Cold Weather Hiking Essential . . . The Balaclava
Image via Wikipedia
Balaclavas traditionally get a bad rap amongst us “normal” folk . . . made infamous by bank robbers, terrorists and small school boys in short pants (do they still wear them) many people just wouldn’t even consider wearing a balaclava . . . even when they’re hiking in the middle of nowhere in the middle of winter.
Balaclavas are actually an essential item of cold weather hiking gear. You’ll be pretty hard pushed to find any other type of hiking headwear which can keep you so snug and warm- the top of your head will be warm, your neck will be warm, your ears will be warm, your face will be warm, except for that little bit around the eyes which is kind of essential for seeing where you’re going, but you can cover your eyes with some goggles and that’s it, you’re completely protected from whatever the winter weather can throw at you during your hiking adventure.
Balaclavas are also surprisingly versatile . . . just look at the photos, you don’t actually have them covering your face the whole time, they are very adaptable.
