Do any of you guys wear Balaclavas to help with the cold weather? I'm thinking about getting one.
A heavey scarf is cheaper but they can be a pain to untie. The do keep the cold out but can encourage fogging of sheild.
I do and it works, as for the fogging I installed the Fog city Pro Shield $17 and its all worth it no more fogging.
I bought a thin fleece balaclava at REI but it made the top of my head too tight in the helmet. I switched to a silk-thin balaclava (also from REI, actually made of thin polyester, not fleece).
Benefits:
-very comfortable; toasty warm on the face, and covers my neck down to below the collar of my jacket.
-keeps my helmet padding clean
-cheap ($12)
-comes in handy when skiing
problems:
-putting on the helmet pulls it down a bit, so you have to put the eye-hole a little high before you pull-on the helmet
-I can feel the wind a little through the thin fabric when ambient temps are near freezing
-if you wear it with sunglasses and your visor open, then it pushes your breath right up under the glasses and fogs the glasses instantly
I solve the last problem by uncovering my nose when I wear sunglasses.
I could add more protection using thin fleece, but that messed with the fit of my helmet. If my helmet weren't such a nice close fit, I'd probably go with a thin fleece balaclava. With such a snug helmet, maybe a fleece neck-gator (covering only from the nose down) would work.
I'd be a little worried about a scarf working itself loose if you do lots of head-checks. Tucking it back in could require pulling off the road and unbuttoning your jacket. I've never had to readjust the balaclava. I guess I'd ride with the balaclava at any temp below 50 or so.
I got a Buff (http://www.buffusa.com/), sort of a multiple purpose scarf/balaclava thing. It's pretty nice, but I haven't used it much. I keep it in the bag to throw on and hide my helmet hair. I plan to use it more now that it's cooling off a bit.
Even better, get a tube scarf from Wal-Mart (hunting section), they meke 'em out of fleecy material, with the Remington name on em. Keep the neck warm, but don't make your head ache from the extra bulk in the helmet.
I use a cotton one and if it's really cold a poly neck-tube as well, only slight problem is aligning it to put the specs on after the plastic head but you soon get used to it. I thouroghly recomend it, get one.
I use a balaclava AND a tube scarf.
I have one that I got issued when I came to Iraq. When I get back, if I don't have to turn it in, I'll give it away to some lucky winner. It's open, but never been worn.
I use a $20 face mask by Biker's Comfort (sold at Ridegear.com or your local dealer). They also sell full bacalavas for 25 and 30 bucks, and they are made of Gore-Windstopper matterial. I was so happy with the $20 face mask that I called up Gore (makers of gore-tex) to see who makes clothing with this matterial so that I can buy a jacket and pants with this stuff to wear under my safety gear. I feel NO wind through this fabric, not at 90+mph with my face mask open.
As most of you know, I live in a very cold region. I do use a silk/poly black ski-mask (balaclava)...the same one I use to hold up all-night gas stations, and liquor stores. :guns: It's a very useful multi-purpose garment.
Seriously, the additional warmth is great, and covering the head IS an advantage (over a scarf or tube) as a great deal of body heat is lost through the top of the head. It works for me. :thumb:
dmp,
Excellent multi tasking of the garmet!
I can relate...my Beretta not only is my duty handgun but also works wonders for waking up cage pilots who are oblivious to the obvious :guns:
I swear every time I see this thread I swear it says baclava that Greek desert made with filo dough and honey :?
LOL... :lol:
ROTFLMAO.....I thought I was the only one.... :mrgreen:
Wayne
P.S. That is damm good stuff!