Best Balaclava For Running in Cold Weather
It can be hard running in cold and dry weather, with the wind hitting your body. You don’t have to allow the harsh weather elements to prevent you from getting a quality run. Doctors recommend that you wear the best balaclava for running if you will be running in extreme weather conditions.
Why is it better?
- Easy to breathe through
- Great protection
- Lightweight
- Best quality for this price
To get the best results, you will need to choose the right Balaclava that will meet your need. To help you make the right choice, we have created a review of the top 10 Best Balaclava For Running in Cold Weather. Read on to make a wise buying decision.
Top 10 Face Mask for Running in Cold Weather
After spending over 24 hours researching the best balaclava options out there, we created this list. But if you need to make a quick buying decision, this table provides you with a summary of the features of each option.
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
Editor's Choice | Under Armour Unisex-Adult Balaclava
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 | Unisex Sun UV Protection Face Bandana
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 | Adidas Alphaskin Balaclava
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Best for breathing through  | AstroAI Balaclava
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 | Tough Headwear Balaclava
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 | Self Pro Summer Face
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 | Achiou Balaclava Face Mask
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 | Sireck Cold Weather Balaclava
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Best Summer Balaclava  | Botack Balaclava
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 | Botack Balaclava
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1. Under Armour Unisex-Adult Headgear Tactical Balaclava
Made of 84% polyester and 16% spandex, this is a comfortable facemask in cold weather. This hood allows you to pull down the mouthpiece and talk seamlessly. While the hood is a bit tight at the beginning, it will later start stretching, making it more comfortable. While it’s a gear head for heat, it’s also comfortable in the winter weather.
- Comfortable
- Easy to breathe through
- Machine-washable
- Fits very well
- Dries fast
- Great protection from the sun’s ray
- Not all users are satisfied with the size of the track
- Fogs up in warm weather
The facemask comes with a warning that it will melt when exposed to extreme weather. However, it may still be the right choice for protecting your face from the harmful rays of the sun as long as the temperature doesn’t get to the extreme. All in all, the Under Armour Unisex-Adult Heatgear Tactical Balaclava is a good facemask that is worth considering.
2. Unisex Sun UV Protection Face Bandana Neck Gaiter
When covering the mouth and face, they are relatively breathable. You can wear the running gears in various ways such as a face bandana, mark scarf, headband, hair-band, ear warmer, sweatband, neck gaiter, and more. They can also be worn for a wide range of activities such as running, walking, hiking, hunting, fishing, and cycling.
The balaclavas are roomy and will properly fit a full-grown man. They may be the right choice for colder weather as the tight fabric will keep you warm in cold weather.
- Lightweight and Breathable
- Comfortable
- Wide range of colors
- Solidly-made
- Made of a skin-friendly fabric
- Don’t stretch much
The Unisex Sun UV Protection Face Bandana Neck Gaiters are made of a heavy material that prevents them from stretching much. This can be a benefit as it means they will last longer. But if you are over 150 lbs, you may want to consider another option.
We would recommend that you start by washing them as this will make them comfortable. Overall, these are good quality balaclavas that are available in a wide range of beautiful colors. If you need a color to match with your clothes, you should find one quickly.
3. Adidas Alphaskin Balaclava
This facemask is made of quality material (86% Polyester and 14% Spandex) that doesn’t overheat or itch. This material is also lightweight, ensuring maximum comfort. The balaclava also features Climawarn insulation that helps to keep you warm and dry in winter. The Adidas Alphaskin Balaclava (5148-ALPHASKIN) features three-stripe details for enhanced visibility.
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Dries fast
- Fully stretchable
- Durable
- A bit hard to breathe through
- A bit tight
4. AstroAI Balaclava – Best for breathing through
This mesh also prevents it from getting wet when you breathe in the cold winter climate. It will also keep your neck and head warm and dry so that you will not need to bother about the wind. It will also fit well under your helmet or hat easily.
The facemask is made of a soft polar fleece that adds to its comfort. It comes in one size that can be a good fit for both men and women.
- Fits perfectly well
- Soft and comfortable
- East to talk and breath through it
- Easy to wear with helmet or goggles
- A bit snug around the nose area
- Unsuitable for virus protection
The facemask allows you to cover your entire face or to wear it as a shield for the mouth and nose. On top of running, this balaclava can be used for skiing, biking, snowboarding, mountain climbing, and other outdoor activities. While the description says it’s goggle-friendly, it’s not very effective in preventing fog on your glass. But all in all, it’s a good mask for running in the cold weather.
5. Tough Headwear Balaclava
With this balaclava, you can cover your desired parts such as the neck, the ears, over your nose, or the whole head. However, the back part doesn’t go down entirely like the front part. If you tug head, you will bunch up at the area surrounding your neck.
- Warm
- Fits well
- Can be worn with a helmet
- Machine-washable
- Nose area gets a little gross
- Doesn’t open at the mouth
The Tough Headwear Balaclava Ski Mask for Men and Women is a reasonably good balaclava that you may need to consider. If you are the kind who sweat a lot, you will need to ensure that you wash the face mask regularly as it retains moisture as the areas around the nose get soggy. But since the balaclava is machine-washable, this shouldn’t be hard.
The manufacturer would have made it better by including an opening at the mouth to drink water. But all in all, this isn’t a deal-breaker to prevent you from buying the face masks for running.
6. Self Pro Summer Face Mask Balaclava
When wearing it for a run, it will be useful in keeping you warm without any additional garments. But if you plan to wear it in winter weather without engaging in vigorous activity, you may need to combine it with a cap or hood to keep yourself warm.
The mask comes with a space around the nose area, covered with a cloth patch that enables the release of steam and easy breathing. When you wear it with Ski goggles, it will feel a bit tight and hinder proper breathing.
- Soft and comfortable
- Doesn’t get soggy around the mouth area
- Wind-resistant
- Great fit
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Not solidly made
- A bit tight
7. Achiou Balaclava Face Mask
The balaclava comes with a body made of breathable mesh that makes it lightweight and comfortable. You can wear it as a face mask, balaclava, hat, scarf, open, or closed balaclava. It will effectively protect your neck and chin area. It fits snugly for the majority of people, making it suitable for covering the head and mouth.
- Comfortable
- breathable
- Versatile
- Lightweight
- Fits in a helmet well
- A bit tight
- A bit flimsily-made
The Achiou Balaclava Face Mask UV Protection for Men Women Sun Hood Tactical Cool offers reasonable protection for the head, face, and neck without making you sweat. While it isn’t solidly-made, it will give you options when layering for protection against the weather elements. This is why it makes it to our list of the best balaclava for runners.
8. Sireck Cold Weather Balaclava
The face mask can be the right choice for activities such as running, hiking, cycling, skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities. When the balaclava has some light fleece inside, it isn’t suitable for the hot weather. It’s easy to put on the face mask, and it will cover your entire face apart from the eyes. While it feels a bit heavy, it works effectively in keeping the cold and wind away from your face.
- Heavy duty
- Very warm and breathable
- Goggle-friendly
- Waterproof
- Stretchable
- A bit heavy for running
- Unsuitable for warm weather
The face mask allows the full range of motion for the head and neck. To enable you to breathe well and stay warm, the balaclava features a breathable mesh design around the mouth and nose area. However, the breathable part is also not waterproof. Take note that the balaclava isn’t completely waterproof and should, therefore, not be used in heavy rain. Overall, this is a balaclava that is worth considering.
9. Botack Balaclava – Best Summer Balaclava for Running
The face mask is made of a durable silk fabric that makes it hard to tear as a result of wear and tear. It is also machine-washable and dries very fast. This makes it a convenient option for runners searching for a Balaclava for daily use.
When you wear it with Ski goggles, it will feel a bit tight and hinder proper breathing.
- Sturdily-made
- Thin and Lightweight
- Windproof and dustproof
- Easy to clean and dry
- Doesn’t cover the neck and forehead well
- Makes it hard to breath when wet
The facemask tends to slide back to your neckline when you try to cover your neck. You may overcome this challenge by holding it down with a hat. If you have a ponytail, you will have little room for your hair. When it gets wet around the mouth area, you will find it hard to breathe in this facemask. Apart from these few downsides, the Botack Balaclava UV Protect Ice Cooling Face Mask is a well-made Balaclava. If these downsides aren’t a deal-breaker for you, you may want to consider it.
10. Botack Balaclava – Best Summer Balaclava for Running
The face masks that come in a pack of 6 are made of a durable fabric that stretches well, making them adjustable for various face shapes. They are also easy to wash the balaclava, and they will not lose their functionality, no matter how many times; they are thrown into the washing machine. The balaclava comes in a neck gaiter design that doesn’t allow for a lot of variations.
- Affordable
- Fits perfectly
- Lightweight and breathable
- Comfortable
- Semi-stretchable
- Available in different colors
- Runs a bit small
- Fabric looks like it will snag after washing
A Buying Guide
There are several factors you need to consider when choosing the best balaclava for runners. These include:
Breathability
The running gears have been designed to cover the mouth and nose and, therefore, you may want to consider an option that allows you to breathe easily. Take note that some gears are breathable but do not necessarily allow you to breathe easily.
Materials
The best Balaclava for running should come in a material that is durable and doesn’t get damaged when put in a washing machine. You may also want to consider if the material is UV resistant. The material should also be breathable, moisture-wicking, and should keep you warm. It should also be comfortable enough to allow you to enjoy your runs.
Some of the common materials are:
- Fleece. This is one of the most comfortable materials for a balaclava is a fleece.
- Polyester. This material is excellent in moisture-wicking and dries fast. It’s also an affordable and lightweight material. However, it will smell easy, especially when worn regularly.
- Melinon wool. This material is also the right choice as it is soft, warm, and plushy. Not only will offer you protection, but it will stay comfortable.
- Nylon. This is a versatile option that is protective and breathable. It’s also affordable and inexpensive and can be combined with other fabrics to make them durable. It is also good at providing wind protection.
Be sure to pick a chemical-free material that will not cause any allergic reaction.
Size
Balaclavas are available in a wide range of sizes. When considering the size of a face mask, the shape, size, and type of your head should be a key consideration. Pick a balaclava that fits snugly without being too loose or too tight.
Maintenance
Remember to check the maintenance needs of the balaclava you choose. Is it machine-washable? The material used to make it will determine if you can toss it into the machine for fast cleaning.
Multipurpose
There are different balaclava designs. Some can be turned into a headband while others can be pleated down to make a collar around your neck. You may want to select a balaclava that can be turned into a bandana, neck gaiter, mask, rag, and much more. This will ensure that you can wear it to fit different situations. You may also want to choose a balaclava that is suitable for other sports such as snowboarding, skiing, cycling, hill-climbing, motorcycling, and much more.
Design
There are small details in the design that can make a huge difference. A longer neck can prevent the wind and cold air from touching your skin. Ensure that the design of the balaclava will help to keep your warm while wicking moisture away.
Vision range
You will need to consider how the balaclava will impact your vision. Ensure that you choose a balaclava that comes with wide eyes and has been designed to provide a wide range.
Faqs
# What is the right way of wearing a balaclava?
The best way of wearing a balaclava is by pulling it over your head to fit snugly across the forehead and chin. However, you can still wear it loosely while getting enough insulation. Ensure that you fit it tightly under your helmet. You should make sure that it doesn’t obstruct your goggles.
# How does a balaclava help with your running?
If you leave your neck exposed when running in the winter weather, this can cause frostbites and irritations. It will also cause your face and lips to chap, leading to a lot of discomforts. You can avoid all these challenges by wearing a balaclava while running.
Therefore, there are many benefits of balaclavas. When you wear a balaclava while running, it will help to keep your face and neck warm. You will not feel cold when running in winter. The running gear will also help to protect your skin from scratches, branches, and sticks.
# Is balaclava illegal?
No. It isn’t illegal to wear a balaclava when running, skiing, riding, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities. This is especially the case in this COVID-19 era when masks are a must-have. However, you may want to avoid wearing one in places like banks or the airport as you may look suspicious.
Conclusion
If you are running in the cold, you need to wear the best balaclava for running. You will also need to ensure that you pick the right facemask for running that will serve you well. The good news is that we have narrowed down your choice to the ten best options.
We have reviewed the options that will serve you well. However, if you still don’t find the right one for you, our buying guide will help you make the right choice.
Happy buying!
Thank you for this post. I am just choosing a jogging mask, as I do not want to postpone jogging in bad weather. Very timely I found your blog.