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Best Ski Masks
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
Warmth is of utmost importance.
If you’re wearing your new mask on the ski slopes, you’re going to want it to be warm. This is true even if you’re using this mask for cycling or motorcycling and won’t be getting anywhere near a mountain. Wind can be a tough force to deal with, and having a ski mask made from the right kind of material will be of utmost importance. The material in your ski mask should be able to protect you from the elements. You’ll want something that is made with a soft fabric to avoid irritating the sensitive skin on your face or neck. You’ll also want a material that is going to help keep some of that damaging wind off of your face.
The most common material you’re going to see on our list is fleece. This is because this type of fabric provides a soft, plush feeling that is excellent at providing warmth. Polyester fleece is a type of fleece that provides a smooth outside on your ski mask while ensuring the inside is warm and plush for additional comfort.
Water Resistance
Wet skin is unhappy skin.
A ski masks ability to resist water may be an important box you want to be able to check off. Though not all of the products on our list are completely waterproof, some are water-resistant and all of them will dry quickly once they’re wet. Nothing is quite as uncomfortable as dealing with a wet, cold face during your adventures on the ski slopes. Especially if you’re stuck dealing with that unbearable cold for an entire day. If you’re looking for something that is waterproof, you’ll want to look at product number 10 from KINGBIKE. Though this ski mask is not entirely waterproof, the vulnerable areas of the mask are fitted with waterproof fabric to ensure you stay comfortable. Product number seven from Beardski is also listed as water-resistant.
Style
You don't have to sacrifice style for warmth.
Most of the ski mask options on our list employ a balaclava style. This is the most popular design of ski masks because it is going to keep your entire face and neck warm. The balaclava is a close-fitting garment that is designed to only expose your eyes (and sometimes nose). The design of this mask makes it perfect to wear in climates with very cold winter temperatures as it will keep parts of your body that your winter coat and snow pants cannot cover warm. Some of the ski masks are available in different size and color options. If you’re a wild and crazy kind of guy, you might want to pay extra close attention to product number seven from Beardski. This particular mask is very unique in design and will definitely set you apart from other people on the slopes.
Value
You don't have to break the bank to protect yourself.
You work hard for your money. It’s fair to not want to spend an exorbitant amount of it on something that you might only use a few times a year. We have some great news for you, though. The majority of the products on our list are less than $20 – a fair price to pay for protection from the harsh, inclement winter weather that you’re likely to experience on the slopes. There are a couple of options on our list that go above that $20 price point, but the point we’re trying to make here is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on a ski mask if you’re on a budget. The lower priced products have just as much protection as the more expensive ones.
Breathability
Breathability is an important factor in outdoor apparel for several reasons. If you want to stay comfortable while you’re participating in outdoor sports like skiing, breathability should be an area you want to pay close attention to. The amount of breathability in a ski mask, or any type of apparel, often comes down to the materials the garment is constructed out of. When a ski mask is breathable, air can circulate under and over it, allowing sweat and wetness to quickly dry to prevent any potential bacteria build up. When you’re wearing wet clothes for an extended period of time, you will begin to sweat. When you have a lot of moisture sitting on your skin for any length of time, you make yourself more susceptible to fungal infections. Having a ski mask that is breathable will allow you to have healthier, dryer and much less smelly skin.
Many of the ski masks on our list have mesh panels over the mouth area of the garment. This will allow your breath in and out of the mask instead of keeping all of that inside, increasing the likelihood of overheating and restricted airflow.
Top 10 Picks
1. Ergodyne N-Ferno 6823
This highly-praised product from Ergodyne is a great option for skiers or people who work outdoors in the winter months. It has a one-size-fits-most design that provides a wind-resistant and warm wearing experience.
Read moreMaterials
This product is constructed out of high-quality thermal fleece that will keep the wearer warm and protected from the harsh winter elements. Four-way stretch polyester fabric coupled with the length of this mask will ensure that it fits most heads to provide the best protection.
Breathability
Thanks to the mesh panel over the mouth of this mask, any exhaled breaths will be filtered out of the mask instead of fogging up your ski mask or goggles.
Water-Resistance
Some people were unhappy with the amount of water-resistance that this product has. Others mentioned that they didn’t notice whether or not it was waterproof because the materials kept them warm regardless.
Style
This mask has a balaclava style. It completely covers your entire head. It can be worn in other ways to suit different situations, such as a neck gaiter. It comes in either black, camouflage, grey or lime green.
Value
This product is priced similarly to the other products on our list. We liked that it came in a number of different colors and that it is a versatile option for different applications.
2. Self Pro Balaclava
This product from Self Pro is a great option for a number of different uses – as a motorcycle mask, for skiing and even just for wearing to walk your dog. It’s made with CoolMax material to provide wearers with a breathable, absorbent and warm experience.
Read moreMaterials
This product is made from a polyester fiber that is designed to take moisture away from your skin.
Breathability
The mesh panel in front of the mouth area on this mask makes it a breathable option. The fabric in the nose and mouth area makes it easier to breath and it will stay dry, even if you are a mouth breather.
Water-Resistance
Though the manufacturer doesn’t mention that this product is waterproof or water-resistant, reviews from current users suggest that they have worn it in inclement weather and it has done an admirable job of keeping their face warm.
Style
This balaclava will protect wearers not only from the cold and wind, but also from dust particles and the UV rays of the sun. It has a unisex design that can be worn in a number of ways – as a balaclava, neck gaiter, to cover just the lower portion of your face or even as a hat. It comes in two different options – “Extra Warmth Polar Fleece” which costs a dollar more than the traditional option.
Value
Price similarly to other options on our list, this mask from Self-Pro is an affordable addition to your winter outerwear collection.
3. Tough Headwear
Though this product is the most expensive (by far) on our top ten list, we had to include it because of the lifetime warranty that Tough Headwear provides its customers.
Read moreMaterials
This ski mask is made from a stretchy and breathable fabric that will not only protect your face from the harsh elements but will wick away moisture as well to help you stay comfortable during your excursions. It is 89% polyester and 11% spandex for stretch and comfort.
Breathability
As mentioned above, this product has moisture-wicking capabilities that will help it stay breathable while you are wearing it. There is a mesh panel over the mouth area of the balaclava that will keep you comfortable while ensuring increased airflow.
Water-Resistance
Though the listing for this product doesn’t mention that it’s waterproof, there are reviews from current owners that suggest it held up well in wet weather.
Style
This mask has a balaclava style. It is helmet-friendly so you can feel free to wear this underneath your ski, bicycle or even motorcycle helmet for protection from the elements.
Value
Though this is the most expensive ski mask on our list by quite a lot, there is a lot of value provided here and it might be worth the investment for you if you are a serious winter sports fanatic.
4. Aegend
Here we have yet another balaclava style option, this one from Aegend. This product is going to help keep you warm during all of your cold weather activities, providing protection from wind, dust, extreme cold and even the rays of the sun.
Read moreMaterials
This balaclava is made from 88% polyester and 12% spandex which will provide a comfortable, soft and well-performing ski mask that will be pill-proof as well. Fleece lining is used not only to help block the wind while you’re outdoors but to provide you with warmth as well.
Breathability
The materials on this ski mask ensure that it is a breathable product. It’s also absorbent and durable as well.
Water-Resistance
Though this ski mask is not waterproof, it does dry very quickly if it happens to get wet while you are outdoors.
Style
This ski mask also has a balaclava style, like many of the others on our list. It is available in either black, grey, white or pink.
Value
The Aegend balaclava is the cheapest product on our top ten list. Don’t let its incredibly affordable price tag fool you though, this is still a high-quality and well-received item and should remain a contender on your list.
5. Under Armour ColdGear
This might be the first ski mask on our list from a brand name that you’ve heard of. The Under Armour balaclava is a highly-praised product that will keep your face warm during all of your winter outdoor adventures.
Read moreMaterials
This product from Under Armour is made with a thermo-conductive inner layer that will help to absorb and keep in your body heat, providing exceptional warmth in cold temperatures. It is made of 87% polyester and 13% elastane fabrics.
Breathability
The fabric used in the construction of this balaclava is designed to be anti-odor. It will not allow the growth of odor-causing microbes to ensure your apparel stays fresh even after you’ve worn it all day.
Water-Resistance
The materials used on the UA balaclava is designed to wick sweat away quickly and will try very quickly if it were to get wet.
Style
This ski mask uses a balaclava style. It’s form-fitting and will provide users with full facial protection during inclement weather.
Value
With a name brand product such as this, you can expect to pay a little more. We were actually surprised, however, at how affordably priced this high-quality, well-respected name brand product is.
6. GearTOP
This product from GearTOP might not be your first choice if you live where the temperatures can reach frigid levels in the winter, but it is still a worthwhile contender you should consider on your hunt for the best ski mask.
Read moreMaterials
This balaclava is made from Super Roubaix fabric. This material is designed for use in winter and has an interlocking knit that fits similarly to spandex. It will help to keep your ski mask feeling insulated by using your own body heat.
Breathability
The Super Roubaix fabric helps aid in the overall breathability of this balaclava. There is no mesh panel over the mouth, however, so that might be a concern for some people.
Water-Resistance
This balaclava is not marketed as waterproof. That said, some current users still found it comfortable to wear even if it did get a little wet during use.
Style
This mask is a balaclava style. It is available in a number of different package options (two packs, ten packs, etc) and can be purchased in either white or black. This mask dips over the top of your nose, ensuring that it’s covered for utmost protection. This product is also a bit longer in length that will help to protect your neck from the cold and wind.
Value
With a lifetime satisfaction guarantee, you have nothing to lose when you invest the pennies necessary to purchase this ski mask from GearTOP.
7. Beardski
Are you sick of seeing all of the same looking balaclavas on our list? How about this...unique….product from Beardski? You’ll be the talk of the ski slopes when you wear this one!
Read moreMaterials
The neck of this ski mask is made with a thermal fleece material to ensure you’ll stay warm while you’re on the slopes. The mouth has a neoprene material construction to ensure comfort.
Breathability
Thanks to the vented neoprene material in the mouth area of this ski mask, wearers will find this mask to be decently breathable.
Water-Resistance
Here it is, folks. The first ski mask on our list that is labeled in the listing as water-resistant.
Style
There is a lot to say about the style of this ski mask. It won’t be for everybody but anyone who likes to stand out in a crowd, the Beardski will be right up your alley. With 14 different colors and styles to choose from, there is sure to be a beard style that suits your fancy.
Value
This product is priced a bit higher than most of the other options on our list. That’s understandable considering the novelty style of the Beardski. If you’re the clown in your group of friends, surely they will get a kick out of this ski mask which may make the slightly higher price tag worth it for you.
8. Nike Pro Combat Hyperwarm
Here’s another brand name you are probably going to recognize. This hood from Nike is a great ski mask designed for use by athletes but usable by regular folk like us as well.
Read moreMaterials
This ski mask is constructed from Nike’s Therma-Fit material. This fabric is a microfiber fleece that is designed to retain energy and resist heat loss. It will protect users from extreme temperatures and wind without adding too much bulk.
Breathability
Some current users suggest that this hood is quite restricting. If you are exercising hard while wearing it, you may find it hard to breathe in.
Water-Resistance
This product is not necessarily water-resistant, but it does have materials that help keep you dry.
Style
This product looks like your standard run-of-the-mill balaclava. With the Nike logo emblazoned on the side, of course.
Value
This is the second most expensive option on our top ten list. With a brand name like Nike attached to it, though, you can see why.
9. Tahbilk
This affordable ski mask from Tahbilk is a great option for outdoor adventurers on a budget. It is a toasty warm mask that will keep you comfortable while you traverse the slopes.
Read moreMaterials
This ski mask is made from polar fleece material. This fabric choice will help to ensure that you will stay warm in extreme temperatures and high winds.
Breathability
There doesn’t seem to be a mesh panel by the mouth area of this balaclava so that might be an area of concern for some people. Some reviewers mentioned that this ski mask was very toasty, perhaps too toasty in some cases.
Water-Resistance
This product is not water-resistant, though it will dry fast if it were to get wet.
Style
This product is in a balaclava style. It is available in four different color options, however, which helps to set it apart from many of the other options on our list. You can choose between a black/grey, black/red, grey/black and grey/rose. The second color is in the inside of the hood as well as on the fabric that covers your mouth.
Value
This is the second most affordable option on our top ten list. Considering all of the benefits you get with this ski mask, we consider it to definitely be worth the price tag.
10. KINGBIKE
Finally, we have made it to the last ski mask on our list. This option from KINGBIKE is both water and windproof, making it a must-have for folks who live in climates with harsh winter weather.
Read moreMaterials
This ski mask is made from a micro-polar fleece material that will keep you both comfortable and warm when you hit the slopes.
Breathability
This product has mesh breathing panels that will help to add airflow in your mask for utmost comfort. This feature will also help to ensure the amount of condensation you experience on your goggles or sunglasses is kept to a minimum.
Water-Resistance
Yes! This ski mask is waterproof. Well, it’s waterproof in vulnerable areas which is a lot more than some of the other options on our list.
Style
Why break tradition? This ski mask, like most of the options on our list, is a balaclava style to ensure that your entire face and warm are kept warm when you’re outside facing inclement weather.
Value
This is an affordably priced ski mask option. It is priced around the same as most of the options on our list but we loved that it has waterproof features, something many of the other products lacked.
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