As usual I can't get the forum search to return anything so apologies if this has been covered twenty five million times before.
I would like something other than a buff to protect my face fro mthe cold.
I usually pull my buff up over my face and tuck under goggles to keep my face warm. However I end up breathing and getting the bit around my mouth wet which then freezes and is horrible.
What should I get? Are airhole face masks any good? Are the standard neoprene face masks with breathing holes good?
Thanks
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Yup. Got a standard neoprene mask off eBay (search ski masks) and it works. Not great on hot days but ok when you're not sitting around.
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
But surely you don't need one on a hot day
For the first time really skiing I felt I needed something more at the PSB. My face was shotblasted by ice. I've a neoprene one but never found it comfortable or really used it.
Like Claude B I found thePSB B quite challenging facially! My wife had pinched my neoprene mask for cycling and I really could have done with it. The Moniums had quite nice buffs with breathing holes which seemed effective, but if it that cold I think neoprene is the answer.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
A merino buff will be much less unpleasant to wear than a synthetic one in this situation.
A balaclava ala racing drivers if really cold, also protects you from kitchen fires in the restaurant if nomex.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Yeah was worried the neoprene ones wouldn't be that effective.
Might try an airhole as it's the wet patch around my mouth I hate on my buff, although they look a little pricey.
After all it is free
After all it is free
As welshskier noticed, we have Airhole masks. They are warmer than neoprene masks, which tend to get a lot of condensation on the inside of the grille, significantly warmer than buffs or fleece tubes, and don't get hugely damp where other masks that you breathe through will. The major source of moisture inside is from me not using it, getting a load of ice in my beard, and then putting it on.
I've tried the rest, and frankly find these to be the warmest and best for serious cold - minus 20 no issue, if it is seriously windy all you do is pucker up to the air hole and it keeps your breath cool, but your face warm. Plus they come in cool designs that make French people sitting in restaurants laugh at you.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
To be honest though, for wearing with a ski helmet (climbing helmets are adjustable) I'd just go with a thinner liner than the heavyweight fabrics. I have a windproof neck tube for £3 from Lidl for motorbike riding. Stick that round your neck over the thin balaclava, then a neoprene mask additionally to cover the nose and mouth and put hood up over helmet. Should be fine down to -50C
The Sonic Balaclava from Outdoor Research is a wind resistant fleece constructed balaclava ideal for active Winter sports this season.
Made from GORE-Tex WINDSTOPPER technical fleece for supreme deflecetion of the cold, the Sonic Balaclava also benegots fro Polartec WindPro ear panels that keep heat secured where you need it most.
Designed with a flat seamed construction, the Sonic Balaclava adaptys to fit your own head shape for a comfortable fit, whilst the mesh breathing port ensures you can wear this all day as you ski or snowboard.
At 69g (2.5 oz) this is low in weight, ideal for storing a pocket of a softshell for use when you need it.
I'm looking for a neoprene ski mask that only comes up to my goggles, like the one in the link. I already get really hot with my helmet so don't want a full balaclava.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
Just to make people cringe agian. Several years ago the CEO of my employer went sking in Sunshine at -30C with a neoprene face mask. It froze to his face and when he removed it overly enthusiaticallly is took a layer of skin with it.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Have a look at Aclima neck gaiters. They are pricey (£30 ish) but worth the money. Made from merino with a mesh lining and the bit over your mouth only has the mesh so you don't get the problem of it getting wet and freezing. Only Nordic Outdoor based Edinburgh (you can order online) stock the brand in the UK but it's massive in Scandinavia.
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Poster: A snowHead
