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Outdoor Research Option Balaclava
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Outdoor Research Option Balaclava

Item # 725892

$22.00

Item qualifies for annual
REI Member Refund (typically 10%)

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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

Outdoor Research Option Balaclava Specs

Specification

Description

Fabric68% nylon/26% polypropylene/8% spandex
GenderUnisex

Outdoor Research Option Balaclava Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Outdoor Research Option Balaclava
 
4.7

(based on 6 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Breathable (5)
  • Good size/fit (5)
  • Good protection (3)
  • Warm (3)

Cons

    Best Uses

      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Casual/ recreational (3)

      Reviewed by 6 customers

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      Displaying reviews 1-6

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      Sep

      12

      2007

      (17 of 18 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Most perfect, versatile headwear EVER

      By Dan Robbins

      from Santa Cruz, CA

      About Me Avid Adventurer

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Breathable
      • Durable
      • Good Fit
      • Lightweight
      • Versatile

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Fitness
        • Freezing Conditions
        • Humid Weather
        • Survival
        • Travel
        • Wet Weather

        Comments about Outdoor Research Option Balaclava:

        This is THE single most important piece of warm clothing to me. It weighs almost nothing, and can be worn five different ways. I wouldn't trade it for anything, and will buy another if it ever wears out. It stays put over my ears, is super warm and super light, and every wear option is super practical. I LOVE IT!!! BUY IT!!! You'll never need another beanie in your life. Plus, you'll look much cooler. I take it backpacking and on day hikes, wherever I go I grab it and it doesn't weigh down or fill up my pack at all. Simply, a PERFECT piece of gear. I would get the large/XL size unless you have a pretty small head.

        • Sizing:
        • Feels true to size

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        (17 of 18 customers found this review helpful)

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        Jan

        11

        2008

        (12 of 12 customers found this review helpful)

         
        4.0

        Great find

        By <3 the NW

        from Portland, OR

        About Me Casual/ Recreational

        Site Member

        Pros

        • Breathable
        • Durable
        • Lightweight
        • Stylish

        Cons

        • Not Warm Enough

        Best Uses

        • Skiing

        Comments about Outdoor Research Option Balaclava:

        I am a female with a medium sized head and had to return the S/M to get a L/XL. It still fits snug with the larger size but is not as constricting around the neck. I have worn this around the neck as a gaiter and also pulled up fully around my head for extra warmth. It has definitely helped when riding the ski lift and providing an extra layer of wind protection on the face and neck. I did find it wicked away moisture extremely well, however, it was a bit less warm than say something like lightweight fleece. Overall, this would be an ideal layer for skiing with a helmet and/or when you want a non-bulky, lightweight layer around the neck. Great purchase!

        • Sizing:
        • Feels half size too small

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        (12 of 12 customers found this review helpful)

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        Oct

        20

        2009

        (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Lighter and warmer than expected

        By NWDude

        from Bellingham, wa

        About Me Competitive Athlete

        Pros

        • Breathable
        • Dries Easily
        • Good Fit
        • Good Protection
        • Warm

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Backcountry

          Comments about Outdoor Research Option Balaclava:

          Much lighter and more compressible than I would have guessed, it is extremely warm!

          • Gift:
          • No
          • Sizing:
          • Feels true to size
          • Gear Usage:
          • Cold Weather Living, Winter Sports

          Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

          (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

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          Dec

          28

          2009

          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Never leave home without it

          By cant think

          from Berkeley, CA

          About Me Intermediate

          Site Member

          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.

            • Gift:
            • No
            • Sizing:
            • Feels true to size

            Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

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            Feb

            19

            2009

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            4.0

            Required cold weather Gear!

            By Saddletramp

            from Oregon

            About Me Casual/ Recreational

            Pros

            • Good Fit
            • Good Protection
            • Warm

            Cons

            • None

            Best Uses

            • Kayaking

            Comments about Outdoor Research Option Balaclava:

            Use my this when ever I go out in the cooler winds or rain (w/O/R Seattle Sombreo).
            Don't want to be with out it on winter outings in the kayak.
            Consider it one of the "MUST HAVE" gear in my bag now.

            • Gift:
            • No
            • Sizing:
            • Feels true to size
            • Gear Usage:
            • Cold weather kayaking

            Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

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            Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

            Dec

            27

            2008

            (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Nice pick up

            By JCL22

            from Seattle, WA

            About Me Casual/ Recreational

            Pros

            • Breathable
            • Good Fit

            Cons

            • Not Breathable
            • Retains Odor

            Best Uses

            • Casual Wear

            Comments about Outdoor Research Option Balaclava:

            The fit is real nice. Doesn't get real hot. Good pick up for [$]

            • Gift:
            • No
            • Sizing:
            • Feels true to size
            • Gear Usage:
            • Cold Weather Living

            Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

            (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

            Was this review helpful? Yes / No

             - You may also flag this review

            Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

            Displaying reviews 1-6

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