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Outdoor Research Option Balaclava

$24.00

(14)

Item # 725892

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At less than 2 oz., this full-coverage Outdoor Research Option balaclava is a great, lightweight layer for any cold-weather excursion.

Thermodynamic™ fabric features a durable nylon outer face and a moisture-wicking, looped polypropylene inner face
Contoured shape with light stretch and flat seam construction offers a trim fit
Can be rolled up to wear as a beanie when weather permits

Imported.

Item 725892

View all Outdoor Research products

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Outdoor Research Option Balaclava Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Outdoor Research Option Balaclava

3.9

(based on 14 reviews)

77%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Breathable (10)
Good size/fit (9)
Dries easily (8)
Warm (7)
Good protection (6)

Cons

Best Uses

Backcountry (6)
Skiing (4)

- Sizing:
- Feels full size too small
  
  Feels half size too small
  
  Feels true to size
  
  79%
  (11 reviews)
  Feels half size too big
  
  Feels full size too big

- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual/ recreational (3)
- Gear Usage:
- Cold weather living (4), Winter sports (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (7)

Reviewed by 14 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-10

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Feb

2013

4.0

Good

By Jules9

from Oregon

About Me Intermediate

See all my reviews

Pros

Breathable
Dries Easily
Good Fit

Cons

Best Uses

Skiing

Comments about Outdoor Research Option Balaclava:

Would definitely size up. Works well under my ski helmet and could be layered with a headband for extra-cold days, solo for warmer days. Not overly warm but a great extra layer for protection.

Comment on this review

Jun

2012

(0 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

1.0

Not for serious cold weather

By oldie moldy

from Friday Harbor, Washington

About Me Advanced

See all my reviews

Pros

Cons

Best Uses

Comments about Outdoor Research Option Balaclava:

The whole point of wearing a balaclava is to keep warm; at least that's what I thought. This one is made of thin material and in my opinion not up to serious winter time use. However I can use it to wear in my sleeping bag to keep body oils off the bag material. I'll keep it for that use.

Comment on this review

Feb

2012

(4 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

2.0

Not Very Versatile

By Craghopper

from Boston, MA

See all my reviews

Pros

Breathable
Dries Easily

Cons

Poor Fit

Best Uses

Comments about Outdoor Research Option Balaclava:

This balaclava fits my small/medium head but the face opening seems to want to keep its oval shape no matter how I wear the balaclava. By that I mean if I wear it directly under or over my chin, it fits fine- the top of the opening rests at or just above my eyebrows. But if I try to wear it covering my nose, the top of the opening slides back well past my hairline. Thumbs down.

Comment on this review

Nov

2011

4.0

Almost ideal.

By El pasajero

from Portland, OR by way of...

See all my reviews

Pros

Dries Easily
Good Protection
Warm

Cons

Suboptimal face coverage

Best Uses

Backcountry
Bike commute

Comments about Outdoor Research Option Balaclava:

Adapting to the cold, wet pacific northwest daily bike commute has been made bearable thanks to this accessory. Effective and light.

One grievance: Suboptimal face coverage; namely, poor nose coverage. It tends to slip down, and I have a sizable nose. While in place over nose, the material grows slack at the temples, allowing cold air in.

Comment on this review

Jan

2011

(0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

One of the best for the backcountry

By LBDonnachaidh

from Long Beach,. CA

About Me On The Mountain

See all my reviews

Pros

Breathable
Dries Easily
Good Fit
Good Protection
Warm

Cons

Best Uses

Alpining
Backcountry
Cold extreme
Cross Country

Comments about Outdoor Research Option Balaclava:

Just finished 11.5 hour hike yesterday, San Jacinto Peak via Marion Mountain trail. Even though we didn't make it all the way up to the summit, had a great time in part to this useful product - thin breathable layer, compressable, keeps head warm enough during sub-freezing temps (with or without a beanie). Once it got too warm, took off the beanie... once the sun came up, peeled the top down and just kept it around the neck.

Can't say enough about this useful piece of gear! This, along with good layers, crampons and an ice ax made a very happy winter hiker.

Comment on this review

Jan

2011

(5 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Love it

By Ethfun

from Knoxville, TN

About Me On The Mountain

See all my reviews

Pros

Breathable
Dries Easily
Good Fit
Stylish
Warm

Cons

Best Uses

Backcountry
Casual Wear
Skiing
Snowboarding

Comments about Outdoor Research Option Balaclava:

After a winter backpacking trip in Zion National, this Balaclava kept me warm and secure. It breathes well, and if gets a little wet dries pretty fast. I wear it often, and has essentially taken the place of a normal winter hat for me. Also, you'll look like a ninja. Which...rules.

Comment on this review

Nov

2010

(2 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

The best balaclava out there

By kjupde14

from Anchorage, AK

About Me Anytime

See all my reviews

Pros

Breathable
Dries Easily
Good Fit
Good Protection
Warm

Cons

Best Uses

Backcountry
Cross Country
Skiing
Winter running

Comments about Outdoor Research Option Balaclava:

Hands down the best balaclava you'll find. I've tried several and this one blows them all out of the water.

Comment on this review

Nov

2010

(5 of 13 customers found this review helpful)

1.0

not long enough, picture is inaccurate

By droogie

from St Louis, MO

See all my reviews

Pros

Cons

Best Uses

Comments about Outdoor Research Option Balaclava:

I got the L/XL size, and it isn't long enough to tuck into the collar of my jacket, moreso when covering the mouth. The picture is misleading, there's actually not that much material below the "face hole". I measure it at around 8-1/2 inches. The one pictured looks to have at least 10 inches below.

Comment on this review

Dec

2009

(4 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Never leave home without it

By derr tee derrrr

from Berkeley, CA

About Me Intermediate

See all my reviews

Pros

Breathable
Dries Easily
Good Fit
Good Protection
Warm

Cons

Best Uses

Backcountry

Comments about Outdoor Research Option Balaclava:

I pretty well never leave this item home now when I'm out in the backcountry no matter what time of year it is. Now of course when it's winter, this surely wouldn't be the only head warmth item I'd bring, but it's a great layer even for winter use at times when a thicker balaclava would be too much. Or use it as an added layer under a thicker balaclava, wool hat, etc.

For summer, I find it's all I need even during colder nights at high elevation. It's just so incredibly light, you have about no excuse to not bring it as it will inevitably be useful.

It's not super wind-proof but granted your not in harsh winter environments, I don't find it to be a problem.

It's become a regular item in my pack! OR makes great balaclavas.