade during the Battle of Balaclava
Alternative Names and Cultural Significance
- Ski Mask: You can also call a balaclava a "ski mask," and the ski slope is a place you're sure to see people wearing them, since a balaclava protects your face from icy winds and frigid temperatures.
- Monkey Cap: In South Asia, balaclavas are commonly referred to as monkey caps because of their typical earth tone colours, and the fact that they blot out most human facial features. Monkey caps sometimes have a small, decorative, woollen pom-pom on top.
Balaclavas in Winter Sports and Activities
Many skiers, snowboarders, cyclists, and runners wear balaclavas in cold weather for warmth. They protect the head, face, and neck from wind and low temperatures and can fit easily under helmets.
These sports balaclavas can be full balaclavas, which cover the entire head leaving only the eyes uncovered, or half-balaclavas, which leave the forehead free, but cover most of the head.
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Grab a balaclava the next time you're headed out into the snow, and it will protect your cheeks from frost. A balaclava is specifically constructed to hold in heat from the head, face, and neck. On especially frigid days, a balaclava helps you stay warm and provides full coverage protection against frostbite on the ears, nose, and cheeks.
A balaclava has a snug fit that works beneath a hood or a helmet, which snowboarders, skiers, and cyclists appreciate.
Balaclavas are typically made from lightweight, moisture-wicking materials, allowing them to easily fit under a winter running cap, hood, or helmet during winter months. TrailHeads’ balaclavas are also versatile, with a comfortable hinge design that lets you pull it up over your nose or down under your chin.
TrailHeads offers a balaclava with a hinge design. Overall, a balaclava, despite being lighter weight, can keep you warmer on cold days than a winter neck gaiter, since it protects more skin. Balaclavas are designed to function like face masks; the only exposed area is around the eyes.
Balaclavas vs. Neck Gaiters
A balaclava and a neck gaiter are essential pieces of winter gear. Both function like face masks, keeping your face and neck region protected, but in different ways.
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A neck gaiter is a stretchy, breathable piece of fabric that’s designed to keep that area warm. It can be pulled up to mask and protect the face in cold weather. The neck area is often overlooked in outdoor activities; a neck gaiter is a helpful light layer of winter running gear.
Both balaclavas and neck gaiters provide warmth during cold-weather activities. The factors to consider when making your choice depend on a few things. First, the weather conditions. The balaclava covers your entire head, face, and neck to keep out cold air, with only an opening for your eyes. This makes it ideal for very frigid, windy conditions.
Choosing the one that works best for you depends on your personal preference but a few other things: how cold it is (a balaclava offers more face coverage, helping prevent frostbite) and what kind of winter activity you’re doing (a neck gaiter allows for easier breathing).
Comfort and fit are something else to consider. A balaclava keeps the head warm and covers the neck and face; some may find it too hot or confining. Neck gaiters can vary in thickness; some are lighter than a balaclava, while others are made of thicker materials like fleece. Then there’s style and appearance. Many neck gaiters and balaclavas are unisex. For women, TrailHeads offers balaclavas that are ponytail-compatible.
A balaclava is often worn in extremely cold or windy conditions. It covers the entire head, face, and neck leaving only the eyes exposed, thus holding in more warmth.
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Both a balaclava and neck gaiter are great pieces of winter running gear, but they wear differently. The balaclava provides more coverage but it may feel too warm. A neck warmer is easier to wear but doesn't have as much protection. Balaclavas and gaiters are both made from lightweight breathable fabric designed to endure many years of outdoor activities.
A balaclava and a gaiter provide warmth to the head, neck, and face. The balaclava provides more thorough coverage, encasing the head and face, leaving only the eyes visible. A neck gaiter is a fabric “tube” that covers the neck. A balaclava is often worn under a helmet, hat, or hood for extra protection from the elements. While it won’t cover the head, it can be pulled up to work as a face mask.
A winter neck gaiter is lightweight and breathable. It’s easy to wear as an extra layer of your winter running gear (or for a variety of outdoor activities). A neck gaiter can also be pulled up to cover your lower face if the temperature drops or the wind kicks up. A winter neck gaiter helps you stay warm, but if you need to cool down a bit, simply roll it down into a collar shape.
Neck gaiters are made from a variety of performance materials; TrailHeads uses ultra-soft polyester. This makes them light and easy to breathe through should you need to pull it up over your face. The simplicity of the neck gaiter makes it an easy addition to your winter running gear. Just pop it on and pull it up or down, depending on the weather and your warmth needs at the moment.
A balaclava and a neck gaiter are great pieces of cold weather running gear. Both provide extra warmth but in different ways. The balaclava is great for extreme cold and wind conditions, as it covers the entire head, neck, and face (minus the eyes). The material can be thin enough to fit under a hood, hat, or helmet. While it’s meant to breathe through, some people find it can become a bit too warm.
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Balaclavas in Professional Settings
Race drivers in Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile sanctioned events must wear balaclavas made of fire-retardant material underneath their crash helmets.
Balaclavas in Law Enforcement and Military
In the Soviet Union, the balaclava became a part of standard OMON (special police task force) uniform as early as the Perestroyka years of the late 1980s. The original intent was to protect the identity of the officers to avoid intimidation from Russian organized crime. Because of increased problems with organized crime of the 1990s, TV shots of armed men in black balaclavas became common. Armed Russian police commonly conduct raids and searches of white-collar premises (typically in Moscow) while wearing balaclavas.
Russian FSB officers wearing balaclavas
The Balaclava in Modern Fashion
Outside of its main use, a balaclava can also be adapted to weather conditions. Versions with enough of a full face opening may be rolled into a hat to cover the crown of the head or folded down as a collar around the neck.