Air Hole Masks?
 

Yeah, so I'm hoping to avoid some windy lift rides and was thinking about purchasing an air hole mask. They 'sound' solid and warm and truth is I've got anemia which leaves my circulation lacking, especially in the cold, so yeah, I get cold easy if not covered up.

Anyone out there that can provide a testament to their quality on the hill? Worth the $$$ or just make my own?

The one I got is really thin. It works good for putting under the goggles compared to a normal mask, though you could just find a normal mask you like and put a hole in it. My face is cold in mine, and it froze fast. Also the top part (the black edging) immediately wants to curl. Weird material and flimsy.

Best mask so far is one I got off etsy so making your own (I assume you have a sewing machine) with soft fleece and a hole is probably a better bet, then you can size it how you like it.

Edit: Here is the one I have

http://store.thinkempire.com/gfx/pro...osmo_Water.jpg

No hole, but I love my UA neck gaiter. It keeps me super warm and breathes well.

http://content.backcountry.com/image...ND0324/BLA.jpg

With that medical condition, I would get something with neoprene and thicker fleece, or some sort of snowmobiling mask, that is really protective.

I run cold, but find the Airhole to work well. The little hole does let in direct cold, but the breathing is way better on hikes with the hole.

Outdoor Research Sonic Balaclava... has mesh moutharea for easy breathing.

http://www.backcountry.com/images/it...0307/SBBLK.jpg

Yeah, I was thinking about combining layers like you do with the upper/lower body. One layer on the outside for weatherproofing (raincoat like material), then a layer of fleece and a layer of wool, along with a wicking layer for moisture closer to the skin. I'm going to attach a strap system from a cycling road helmet to get it to fit as snug as possible. This way if my sizing is off, I can simply cinch the clasp. I was going to sew in a ventilation piece from a dust mask for breathing and maybe attach a flap so that if it's really cold I can minimize cold air coming in. All this material is from winter products kicking around my place.

Lol, I'll post a picture once completed. Hope it turns out as good as I'm theorizing it will :P

I have an air hole (the panda one). The material is good because it does not freeze. However, I find that when I breath with either my nose or mouth it does not really exit through the hole (like it should). Everytime I wear it the heat just going into my googles and then fogs or freezes the inside of my googles. I have had the entire inside of my mask freeze up on me and ended my day.

So I really only use my air hole only if it is the only available mask I have with me.

Lol, you sure aren't helping the Air Hole ad campaign. Thank-you for your honest advice and for saving me $40 bucks.

The fogging up issue is something that will be difficult to avoid. Maybe just make the mouth piece larger and shape it with air trapping material so that when I breathe the air head straight out the vent in the mask instead of up towards the goggles. I'm sure this is possible... Gonna try it.

I have one that has the Velcro straps on the back keeps my face warm and dry
I have been trying to find the full balaclava so it will fit under my helmet better when it's cold
But there hard to find in plain colors. I am all for Airhole and it's a solid canadian company too

i just got one for this year (faux leather) and it seems to work well but i wont know until i get up the hill on really cold days. the only problem i found so far is that it's a bit weird to wear it with a helmet. the only way i found to wear it with a helmet is it goes around outside the helmet rather than tucking it in.