Gaiter and beanie or balaclava? A skiers and snowboarders’ guide

So you’re skiing or snowboarding, and you want to stay warm. Should you go with a separate gaiter and beanie, or buy a one-piece balaclava that protects the head and neck all by itself? An advantage of a balaclava is that it has fewer seams, so there are fewer places for water and snow to get in. However, a gaiter and beanie combo has the advantage of being versatile. You remove one piece or the other if you get too hot. Here we review a collection of products for winter snow sports.

Helly Hansen Unisex HH Lifa Merino Neck Gaiter:

Neck Gaiters are a favorite of skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. They wrap your neck like a scarf, but unlike a scarf, they don’t fall off. The Helly Hansen Unisex Gaiter is made from Merino wool, fits very comfortably, and is both moisture-wicking and warm. 

Read More: LeMieux Horsewear: Merino Sheepskin Best Sellers

Smartwool The Lid Beanie:

Comfort, warmth, and style are perfectly amalgamated in the Smartwool The Lid Beanie. Crafted from 50% Merino wool and 50% acrylic, the beanie is comfortable to wear and has a great texture due to its single-layer knit construction. A non-slip headband liner keeps the beanie securely in place. Like the HH  gaiter, this provides the moisture-wicking warmth a winter sports enthusiast needs.

Helly Hansen Unisex HH Lifa Merino Balaclava:

If you are looking for gear that fully covers your head, the Helly Hansen Unisex HH Lifa Merino Balaclava is all you need. Crafted from Merino wool, the Balaclava provides moisture-wicking warmth in a single wardrobe piece. Whether you are skiing or snowboarding, a balaclava is best for really cold days when you’re not worried about getting too warm. It’s especially good for protection against wind or for going really fast down the slopes. 

Conclusion

Today with advancements in the field of fashion, mountain-suitable head-covering options abound. There are lots of great curated collections of men’s hats and women’s hats for winter outdoor sports. If you love to ski and snowboard, a beanie and gaiter combo is a great, classic place to start. Make sure to buy a merino wool product such as those reviewed above. Merino wool is incredibly soft and warm, and wicks away water, sweat, and snow. For serious skiers and snowboarders visiting below-freezing climes, consider investing in a balaclava for an even warmer and drier choice.