Outdoor Research

Gorilla Windstopper Balaclava - Men's

Not a fan

doesn't seem to fit properly. not easy to attached pieces with gloves on. Recommend any balaclava that is one piece.

Solid in tough winds

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

large

Height:

5' 10"

Weight:

190

Though I do find the mouthpiece a bit annoying - it constantly gets into my mouth while breathing - I find this to be a necessary piece of gear for any high altitude winter fun. I got to try this out on an attempt of mount lady washington, next to longs peak. My buddy who relies on his shell jacket hood, was certainly jealous of my gorilla 'clava. I look forward to many great days with this awesome piece of gear. As always, I'm very satisfied with what I get from outdoor research.

Great for Glacial Adventure

9/10 would recommend only because it's difficult to center the mouth/nose piece. I wore this balaclava recently walking across a frozen glacial lake. The temperature in my car a mile away from the face of the glacier was -9 degrees Fahrenheit, and I can only imagine that it was -15 in front of the glacier. My eyelashes were freezing together, and my water bottle in my backpack froze completely solid over in the two-hour trek, but my face overall felt warm and fine.

OR's Gorilla Balaclava is a huge help in cold, windy situations. I especially appreciate being able to remove the part covering my face, although getting it reattached at the correct angle takes some practice. I have a roughly 57cm head and got size large. If I bought it again I might go down a size, but the larger size gives me room for a fleece hat underneath. Be aware the fabric does not have any stretch to it.

True. Cold. Gear.

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

L

Height:

6' 3"

Weight:

200

I went skiing yesterday at Devil's Head in Wisconsin. For those who are unaware, the standing temp at first chair was -12°F not including wind chill, and it never broke above zero all day. Shoulders up on me was a hat, goggles, and this balaclava. Once I got the whole kit fit right (lengthy setup time is perhaps the only negative I can think of), I skied the whole day in balmy, breeze-free bliss, especially above the shoulders. The only discomfort I had is mildly achy thighs today (it was my first day out this season, don't judge). If you're skeptical, take careful measurements, order the proper size, and see for yourself.

Survival Gear

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

L

Height:

5' 9"

Weight:

190

This balaclava is a great piece of survival gear. In Northern Minnesota where it can get very cold, I can downhill ski for hours in sub-zero temperatures wearing this balaclava. I also snowmobile in remote areas in extremely cold weather and use it to protect my neck and chin from frostbite during hostile conditions. While snowmobiling I don't use the piece that covers your nose and mouth because I'm wearing a helmet, but I bring it along just in case I get stranded in the wilderness. It easy to lose this piece, however.