Online: www.REI.com
URL for this product:

From the U.S. and Canada — Call 1-800-426-4840
Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT.
International — Call 1-253-891-2500
Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT. English language only.

BLACK

Outdoor Research Option Balaclava

$24.00

(11)

Item # 725892

REI Members get back an estimated $ 2.40 on this item as part of their annual member refund.

The REI Member Dividend

The REI dividend is a unique benefit of membership in the REI co-op. It's comprised of your member refund—typically 10% back on eligible purchases—and/or your REI Visa® card rebates.

Each March, active REI members and REI Visa cardholders who earned a rebate receive a refund in the form of an annual dividend notice.

Only active members receive annual dividend notices. To maintain your active status as an REI member, you need to make net merchandise or shipping purchases of at least $10 per year, unless you joined that year. Member numbers are issued in one name and only that person receives the member refund. Your number can be used by others in your family, but it cannot be transferred to someone else.

Questions? Call us at 1-800-426-4840 for more about your dividend or its redemption.

Learn more

This item may be available in your local REI store.

FREE U.S. STANDARD SHIPPING Through February 20. No minimum purchase! Learn more

More videos

To view videos or use the zoom feature on REI's websites, please download the latest version of Adobe Flash Player.

NOW PLAYING

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

REI Membership

REI Membership $20.00

Outdoor Research Option Balaclava Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Outdoor Research Option Balaclava

4.4

(based on 11 reviews)

90%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

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

Cons

Best Uses

Backcountry (6)
Skiing (3)

- Sizing:
- Feels full size too small
  
  Feels half size too small
  
  Feels true to size
  
  82%
  (9 reviews)
  Feels half size too big
  
  Feels full size too big

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

Reviewed by 11 customers

Sort by

Displaying reviews 1-10

Previous | Next »

Sep

2007

(21 of 24 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Most perfect, versatile headwear EVER

By Dan Robbins

from Santa Cruz, CA

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

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.

Jan

2008

(15 of 15 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Great find

By <3 the NW

from Portland, OR

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

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!

Oct

2009

(5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Lighter and warmer than expected

By NWDude

from Bellingham, wa

About Me Competitive Athlete

See all my reviews

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!

Nov

2010

(4 of 11 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.

Jan

2011

(3 of 3 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.

Dec

2009

(3 of 3 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.

Nov

2010

(2 of 3 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.

Feb

2009

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Required cold weather Gear!

By Saddletramp

from Oregon

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

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.

Dec

2008

(2 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Nice pick up

By JCL22

from Seattle, WA

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

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 [$]

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.