The Altura Neckwarmer II is a simple but effective piece of kit, providing some windproofing and warmth in colder temperatures. Worn bandana style in temperatures down to around -5°C, it kept the cold sting off my face when descending, which is pretty impressive.

It’s made from 100% polyester and has a simple construction: a single seam and a hem at each end. These aren’t flatlock stitched, but I had no problems with chafing.

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Its 470mm length means it’s fairly flexible in how it can be worn: on the neck scrunched or folded as a scarf, covering the bottom of your face, with the back tucked under a casquette and the front covering your ears… I tried all these and it gave good extra protection, even in dire conditions.

Altura Neckwarmer II unworn.jpg
Altura Neckwarmer II unworn (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

There’s a decent amount of hold in the material itself so it doesn’t really sag after being in place for a while, something I have found with other neckwarmers.

When using it over the mouth you certainly notice the condensation forming when you breathe into it for around 20 minutes, but it never got to the point where it became irritating. It didn’t really smell, either, even after using it every day for a week without washing – which is always a bonus!

> The best clothing to keep you warm in winter

I like the black and fluorescent yellow of our test model – it’s always nice to add a bit of visibility in low light conditions – but it also comes in black/grey if you want to go for the more ‘stealth’ look. It’s worth noting that allthough it’s fluorescent yellow, it doesn’t have any reflective material on it, so it won’t light up under car headlights.

It’s well priced, comfy and relatively windproof – more so if you fold it for particularly cold conditions. It would be good to have some reflective elements included, but for six quid, it can be forgiven.

Verdict

Warm, cheap and versatile

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Altura Neckwarmer II

Size tested: One Size

Tell us what the product is for, and who it’s aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

It is a piece of kit to be worn round the neck or face in cold weather.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Altura Dry Technology

Our Altura Dry™ Technology delivers superior moisture management and wicking ensuring that your ride is dry and comfortable.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Simple, one piece of fabric, one seam and two hems. Stitching isn’t flatlock, but seems strong.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Performed very well, kept the cold air off my neck and face.

Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

Stitching seems strong.

Rate the product for fit:
 
7/10

Universal size, but with enough length that it can be used in a multitude of ways.

Rate the product for sizing:
 
7/10

One size fits all.

Rate the product for weight:
 
5/10

It’s a neck warmer.

Rate the product for comfort:
 
8/10

Doesn’t get soaked with your breath and fabric is relatively soft.

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

Great value, one of the cheapest and still performs well.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Easy, washed it several times at 30 degrees with no issues.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Very well, kept the wind off nicely.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The price vs quality: really good quality, really low price.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Could have some reflective elements.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your score

Very good neckwarmer that has many uses and doesn’t cost the earth.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 27  Height: 6 ft  Weight:

I usually ride: Cannondale Supersix Evo 6  My best bike is:

I’ve been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mountain biking