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Rating: 5 / 5
This balaclava is down filled with 900 Hungarian grey goose down (according to my phone call with them), it is ultralight, high lofting even after being stuffed mercilessly in my pack.
Shell is UL and has withstood condensation, never would use it in rain or snow unless in an emergency(Update: I have been testing it and with a waterproof hood I would wear it in inclement weather, it works as a windshell in dry weather and is just right for UL head temperature protection if covered with a waterproof hoodie).
It condenses into the size of a hardball. I just squish it in a nook or cranny of my outside pack front pocket.
One size fits all (Update: the reason is that the loft is so good that it conforms to your head, then you pull the draw cord tight for colder windy contions, release it for ventilation). No frills -- like buttons, velcro, zippers, or anything but a draw cord around the face with a stopper.
Has front and back extensions to tuck into or over a crew kneck or turtle kneck top, allowing it to cover the kneck and head well.
I use it for sleeping in, have not had to use it under a hood but it could be used for additional warmth in bad, cold weather.
It weighs 2.3 oz. in the UL version. I called them and got the following info: fabric is downproof nylon taffeta in and out. (They make a 3 oz. version with nylon lining and 1.2 oz. microfiber water repellant outter of polyester ripstop.
They don't have a web site. They do provide great service, sell lots of different UL gear and give great advice on brands, gear types, comparisons, etc. in a full line of trekking items.
This item is only made by and for their store, as far as I know. I think the price was around $48. It always goes with me for winter, spring, and fall temps at night and as emergency head warming if all else is failing. Down Works is in Santa Cruz, California.
Down Works
222 River St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060-2721
831-423-9078
Edited by bdavis on 12/09/2006 12:51:07 MST.
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