Northwave Balaclava

Northwave's Balaclava is just the ticket for sub zero winter riding, fits unobtrusively beneath helmets and seems menacing enough to temper the aggression of oncoming 4x4s. However, the allure of looking like a cross between a Marvel comics' superhero and a gallows executioner can wane on social outings and, for heaven's sake, remove it before nipping into the bank.

This is a far cry from the woollen types granny used to knit in those halcyon days before such headwear became synonymous with heists and short wheelbase Ford Transits. This is a one-size fits all design made from a polyester/elastane mix similar to that of winter tights. Bold Northwave Scotchlite graphics chase around the skull with more traditional graphics dotted around the neck for nocturnal safety. Four eyelets at the front improve breathability while flat seams lie soft against the skin. Finding suitably chill conditions meant waiting until 2am, awakening the Univega from its slumber and creeping the garage door close so as not to incur the neighbours' wrath.

Accompanied by a stiff crosswind, it wasn't long before the fabric's protective qualities came into their own, the extended neck gaitor cut long enough to nestle beneath jersey collars, providing a chill-cheating seal without restricting crucial over the shoulder glances. Speaking of safety, while the Univega remained bedecked in lights, I shunned my usual reflective jackets in favour of black to test the reflectives' prowess and most approaching traffic acknowledged me from 250 or maybe 300 yards when emerging from side roads. Your hearing remains unaffected and cuts out the intrusive 'whistling' in your ears on long, blustery descents. Breathability is generally ok, although things quickly turn clammy during sustained conversation.

This balaclava dries pretty quickly and it is largely unaffected by light to moderate rain and drizzle. However, when the mercury teeters above 5°C, the materials can't compete and things turn distinctly soggy - to the point where my hair was left drenched and matted against my scalp. That said, successive outings didn't induce any nasty niffs and it joins the machine wash at 30° when appropriate.

Verdict

Worthy addition to the winter road, touring or MTB wardrobe when temperatures/windchill turn spiteful