Outdoor Research Option Balaclava for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

9.4
out of 10
20 Positive, 0 Mixed & 0 Negative
from 20 Reviews
Retail Price:
$25.46
Used Value:
$15.28
Sale Value:
$22.91


Specifications

Manufacturer Warranty:
lifetime
Material:
thermodynamic polypropylene
Recommended Use:
all-mountain skiing, all-mountain snowboarding, freeride/powder skiing, freeride/powder snowboarding, nordic classic, nordic skate, nordic touring
Style:
balaclava
Weight:
1.8oz

Full Reviews

10
I don't usually wear these face masks, but this one is perfect. Thin profile and great moisture control. True to size.
Sven Joergens-Kokate, backcountry.com
February 28, 2018
10
I have two of these that I rotate and wear every day on the mountain. Not too hot, nor too cold, the perfect Balaclava.
Gian Colombo, backcountry.com
March 13, 2017
10
Bought it for my ski trip to Utah and used it under my new Smith Allure helmet. It fits very well, does not bulk and it's very comfortable. Highly recommend it. I have a small head and was surprised about how well it fit. Love the brand.
Ana C., backcountry.com
February 21, 2017
10
One of my favorite balaclavas! This is great for cold days as it fits snug around your face, great for covering your mouth or having it sit on your chin.
Renzo B, backcountry.com
December 14, 2016
8
This balaclava fits comfortably under helmets and works great as That Extra Layer when you really need it without taking up much space in your pack. My only complaint is that the face hole is a little small.
Amy Skowronski, backcountry.com
May 3, 2016
10
Love this essential item for the PNW. Have bought many of these for our family and works well under the helmet. The smaller size works well for kids.
Jong Lee, backcountry.com
January 22, 2016
10
This balaclava is awesome! My head circumference is 22 inches, and the size S/M fits perfectly. This thing keeps my face even warmer than my beard does! I have appreciated it the most on windy alpine starts on volcano climbs in the PNW. I was at a presentation by Colin Haley recently and he said he is a big fan of balaclavas. They have a great weight to warmth ratio. If I’m bringing bivy gear, I’ll often throw this Option balaclava in my pack. At 1.8 ounces, it’s lighter than most beanies and provides a lot more coverage for the face and neck.
Stephen S., backcountry.com
September 30, 2015
8
I purchased two for my children (aged 6 and 9) and it seemed okay for them as well. Would buy again.
Jong Lee, backcountry.com
March 10, 2014
8
I use this balaclava more at work (police officer on foot patrol in the north east). It does a great job keeping the cold air directly off my ears and neck, but it is very thin so it's not the warmest. When I pull it up to cover my face, it has a tendency to get very cold and wet where I am breathing -- not so good. Also, the face opening is very small. Overall, it's a decent basic layer and washes well, but if you're going to be in extremely cold/windy conditions, I recommend something thicker.
Lorraine Vee, backcountry.com
January 1, 2014
10
killer balaclava! it instantly adds ninja stealth and skills. it will also keep you warm without working up a sweat, and hanging onto a nasty stench.
Brandon Smith, backcountry.com
May 23, 2013
10
Killer for warm and cold weather. Super snug and doesn't get nasty after a few hours of use like other options. I use it every time I hit the slopes.
Matthew Milewski, backcountry.com
April 1, 2013
10
I love outdoor research & use many of their products ~ this does the job
Janet Kaplar, backcountry.com
March 29, 2013
8
This is my all around hat. It is normally in my backpack, but I also backcountry ski in it. Work good, dries good, and is not too warm.
Jeffrey J., backcountry.com
November 1, 2012
8
Tried this one on when I recieved it and was convinced I was shipped the wrong product. Looking at the product photo I was expecting the length in the neck to be significantly greater than what it truly is. Maybe I am wrong but isnt one of the purposes of a balaclava is to cover the head neck and face? Just too short at the lower end of the neck and wouldnt tuck in into collar of jacket. Nice fit, feel and construction, I give it that. Just not for me. BTW measurement from bottom of opening down to seam at the neck is 7 inches / size L-XL
Gary Todd, backcountry.com
October 5, 2012
10
If you love skiing the pow than you must have the OR Option balaclava. It keeps the freshies from getting into your jacket plus its polypropylene material is super lightweight, packable, comfy, and warm which is a must on the slopes. Plus it stays dry! What more could you ask for?
Riley, backcountry.com
December 28, 2011
10
I needed something to cover the lower half of my face and neck while on my motorcycle. This works perfectly. Fits under my moto helmet without bunching or getting annoying. Best of all it keeps my bare skin warm down to 25F while going 30-50mph. Worked great on my mountain bike too. Probably looked like a creep but who cares? My ears face and neck were warm.
Dale B., backcountry.com
November 11, 2011
10
I love my OR Balaclava, I use it for everything from ice climbing to sled ridding. On really cold day I combine it with a thin winstopper hat to retain more heat. It does ice up a bit from my breath when I cover my mouth and nose, but this is to be expected. It has a great fit, not too tight, and the neck doesn't sneak up while I wear it.
Willy Syndram, backcountry.com
January 12, 2011
10
This Balaclava is awesome. It's not windproof, but it blocks out the majority of the wind that comes against it. It's very warm, and doesn't ride up too much. It looks a bit odd when you wear it as a hat, but it is still functional.
Jeff McGill, backcountry.com
January 16, 2009
10
Haven't had to use it much, but it's surprisingly warm and very light. I always bring it backpacking because it's tiny and weighs nothing. My only complaint is that it's a little small (or I have a big head).
ultranaut, backcountry.com
September 18, 2008
8
Works well as a light weight option. Hard to breath through if you pull it up over your mouth or nose. It works best when the opening goes from your chin to your forhead.
drewsey, backcountry.com
December 27, 2007

Men's Balaclavas & Neck Gaiters Reviews