Are balaclavas overkill for Australia’s weather?
Me and me mate are having a little kerfuffle on whether he should be hiding his ugly mug behind a balaclava when we get down to perisher late August this year. I’m all for it but he’s being skeptical of how it’ll make his handlebar moist instead of toasty.
What do you guys think?
Me and me mate are having a little kerfuffle on whether he should be hiding his ugly mug behind a balaclava when we get down to perisher late August this year. I’m all for it but he’s being skeptical of how it’ll make his handlebar moist instead of toasty.
What do you guys think?
Hey RS,
IMO, the whole balaclava thing is a bit of an overkill in Aus. Unless its howling 40km winds and -20 degrees, generally you dont really need one.
If its cold enough i just use a bandana to cover my face (as they look pretty gangsta too if thats your thing) haha
I guess the old bank robber balaclava can be stashed in one of your pockets just in case. Keep in mind though once you run a few laps you’re body temp will heat up quite a lot and a majority of body heat comes from your head 
Enjoy the snow!!
Yeah, in the strong winds they’re a godsend!!!!!
But if ya the type that runs hot, make sure ya peel it down whenever ya in a sheltered section so as to keep ya cool!!!!!
Nothin worse than a soggy caterpillar in below freeze temps!!!!!
It just depends on the material and thickness etc. Some are very breathable. Personally, I like having my face covered with something, even in spring. It protects you from the wind and sun. I rarely use a balaclava though; I prefer face masks or bandana style, as I can rip it off when I need.
I always carry an airhole mask on me for those rough days but half the time you won’t even want to go near an extra layer cause it’ll be too hot.
In Canada I didn’t go a day without a mask though.
When you’re on the lift and that wind picks up then the hail is smashing you in the face anything is good in Oz conditions.
Maybe something such as this? won’t look like you’re wearing a ski mask and trying to rob a bank if you get what I’m saying about balaclavas….
https://www.boardworld.com.au/elm-suspect-beanie-black
Otherwise maybe a tube which you pull over and just decide if you want it to cover your face or leave most of it exposed. Thats what I wear under a beanie as I like the tighter fit compared to a bandana as I find them to move around a bit.
Maybe something such as this? won’t look like you’re wearing a ski mask and trying to rob a bank if you get what I’m saying about balaclavas….
https://www.boardworld.com.au/elm-suspect-beanie-black
Otherwise maybe a tube which you pull over and just decide if you want it to cover your face or leave most of it exposed. Thats what I wear under a beanie as I like the tighter fit compared to a bandana as I find them to move around a bit.
Yeah, I had the same problem with bandana style ones too!!!!!
After Crackers recommended the BlackStrap Balaclava, I’ve found it to be the best of both worlds!!!!!
Gotta laugh at the peeps in balaclavas on a sunny day… and the peeps with a baseball cap on in a blizzard. Fashion…
Maybe something such as this? won’t look like you’re wearing a ski mask and trying to rob a bank if you get what I’m saying about balaclavas….
https://www.boardworld.com.au/elm-suspect-beanie-black
Otherwise maybe a tube which you pull over and just decide if you want it to cover your face or leave most of it exposed. Thats what I wear under a beanie as I like the tighter fit compared to a bandana as I find them to move around a bit.
Yeah, I had the same problem with bandana style ones too!!!!!
After Crackers recommended the BlackStrap Balaclava, I’ve found it to be the best of both worlds!!!!!
I use one of these all season in whistler and am still using it on full sun days on the glacier for summer riding. It’s light and breathable and blocks the sun out so it’s sweet. Even though it’s mesh it stops the wind really well and won’t scratch up your goggles..
Ive ridden with one of these ^^ for the past year and a half, cant give it enough wrist. Australia/Canada/NZ, no matter where ive been its performed. Easy to pull down to access mouth/headphones/cool down, not too hot so you overheat. Perfect, get one.
As for the thread topic. Heavy balies are unnecessary in aus outside of the coldest days of the season.. IMO.
I ride with one of these - http://www.turtlefur.com/Turtle-Fur-Balaclava-Midweight-Chelonia/dp/B006IATQLU
I picked it up cheap at Thredbo and it is awesome. It you can arrange it so that it covers your mouth or leaves it clear.
Personally, I wore it every day when I worked there for the season. Hot or not I enjoy having it on.
Another vote for the BlackStrap Balaclava, I got one last year and love it.
Funny.. I found the BS too hot for me in Whistler so I switched to a Burton mid dryride tube instead which is what I’d pick as perfect for aus conditions, added bonus is that it’s definitely longer than the BS so covers all of the neck for the hot spring days.
Either way, they’re definitely a popular item to have.
swear by these 2 atm, rode most of last season is aus with one and my full trip in japan.
swear aus conditions can be the worst, huge winds with “snow” that is actually shards of blinding ice
These BlackStrap Balaclavas look real nice and convenient to take off if you need to take a sip of water or something.
These are the ones I have
They arent as easy to take off but the have that convenient nose opening which prevents any moisture from building up in the mask when you exhale.