Balaclava or other face protector for running?

I use Buffs (buffUSA.com) for a lot of activities. Easy to breathe through and comfortable in low effort situations. Haven’t ran in them though so I can’t say what that’s like.

I like Seirus facemasks has they have a cutout for the nose and holes over the mouth, so breathing is easier. Anything over your face causes some obstruction, so it's about finding the lesser evil, and those seem to do.

One problem with any facemask I've found though is that the moisture from your breath can freeze if it's cold enough out. Then you're just pinning ice to your face. There's no perfect solution.

Seems like smearing baklava all over yer face would make it colder ?

I used to use a balaclava, but have switched to a buff. It is more versatile. The balaclava might be a bit better when it is like -10° F though for the extra coverage.

Face coverings make it way to hot. It's already 70 degrees at the fitness center.

Great advice! I just ordered a buff, thank you.

Coating your face, nose, forehead, ears, and neck with Bag Balm will help. It provides a waxy protection against wind and cold. I also put it on my hands, wrists, and kneecaps. Vaseline will work, but it's greasy, whereas Bag Balm is more waxy and feels warmer.

I've now switched to a mix of shea butter (solid at room temperature) and just enough coconut oil to make it semi-solid. Shea butter is even waxier than Bag Balm.

Note, I'm not saying it will replace a Balaklava, but it will protect the areas that the Balaklava doesn't cover.

Find a lightweight merino bandanna...very versatile. Can tie and untie instead of pulling over your head when you warm up. Can use as neck warmer, face coverage, and even head coverage in a pinch. I have a couple -- one from small company North X North, iirc and one from Icebreaker (discontinued).

Not sure why other companies don't make a traditional bandanna style neck/face warmer.

ski masks work pretty well, depending on how cold it is.

fkonfkoff wrote:

Seems like smearing baklava all over yer face would make it colder ?

I, too, read Baklava

here is what you do

wear a beanie, of course

but not a balaclava, but a neck gaiter

neck gaiters are so much better, super adjustable,

Paint stores have a light, elastic head covering to protect from paint spray that covers down to the neck with an opening for the eyes and the upper aspect of the nose.

I carry one in a plastic bag inside my jacket just in case on frigid days.

A couple bucks at most.

Good afternoon; first of all, I would like to know exactly why you need such protection. There are many masks for running, including balaclavas and so on. I have recently been looking for such goods in my city, but it turned out that they do not deliver them to the shops in my city, and I do not know why. From what I liked, I found a Neck Gaiter-Thin Blue Line Cross Gaiter completely randomly. There was some post on Instagram and a link to this site because it was just a miracle that I found what I needed. As for the product itself, I can say it is very convenient for me since the fabric is as pleasant as possible and keeps very tight when running.

Try this.