Commuting - Keeping face and neck warm in winter and still breathing

Hello

Have folks found face and neck protection from cold and managed to
avoid sweaty faces and stale air while riding?

I'd love to hear which products you have found that worked well for you.

Thanks.
sindlero

I recommend a buff.

I recommend a buff.

What is a buff?

I would recommend a balaclava. The Winter Cycling forum has a ton of information on cold-weather cycling.

I grow a beard and wear a fleece neck warmer.

I've tried the balaclava, and still wear it when it's 10*F or colder, but I'd prefer to not wear it when possible.

Something like this
http://www.amazon.com/Seirus-Innovation-Comfort-Masque-Black/dp/B0018BL1O4

I had one, lost it, bought a cheap copy version with more neck coverage and some fleece. Balaclavas work too but are more hassle. Buffs are generally not windproof enough.

Above 50F - no extra stuff except my usual clear or amber lens glasses

35-49F
Pearl Izumi super thin headband or super thin cap

25-35F
- swap helmets for my "urban" cycling helmet with fewer vents
- Fleece headband
- Outdoor Research balaclava (thin)

Below 25F
- I add a neck gaitor, though I usually end up removing it above 15F

full face mask that covers nose/sinus but still has a gaping hole for your mouth

Beardhead.com

As long as you need a face warmer, you might as well be silly about it. And there are minimal breathing issues with it, esp. because you can adjust your mustache to give more/less room around the mouth.

Something like this
http://www.amazon.com/Seirus-Innovation-Comfort-Masque-Black/dp/B0018BL1O4

I had one, lost it, bought a cheap copy version with more neck coverage and some fleece. Balaclavas work too but are more hassle. Buffs are generally not windproof enough.
That's pretty much what I wear. The only downside is that you really need to snug it your face to keep the glasses from fogging up.

I recommend a buff.
+1 I love my buff and use it all year round.

Sindlero,

I have been using a balaclava from Performance that has really worked well for me in 30 degree temps. It is large enough to allow me to pull it down and breaths of fresh air as I ride but provides excellent protection from the winds. I'm still struggling with cold feet and fogging glasses...any thoughts on that....
ps. gloves are Performance wind/rain gloves..and work pretty well.
Just became introduced to "smart wool" excellent results thus far....

Dan

Beardhead.com

As long as you need a face warmer, you might as well be silly about it. And there are minimal breathing issues with it, esp. because you can adjust your mustache to give more/less room around the mouth.

+1 I love it! Doubt I'd ever wear it in public but I love it.

Basically, for me, the important parts to keep covered are the neck (overlapping the chin) and ears. A smear of vaseline over the nose and cheeks provides a little insulation, while not suffocating one or making one's glasses steam up! :) The mustache and beard take care of insulating my lips.

I prefer a thin balaclava. Sierra Trading Post has the Wicker's brand that have two styles for $8 each. I bought two of each. I wear mine when temps get below 45f or so. Get yours now before they sell out. http://m.sierratradingpost.com/mobile/wickers-balaclava-expedition-weight-for-men-and-women~p~56027/?r=s~balaclava%2F

What is a buff?

http://www.buffusa.com/sports/collections/original-buff-reg/styles/filter/men/tubular

Beardhead.com

As long as you need a face warmer, you might as well be silly about it. And there are minimal breathing issues with it, esp. because you can adjust your mustache to give more/less room around the mouth.

:thumb:

something like this

http://empirepaintball.com/paintball-goggles/jt-goggles

Buff is a commercial version of the traditional British Army neck tube, called a headover. It is quote long so you can double it up or use it single layer.
You can wear it as a neck loop, an ear warmer, a neck/ear warmer, a neck/ear/head warmer. I sometimes use 2, once for neck and one for head and ears.
I have a polyester and a merino wool version, the merino (http://www.chocolatefishmerino.co.uk/accessories/neck_buff.html) one is better.

Something like this
http://www.amazon.com/Seirus-Innovation-Comfort-Masque-Black/dp/B0018BL1O4

I had one, lost it, bought a cheap copy version with more neck coverage and some fleece. Balaclavas work too but are more hassle. Buffs are generally not windproof enough.

+1 This is what I wear for skiing. It works great on the bike too.

One word for you. Beard.

Above 50F - no extra stuff except my usual clear or amber lens glasses

35-49F
Pearl Izumi super thin headband or super thin cap

25-35F
- swap helmets for my "urban" cycling helmet with fewer vents
- Fleece headband
- Outdoor Research balaclava (thin)

Below 25F
- I add a neck gaitor, though I usually end up removing it above 15F

Pretty close for me too. I use a wool cycling cap in place of the thin caps (I have a big head and they always slide up) and when its really pouring I might add a rain cover to the helmet, which also warms things up a bit.

I wear a Craft balaclava when temps are below 30 F. Works for me. Only problem is that my glasses fog up easier when wearing it.

I use a fleece scarf that can be used just around the neck or go higher and cover my lower face. I did not feel cold through that this morning and the temp was 22f.

I've been using a merino wool Buff for the last two years. It rocks, and is far more versatile than a balaclava or face mask. Makes a great neck warmer during the winter months, when I'm not out cycling.