Take a look at black strap

 

'Giant mouth/nose hole' leads me to think you had one of those fixed balaclavas. Always look for the articulated kind, the kind that allows you to move the lower section independently.

For performance-oriented (i.e. wicking) warmth with less bulk, Nike Pro Combat and comparable lines from UA and adidas have good selections. I love my Nike Pro Combat Hyperwarm as head base layer. When it is super cold I pair it with a fleece neck gaiter. If it's so cold that my skull needs more insulation, it's time to head in.

Black Strap is a snow brand that offers many styles at a good price. Just didn't fit my XL dome well (too shallow) and didn't wick so well, so I went for Nike's and it has worked out for me. YMMV.

 

Black strap has been my go to for a while now for balaclavas, but I left both of mine at home last time I rode and picked up some 686 balaclava with a hinge, real comfortable and not too expensive

 

Second Blackstrap

 

Thanks all! Blackstrap looks good. Too bad you have to ride around with a giant "BS" on your face though lol

 

They used to have ones without the large logo on the cheek. The big logo is stitched on and can be easily removed

 

Burton AK Balaclava works great for me: very breathable and made with Polartec material.

 

Something merino

 

I have a bunch of REI cash so I grabbed a couple different options to compare. BS, Fjallraven, and Ridge Merino.

 

Beard works best!

I like Under Amour 's. I have the a heat and cold. The cold is a little thicker, both fit well under the helmet. I don't ever use face mask portion.

Under Armour Men's Storm Sport Balaclava , Black (001)/Pitch Gray , One Size Fits Most

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www.amazon.com

 

Check out Phunkshun's stuff... Ski & Snowboard Masks | Face Protection | Phunkshun Wear

 

Have any of you tried this brand? North45

 

They all arrived and I like the Ridge Merino one the most. The BS are nice but they don't really fit my face very well. Kinda tight across the nose and when the mask portion is up high enough to cover my nose and goggles are on, the material rubes the bottom of my eyes a bit. I wonder if there are any balaclavas that are contoured for goggles, like this mockup I made? Seems like all balaclavas have a straight-cut hem on the lower mask portion. So when it covers my nose, it also comes too close to my eyes. Having a contour would allow it to come up over your nose, but still leave room for your eyes and goggles.

 

I use this kind of Buff's tube scarf because it's so versatile. On warmer days it's just a neck warmer and when it gets cold it's easy to wrap it over your head and under helmet as a balaclava. It's also easy to adjust it to whole face when coming down and lower under chin when in lift. Has been more than enough in windy -25C/-13F conditions to keep me warm.

Amazon.com

 

I've been riding these and use under helmet. very happy with performance. thin, windproof. coldest ive been out was -3 in Utah and was fine.

Ski Mask for Men Women Balaclava Windproof Cold Weather Full Face Masks Neck Warmer or Tactical Balaclava at Amazon Men’s Clothing store

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I like Blackstrap. You can keep the bottom portion at or below your chin or pull it all the way up to your nose. I tried a bunch or crappy ones before I got the Blackstrap and haven't looked back. Its also thin enough that there is no need to upsize your helmet.

 

Big fan of smartwool. Thin enough to fit under the helmet no issues and warm enough for even single digit days.the opening is big/loose enough you can pull it under your chin without issue.

Sites-swl-us-Site

www.smartwool.com

I tried the Intraknit one this year and wasn’t a fan personally it was tighter and thicker.