What is a balaclava?

A balaclava is a close-fitting hood worn in cold conditions. Designed to cover the entire head and neck, balaclavas have openings for the eyes and, sometimes, the  nose and mouth. Balaclavas are popular for outdoor winter sports and activities due to their insulating properties and ability to be worn under the hood of a coat or jacket. 

Think of a balaclava as the combination of a hat and neck gaiter. In cold weather, thermal energy can be lost rapidly from the head. Wind chill can become painful on any part of the face that is exposed to cold air. A balaclava covers as much of the head, neck and face as possible, maintaining a comfortable temperature without the need for bulky beanies or scarves. 

All balaclavas have openings for the eyes. Depending on the style and intended use, some have a hole for the mouth, while others leave the eyes, nose and mouth uncovered. The bigger the opening, the easier it is to breathe, although more skin is exposed to cold air. Balaclava face coverings are made from fabrics that allow you to breathe while wearing them. 

Why to wear a balaclava

Balaclavas can be worn in any situation when you are outdoors in cold conditions for extended periods of time. Worn by themselves, they provide lightweight insulation. The close-fitting nature of a balaclava means that they also work well under hoods, helmets or ski masks. 

In cold winds or snow, a balaclava will reduce contact between cold air and your skin, minimising thermal energy loss. The lightweight and flexible construction of a balaclava means that your range of movement is not inhibited, maintaining peak performance during outdoor adventures. 

In rainy conditions, your outer rain shell can easily fit over a balaclava. In freezing temperatures, the balaclava adds an extra thermal layer under the hood of your insulating jacket. If you wear a ski helmet when you hit the slopes, a moisture-wicking balaclava is ideal to wear underneath, preventing the helmet from becoming moist and uncomfortable. Balaclavas have become popular with motorcyclists for the same reason. 

For mountaineering and intense alpine activities, our Summit Balaclava is built to handle extreme conditions. This type of balaclava achieves maximum warmth whilst retaining breathability. The ear bands contain synthetic insulation for additional warmth and the mouthpiece is engineered to make breathing as easy as possible. The Summit Balaclava is the pinnacle of performance balaclavas. 

How to wear a balaclava

To wear a balaclava, place it on the top of your head and roll down towards the neck. Adjust the opening as necessary to feel comfortable. Depending on the size of the opening, some balaclavas can be rolled down around the neck like a gaiter based on the conditions. 

Balaclavas are  versatile items of clothing that are small and lightweight, making them easy to carry with you on cold activities. They’re quick and easy to grab out of your bag and put on in seconds, helping you adapt to changing temperatures. Compatible with your existing jackets, coats and hats, balaclavas can be added to any clothing combination for an extra layer of warmth. 

How to pronounce balaclava

Balaclava is pronounced ba · luh · klaa · vuh with the emphasis on the third syllable (klaa). Often called ski masks in the USA, Balaclavas are named after the town of Balaklava. Fighting in the Crimean war in the mid 19th Century, British troops began to wear hand-knitted hoods to cope with harsh winter conditions. These were the first balaclavas. 

The effectiveness of this method of insulation in cold weather caught on, leading to the range of balaclavas on offer today. Popular among skiers, snowboarders and mountaineers, balaclavas are also useful for winter hikes and trail running during colder months. 

The North Face has a history of equipping outdoor adventurers, from weekend warriors to elite athletes. Our decades of experience are combined with a relentless focus on innovation and development. We engineer all the gear you need to handle whatever nature throws at you. Grab what you need so that you can focus on performance and enjoy the experience. Never stop exploring.