Outdoor Research Alpine Onset Balaclava
Keep your temperature in check with the Outdoor Research Alpine Onset balaclava—whether your mission is a chilly backpacking or ski trip, a humid hike or a misty paddling excursion.
- Offers a trim, next-to-skin fit for easy layering and efficient temperature control
- Uses 83% merino wool with a touch of nylon and spandex for extra mobility
- Merino wool holds onto heat in cold temps, manages moisture in humidity or during strenuous activity, and dries quickly in any type of wet environment
- Merino wool also naturally resists odors, making it an easy winner that both you and your tentmate will appreciate
- Windproof and water-resistant flatseam construction prevents chafing
- Lightweight, compact design makes it easy to fit into your pack
- Mesh breathing port adds functionality
- Helmet compatible
Imported.
View all Outdoor Research Men's Balaclavas| Best Use | Multisport Hiking |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 83% merino wool/12% nylon/5% spandex |
| Moisture Wicking | Yes |
| Quick Drying | Yes |
| Gender | Unisex |
| S | M | L | XL | S/M | L/XL | One Size | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Circumference | 21.5 - 21.75 | 21.75 - 22.5 | 22.5 - 23.25 | 23.25 - 24 | 21 - 22.5 | 22.5 - 24 | 21 - 24 |
Sizing Notes
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
Measure around your head where the headwear would fit comfortably.
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Thinner material than expected.
I was looking for a new helmet liner for skiing. This is a lighter weight material than I expected. I'll keep it for warmer ski days, or other activities, but I generally don't go for a balaclava unless I want that extra warmth.
Weird fit.
Maybe my head is just small but this is the strangest fitting balaclava I've ever tried on. The face hole is very round and narrow so it covers the outter half of my eyes. I feel like if my head were larger over-all it would stretch the balaclava so it would fit properly but there is so much material around the back, the opening just stays as a small circle. Its disappointing because the other reviews were so great and I was stoked for a merino balaclava!
Surprising difference
Makes a suprising difference in warmth. It stays close to your skin and wicks away moisture as you sweat. Great for active users. I have used on several winter hikes and coyote hunting. I have stopped bringing my beanie due to how warm this keeps me and just wear this and if its really cold or windy I flip up my hood. Highly recommend.
Lightest and Warmest I've tried
This and the previous versions of the OR product has been my go to balaclava for skiing for over 15 years. It's thin inside my helmet and keeps my head warm. The face opening felexible and soft and is perfect for pulling down over my chin when I don't need the full face version.
Decent, not great
The fabric is night and the weight is light to mid. The face hole is way to small. The opening should be bigger with an additional piece of fabric that you can pull up to close off the face opening and lower under the chin to allow a larger more breatable opening.
Perfect balaclava
Exactly what I was looking for : great added warmth on windy/very cold days skiing or snowshoeing, but not too warm on itself so I can still wear it on active days without sweating profusely. Would definitely recommend.
does its job
Thin, lightweight, merino wool. Used it in a 25-degree snowstorm with light winds. It kept my entire neck and face warm. Didn't even use a hat or hood over it. OR always gives you bang for the buck.
comfortable, soft, and great weight
I really like the entire Alpine Onset Merino line for my bike commute. Whether the cap and neck gaiter, or this full balaclava, it's the best.
Alpine Onset Merino 150 Balaclava
Great warm lightweight balaclava, I just wish it was a clamshell or had a little more stretch to pull off my mouth occasionally.
Yes
on the trail when a beanie just doesn't cut it, compact well and is nice to have as a back up when things cool down.