When it comes to buying cycling accessories, it’s easy to forget some seemingly-unnecessary ones, such as a balaclava. However, these accessories often make significant differences in a person’s riding experience. During cold seasons, a balaclava warms the rider up and contributes greatly to their overall safety.
There is a widespread belief that much of the body’s heat loss happens through the head. This makes it quite important to prevent such heat loss when cycling, and what better way to do that than wearing a balaclava. However, like most cycling accessories, the market is full of options that can easily make the purchase process quite complicated. This in-depth guide will take you through the top makes to consider and a criterion to help you determine the best balaclava.
Best Cycling Balaclava
Achiou Balaclava Face Mask
- Ultimate Protection for Your Face and Your Body â Achiou balaclava face mask is made from high quality fabric, comfortable and lightweight. Very effective for providing face protection, primarily against the wind, dust, UV, and bugs while motorcycling or other sports. When winter weather is in full force, this soft mask is quite the treat
& Free shipping
Last update was on: 7 May 2021 10:46
- Ultimate Protection for Your Face and Your Body â Achiou balaclava face mask is made from high quality fabric, comfortable and lightweight. Very effective for providing face protection, primarily against the wind, dust, UV, and bugs while motorcycling or other sports. When winter weather is in full force, this soft mask is quite the treat
- Warm Breathable & Keep Dry â Achiou ski face masks are tailored to your head and face to ensure that the part to cover the nose not falls down easily. Complete head face neck mask for summer and winter. The balaclava mesh material is breathable, absorbs sweat and will keep you dry. It also fit nicely under your helmet and goggles and keep your face and head warm
- Versatility & Best Gifts â Can be worn as full face mask or hat, open balaclava, sun shield masks, half ski mask , neck gaiter or saharan style & ninja hoodie. Wear your balaclava on its own or under a helmet. People use Achiou balaclava for skiing, running, riding, fishing, snowboarding, motorcycling, hiking, Climbing. Perfect fit for Women, Men and Children. It is best gift for your friends and family etc
- Ultimate Comfort: Achiou ski mask provides all-day comfort by keeping you warm and dry. It has a stretchy, lightweight and breathable fabric that protects your face while wicking away moisture. Thermal Dry fabric provides optimal moisture transfer, dry time and odor absorption with warmth
- Great to Share(Great Gift Idea Too!) â while you are enjoy it, send it to your family, friends, or people you loved as a gift for Christmas, New Years, Valentine's Day, Father's day, Mother's Day etc! Also,it's a great gift to runners, athletes, fitness workouts, hiking, cycling, or anyone who need it
Pros
- Light weight allows prolonged use
- Extremely versatile
- Does not slip
Cons
- Too lightweight for the washer
- Not very durable
The Achiou Balaclava Face Mask is made from an impressively light, high-quality polyester/spandex fabric blend and features a pull-on closure design for easy usage. If you are frequently riding in windy, dusty, or icy conditions, you definitely need to consider getting this balaclava. Additionally, the Achiou is quite versatile and can be used for motorcycling or even skiing.
The balaclava is made using a highly breathable, sweat-absorbent fabric blend to make your riding experience as comfortable as possible. Its design also prevents inadvertent slippages when you are riding, resulting in minimal or no need for adjustment. This accessory can be worn as a ninja hoodie, neck gaiter, half-ski mask, sun shield mask, full face mask, or open balaclava to suit various cycling conditions further. Its design also makes it perfectly suitable for women, men, and children.
The biggest misgiving with the Achiou Balaclava Face Mask involves its extremely light fabric. While it is good for preventing fatigue, it’s too light to survive several cycles in the washing machine. This makes it significantly less durable than other alternatives.
Qinglonglin Balaclava
- Good fabric balaclava: we use BLCOOl polyester fabric to produce quality outdoor sports masks which provide premium performance for breathability, absorbency, wicking, very soft and lightweight. stay warm and dry.
& Free shipping
Last update was on: 7 May 2021 10:46
- Good fabric balaclava: we use BLCOOl polyester fabric to produce quality outdoor sports masks which provide premium performance for breathability, absorbency, wicking, very soft and lightweight. stay warm and dry.
- Multi-functional and versatile styles balaclava: you can wear it as open and closed balaclava, neck warmer, hat, or scarf! Adjustable in 6 different wearing styles! Can be worn on its own and not too thick to be used as added protection and insulation;
- Year round balaclava: balaclavas are good for cold or sunny weather! Can be used for: cycling, motorcycling, running, hiking, bicycling, mountain climbing, camping, fishing, trekking, hunting, and many other usages!
- One size fits most: can be worn on its own or under any kind of helmet. Fabric is soft and skin-friendly. Four needle six thread sewing seams. Machine washable and very quick dry.
- Good elasticity: this balaclava is fits men and women. It is breathable and stretchy, you can wear it for all kinds of outdoor activities, daily use or even costumes.
Pros
- Extremely breathable
- Quite versatile
- Price is quite pocket-friendly
Cons
- Not windproof
- Fabric stretches too much
The Qinglonglin Balaclava is made using BLCOOl â a fine polyester fabric often used in masks meant for outdoor sports. This soft material results in excellent absorbency, warmth, and breathability. Additionally, the balaclava’s design makes it quite versatile and usable as a scarf, hat, neck warmer, closed, or open balaclava. The balaclava’s fabric strikes the perfect thickness balance making it usable on its own or as a complementary insulation and protection accessory.
Besides using the Qinglonglin Balaclava for cycling, you can also use it during other sports and activities such as hunting, trekking, fishing, running, motorcycling, and hiking. This unit comes in a one-size-fits-most design that is quite skin-friendly. If you spend significantly long periods cycling in cold weather, this balaclava is definitely among the best to consider. Its fabric is easily machine washable and dries quite quickly.
The biggest qualm with the Qinglonglin Balaclava is its extremely thin fabric that is not windproof in any way. If your cycling involves long distances riding against strong winds, you might struggle a bit with this accessory.
AstroAI Balaclava Winter Face Mask
- ULTIMATE PROTECTION & VERSATILITY: UV rays, wind, dust, freezing temperatures, snow, sleet, rain and other elements are no match. You can wear this balaclava as a full face mask, open balaclava, half ski mask or neckerchief on its own, under a helmet, with glasses or goggles. Warm gifts for men women this winter!
& Free shipping
Last update was on: 7 May 2021 10:46
- ULTIMATE PROTECTION & VERSATILITY: UV rays, wind, dust, freezing temperatures, snow, sleet, rain and other elements are no match. You can wear this balaclava as a full face mask, open balaclava, half ski mask or neckerchief on its own, under a helmet, with glasses or goggles. Warm gifts for men women this winter!
- SUPERFINE POLAR FLEECE: Get the most comfort out of your experiences. The Polar Fleece offers extra warmth and protection, even when temperatures are freezing; This non-irritating fabric is lightweight, stretchy, soft and breathable with no pilling, deformation, fading and weird smells.
- EASY BREATH: Insulated mesh fabric prevents fogging up your glasses or goggles; The fit is flexible and design is durable with a refined sewing process to increase its lifespan
- FULL FACE COVERAGE: This mask gives you the option to cover your entire face and features an extra-long neck section for superior wind and cold protection; Perfect for outdoor activities like motorcycle, bicycle, skiing, snowboarding, mountain climbing, hiking, or just spending time in cold weather
- BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: Both for men and women with a head circumference of 25â or less. If you have any size issue or you are not 100% satisfied with our ski mask for any reason, please contact our customer support at any time. We put a 1-year warranty on our headwear products
Pros
- Insulated fabric is outstandingly breathable
- Neck section is quite long
- Fabric is quite skin-friendly
Cons
- Not suitable for people whose heads exceed 25 inches
- Button design is not very user-friendly
The AstroAI Balaclava Winter Face Mask is an excellent accessory for protection against rain, sleet, snow, cold temperatures, dust, and wind. Like some other top options in the market, this balaclava can be worn in various ways, including neckerchief, half-ski mask, full-face mask, open or closed balaclava. Feel free to use this versatile item with goggles, under a riding helmet, or on its own.
This lightweight balaclava is made using an insulated mesh fabric that is extremely breathable while remaining flexible and durable. For those with sensitive skins, the AstroAI Balaclava Winter Face Mask features a non-irritating, skin-friendly fabric free from off-putting scents and resistant to fading, deforming, and pilling. The insulated mesh fabric on the balaclava’s surface prevents fogging on your riding goggles or glasses.
Have you ever had a poorly fitting balaclava that barely covered your neck? Not a very good experience. This AstroAI balaclava comes with an elongated neck section to provide sufficient fabric to prevent unwanted twisting. The extra-long section also provides outstanding protection from the cold and wind. If your adventures include other activities besides cycling, feel free to use this accessory during hiking, mountain climbing, snowboarding, skiing, or even taking brisk walks in cold weather.
The manufacturer backs up this balaclava with a one-year warranty, which should be sufficient for most riders. The only downside with the AstroAI Balaclava Winter Face Mask is its unsuitability for people with head circumferences exceeding 25 inches.
Tough Headwear Balaclava Winter Face Mask
- Winter Ready: Winter has nothing on our Strike balaclava. Ready to brave all the elements from snow and sleet to wind, dust, cold, and UV, our ski mask isnât letting in any unwanted intruders. So whether you blaze down the slopes like Shaun White, shovel snow or ATV in the desert like Mad Max, our balaclavaâs got you covered.
& Free shipping
Last update was on: 7 May 2021 10:46
- Winter Ready: Winter has nothing on our Strike balaclava. Ready to brave all the elements from snow and sleet to wind, dust, cold, and UV, our ski mask isnât letting in any unwanted intruders. So whether you blaze down the slopes like Shaun White, shovel snow or ATV in the desert like Mad Max, our balaclavaâs got you covered.
- Lightweight Comfort: Youâll be surprised by how warm this lightweight, breathable, and extra-stretchy balaclava is. Designed from a 89% Polyester and 11% Spandex blend that wicks away moisture while retaining heat, youâll stay comfortable and dry all day.
- Convertible Face Mask: Wear the Strike balaclava as a full face mask for ultimate protection from the elements, a helmet liner, ninja hood, half ski mask, neck warmer, or pull it up to wear it as a face mask while you take public transportation and go grocery shopping.
- No Fogging Way: To prevent stuffiness, the Strike features ski ready mesh breathing panels that increase airflow while minimizing condensation on your goggles or glasses.
- Superstretch comfort: Fit and comfort is key, especially when youâre in harsh environments. Our balaclava is made with 4 way stretch fabric to give a snug and comfortable âwear all dayâ fit. Warning - you might not want to take it off!
Pros
- Mesh panels effectively reduce fogging
- Sufficiently windproof
- Warm enough when cycling
Cons
- Face opening is too big for people with small faces
- Has a strong scent when new
The Tough Headwear Balaclava Winter Face Mask is a well-designed riding accessory with nifty four-way stretch fabric for the perfect fit. The balaclava can be worn under a riding helmet or on its own when the outdoor conditions are not extreme. Besides being worn as a closed balaclava, the Tough Headwear Balaclava can also be worn as a neck gaiter, half ski mask, or open balaclava. Please do not wear it as a closed balaclava in an airport or bank, though. People there might get the wrong ideas.
To prevent inadvertent fogging on your riding goggles, the Tough Headwear Balaclava features some innovative mesh breathing panels that helps increase the rate of airflow, thereby reducing the occurrence of condensation at the front of your face. One noticeable downside with this balaclava is the significantly large face hole. While this is perfect for people with large faces, it makes it a poor fit for those with medium or small-sized faces.
Self Pro Winter Balaclava Ski Mask
- Ultimate Protection from Dust, Aerosoles and Sun's UV Rays. Unisex Versatile Balaclava Perfect fit for Women Men and Children - Protect Yourself & Family
- We use CoolMax Premium Hi-Tech Polyester Fibers to produce Our Outdoor Sports Masks which Provide Premium Performance for Breathability, Absorbency, Wicking, Durability and Abrasion Resistance. Very Soft. Wrinkle Free. Lightweight. Stay cool and Dry.
& Free shipping
Last update was on: 7 May 2021 10:46
- Ultimate Protection from Dust, Aerosoles and Sun's UV Rays. Unisex Versatile Balaclava Perfect fit for Women Men and Children - Protect Yourself & Family
- We use CoolMax Premium Hi-Tech Polyester Fibers to produce Our Outdoor Sports Masks which Provide Premium Performance for Breathability, Absorbency, Wicking, Durability and Abrasion Resistance. Very Soft. Wrinkle Free. Lightweight. Stay cool and Dry.
- New Design: Longer neck and Extra-Long in front for better wind and cold protection, improved cut and different sewing angle for better fit on your head: These small details make all the difference. Can be worn as Full Face Mask or Hat, Open Balaclava, Neck Gaiter or Saharan Style & Ninja Hoodie
- One Size Fits Most. Can be Worn on its Own or Under any Kind of Helmet. Fabric is Hypo-Allergenic and non-irritating to the skin. 4- way Stretch. Flatlock Seams. Machine Washable. Very Quick Dry.
- Super Comfortable Wear Them While: Motorcycling, Running, Biking, Trekking, Mountain Climbing, Airsoft paintball, Hunting, Fishing, Tactical training, Cycling and other outdoor activities.
Pros
- Extremely long neck for a great fit
- Lightweight
- Can be worn in numerous configurations
Cons
- A bit small for some people
- Strong scent that lingers on
The Self Pro Winter Balaclava Ski Mask is made from 100% Polyester making it quite elastic and easily washable. This unisex cycling accessory effectively protects the rider from harmful ultraviolet sun rays, aerosols, dust, cold, and wind. The CoolMax polyester fiber used in this balaclava results in excellent abrasion resistance, durability, absorbency, and breathability. Additionally, the accessory remains soft and wrinkle-free even after prolonged use.
The manufacturer also made the Self Pro Winter Balaclava Ski Mask sufficiently long at the neck area to prevent the well-known problems related to balaclavas with short necks, such as poor wind and cold protection. The sewing angles used in this accessory can also result in a better fit for the rider. These seemingly-little details can often be the difference between a great cycling accessory and a bad one. Feel free to wear this balaclava as a ninja hoodie, Saharan style hat, neck gaiter, full face mask, or open balaclava.
This balaclava’s biggest downside is the polyester smell that lingers on even after several washes. While not too strong, it might be unsuitable for people with sensitive nostrils.
back to menu â
What to Look for When Buying a Cycling Balaclava
If you are a beginner or seasoned cyclist, you have probably come across a mention of the balaclava. If you have browsed any online marketplace for this accessory that resembles a ninja hoodie, you are aware of the almost countless options available. When faced with such many options, it is easy to make the wrong purchase. How do you choose the best balaclava to make your cycling experience better and safer? Here are some of the factors you should not overlook when buying a balaclava.
Comfort
Factors such as weight, materials, size, and scent can determine how comfortable a balaclava feels when you are wearing it. This is important since you will be spending considerable amounts of time wearing this accessory. To start with, you should get a balaclava whose size can comfortably fit your head and neck. Watch out for balaclavas with extremely short necks since these will result in unwanted slippages and discomfort. It is also good to choose a balaclava with skin-friendly materials or otherwise risk the discomfort synonymous with unfriendly materials and linings.
Breathability
During cold weather, balaclavas are often worn over the face, only leaving space for the eyes. While this results in exceptional warmth and protection, poorly-designed models can result in poor breathing. When choosing one, go for a balaclava with materials that enhance breathability. Mostly these include polyester and polyester blends. It is also important to ensure that you do not end up with a balaclava with extremely poor windproofing while pursuing breathability.
Versatility
There are several seasons in a year, all with varying weather conditions. This means that while your full-face balaclava is excellent during winter, it might be less than ideal during summer. It is important to get a balaclava that can be worn in a variety of ways. Generally, look for one that you can also use as a neckerchief, neck gaiter, full and open mask, and half ski mask. The more ways you can wear it, the better suited it can be to different conditions.
Additionally, it is important to purchase a balaclava that is not limited to cycling alone. This is particularly important to outdoor lovers who engage in other physical activities besides cycling. Mostly, good balaclavas can also be used while snowboarding, skiing, hunting, hiking, and motorcycling. Factors such as the design, material, thickness, and breathability determine how versatile a balaclava can be.
Value for Money
While you can consider so many factors before making your purchase, you will ultimately judge your balaclava based on how well it serves you. It is important to pay a price that you feel reflects your expected utility from the balaclava. Consider factors such as durability, versatility, and washability to get an idea of how much you are willing to pay for the item. After this, select one whose price matches your preconceived utility closest.
back to menu â
Summary
Balaclavas are undoubtedly elements in a cyclist’s arsenal of tools and accessories. Hopefully, the five models described above will help narrow down your options and make it easier for you to choose. The next time you decide to go shopping for a balaclava, consider the five factors mentioned above, and you can be guaranteed of making a great purchase.
$10.99
in stock
1 new
from $10.99
1 used from $9.87
Amazon.com
Free shipping
$12.99
in stock
1 new
from $12.99
Amazon.com
Free shipping
$9.58
$13.99
in stock
1 new
from $9.58
Amazon.com
Free shipping
$16.95
$18.95
in stock
1 new
from $16.95
Amazon.com
Free shipping
$12.95
$13.95
in stock
1 new
from $12.95
1 used from $10.46
Amazon.com
Free shipping
Last updated on 7 May 2021 10:46
