Ibex balaclava

[Catrin]

My Ibex balaclava from TE arrived today. It is a once-size fits all. How tightly should this fit? It doesn't fit very tight, but I don't know how it should fit.

I had to laugh when I saw it in the mirror - seeing me in it reminded me of the grade b ninja movies from the 70's :)

[LilBolt]

Mine is pretty loose (& ninja-like...now that is funny!). Once I get going, I kind of like that the looseness gives me a bit of ventilation. Granted, I haven't used it below about 25 degrees, so colder conditions may necessitate something a bit more 'form fitting'.

[Catrin]

Mine is pretty loose (& ninja-like...now that is funny!). Once I get going, I kind of like that the looseness gives me a bit of ventilation. Granted, I haven't used it below about 25 degrees, so colder conditions may necessitate something a bit more 'form fitting'.

Thanks, and this is good to know. I do wear glasses, so am hoping the looseness will help to prevent my glasses from fogging up. I do not see myself riding much below 25..

I had fun with the ninja thing - I practiced ninja-like poses in the mirror for a minute or two - thankfully there was no one there to see me :o I KNEW that martial arts training I took years ago would come in handy someday :D

[Becky]

IME, loose isn't a problem, as long as it's not so loose that it falls off of your nose.

Fogging is inevitable, especially if you have to stop. Un-covering your nose helps to vent the hot air away from your glasses. I will roll up to a stop sign/red light, pulling my Buff down as I brake, and I'll pull it back up once I get rolling again.

[Catrin]

IME, loose isn't a problem, as long as it's not so loose that it falls off of your nose.

Fogging is inevitable, especially if you have to stop. Un-covering your nose helps to vent the hot air away from your glasses. I will roll up to a stop sign/red light, pulling my Buff down as I brake, and I'll pull it back up once I get rolling again.

It isn't even close to tight over my nose. I don't know enough to know how tight it should be and I don't want to take the tags off and test it out until I know that I don't need to exchange it. It really does kind of just hang off my head and drape down to my shoulders, so I suspect it might be too big.

I will take a picture later today and post it for opinions on if it is too big or not. I do, generally, take a small helmet...

[Crankin]

The fleece balaclava I bought from Terry fits snugly, as it is woman specific and I think came in sizes. Unfortunately, even when I need it to ride down my hill at 30 degrees at 5:30 AM, I get sweaty and overheated as soon as I start the rest of the ride. So, I bought a lighter weight Craft balaclava that DH has. It's a one size fits all and it is big on me. The top of the head part comes down pretty far, so I have to sort of re-arrange it in the back. The head part does feel loose; it did help with ventilation, but I don't want the freezing air coming in too much.
Try wearing your glasses on the outside of your head cover. They do stay on. It prevents cold air getting in. Doesn't help with the fogging so much, but it does keep you comfortable. Even using the Cat Crap stuff doesn't prevent my glasses from fogging. If I am riding in the dark, I usually end up taking my clear glasses off, near the end of the ride, as I can't stand the fogging.

[malkin]

Tap Dancing Ninja, in fact when you add cycling shoes. (I'd love to see it as a big musical number!)

Mine is a bit baggy. I like that I can have my nose and mouth out or in as I please, while still keeping my cheeks covered.

[malkin]

You could wet it and block it smaller. (Smoosh it into the size and shape you want and let it air dry without moving it.) Wool is most maleable.

[withm]

I have a Swartwool balaclava which fits loosely. I love it. I have a tight fighting one that is ... well I don't even remember what it's made of cause I probably haven't worn it in a couple years. Loose fitting is very comfortable for me. The helmet keeps it close to your head, easily tucks into my collar under my jacket. Seem to remember that my glasses fogged up constantly with the tight fitting hood, but not with the loose one.

[indysteel]

Does your helmet fit over it? If it's so loose that your helmet and chin strap are too tight, then I'd suggest that it's too big.

I have a PI balaclava that fits snugly. I don't end to wear it unless it's below 25 or so because I do overheat with it otherwise. Perhaps I'd be better off with a looser one.

[Catrin]

I've played around with it and while it is loose around the nose, I think it will be ok. I can fit my helmet over it, and that seems to help it stay in place. I don't want it so tight that I overheat. I think it is a keeper :) Thanks everyone! I am not accustomed to winter outdoor activities outside of the occasional hike. My "learning how to ride by riding circles in parking lots" of last winter doesn't quite count.

[Melalvai]

Did everyone see the balaclavas on Nashbar for $5? (Several of us combined our orders so now that ours are spoken for I can tell others about it.) :)

I really want one in merino wool and a shell balaclava in goretex, but for now the $5 balaclava will mean that at least we have 2, so both my daughter & I can bike with warm faces on a cold day, instead of me having to decide who gets the balaclava today--me because I'm riding further or her because what kind of mother would be selfish like that? lol