Heavyweight 400 Brushed Balaclava Kodiak Fleece

Love this heavyweight balaclava, no others like it on the market! I live in Duluth, MN and have put it to the test in arctic conditions. Super soft on the sensitive neck skin. I searched wide and far, and couldn't find anything even close to 400G/M2 at 100% Merino wool (most are 200 at best). It's not bulky at all, but if you are active it better be you're only layer and/or below around 15 degree depending how active you are.

Great for when the cold winds of winter blow. Very warm and comfortable.

Bought this for skiing in temps below 10F in New England. Overall this is the warmest balaclava I own, and I'm very happy with it. The feel of the fleece interior is nice against my skin and it fits my (large) head nicely. The panel over the mouth gets damp pretty quickly, but still retains its warmth well and doesn't freeze as long as I keep my mouth and nose fully covered. Problem with that is that my goggles tend to fog if its covering my nose while I'm standing still. Its a problem I've had with most other clavas' too though so I wouldn't dock too many points for it. I would give this a 9/10, and will likely order another if/when this one gives out.

I have 4 of these from different manufacturers and this one is better than those because couple reasons for most is how it's sewed to cover face is way better and option drop the mouth area which I do frequently. Another reason is it's warmer true to being wool not itchy so far either. I have somewhat sensitive skin so speak from experience. I would buy again and looking at getting lighter for warmer days this does get too warm so I had to switch back to another pair when it gets above 15 degrees for me but I'm used to the cold weather so fare or fair weather people it would be just right...ha

I have worn the Kodiak Fleece Balaclava several times over the last two weeks in the twenties and thirties. This morning was 23 with wind chill in the teens. No problem. Breathes well. I’m old (71) and need to stay warm. Mission accomplished on a 11.5 mile ride. Again very pleased. I’m in western Illinois on the prairie. :)

I bought this Balaclava almost a year ago. I wear it riding my bike to from work (17.5 miles). I only wear it when it’s below 40 degrees F. As it is too warm otherwise. It is just right for cycling and fits under my helmet nicely. I’ve cycled with this on down to around 20 degrees and have been plenty warm, in fact it is usually soaked with sweat when I get to work but I am never cold even when soaked.

I got this before going on a camping/hiking trip in the mountains of Colorado. The average altitude we were at was around 10,500ft with a max about 13,000t. A large cold front hit and the temps were in the teens for a high. At one point the temperature went to a bitter -11 Fahrenheit with 20mph winds. This performed better than I thought it would. With the hard gusts you felt a little wind make it through but other than that it was fantastic.

What kept me so long?

Long overdue purchase. I Just wore it today for the first time. With the wind chill, temperature was 8 degrees while walking the dog. The balaclava exceeded my expectations. My face, head and neck were warm and the wind was blocked. The fabric is soft; I really like the brushed merino

With out wind block material in it, I don't care how thick the wool is the wind blows through it.

Best ice fishing facemask I own!

Overall a well made piece of gear, however, it fits to large on my head. Other wool balaclavas I own don’t have this issue. I do like that is has enough material to tuck in my sweater, which is great because it doesn’t come out when I look up or move my head around. Craftsmanship and quality of the material is good, which is very important to me. If you have a huge head and neck you will love this balaclava.

Comfortable and warm. Not itchy

Temperatures were in single digits and it did what I purchased it for!!

This is the balaclava to reach for when the temps drop below 0°F. I really like the construction of this 'clava, but unless it's extremely cold, or if you're very static (think ice fishing), it can be too warm. I was hoping to use it for skiing, but honestly it's just too thick for all but the most brutally cold days!

What a beast of a balaclava, if you need warm this has you covered. I personally have a hard time wearing it if the temps are over 20 degrees F it is so warm. The thicker wool and inner fleecing of the fabric make it so warm and comfortable, literally the day after I received it the temp dropped to 4 degrees F and I am very happy I had this to keep me protected. Though I am pleased and giving it a 5 star review here are some things that need to be addressed in design. First, The size of this item seems good but the face covering is loose and only get looser throughout the day pulling away from your face allowing the cold to get in, IMO this is mainly due to the multi piece design. Second, the way the face covering attaches to the side and front of the balaclava is a bit of an odd construction, the bottom is not solid with a hinged top like most, it is a chin length balaclava that has a face covering sewn on. Its sewn on either side behind the ears then in front at the bottom by the chin. The bottom edge of this face cover is open and as it transitions by the dimples in your cheeks to the sewn in areas it creates an opening in the fabric due to not having enough overlap which causes small openings to let cold air in and freeze your cheeks. This tends to only happen when you have the face cover pulled up near the bridge of your nose.

I have had the midweight balaclava for a few years but needed something more substantial for cold weather, and this is it. I love how adjustable it is with the two layers (over nose or under chin depending on wind direction - ears well covered both ways) and that I can still hear my surroundings while wearing it. If I'm moving at a good pace, I do sweat in it, but still don't get cold. I do still use my Minus 33 headband over top of it if it's real windy because my ears really hate wind, but it is great being able to hike without my ears or neck being cold at this time of year. My only (small) nit is that the neck part is quite long for being - well, neck-sized in diameter - so it's a bit bunched up on me at the bottom - but better too long than too short, and I just love how comfortable it keeps me and haven't missed my much-needed daily hikes due to weather since I got it. :)