Janus Wool Norse Merino Wool Ski Mask Balaclava Developed for NATO Windproof Liner Black

My husband wore it under his wool hat in Fairbanks, AK where it was below 0º and he liked it a lot. It is soft, easy to put on and off, and also a good insulator. Read more

I got this for my morning walks. It's been around 15-20F here lately and I've taken it skiing a couple weekends too. The merino is soft. Like, zero itch. I wasn't sure what to expect for $29.99 but the wool feels legit. It's thin enough that you forget you're wearing it, and it breathes way better than the synthetic ones I've tried before. The seams are flat (flatlock I think they call it) so nothing digs in, and the eye opening has a double layer that keeps its shape pretty well. It's long enough to tuck into your jacket collar too, which I like because wind coming up around your neck is the worst. I've washed it twice so far, cold water in a delicates bag, no issues. I hang dry it because I don't trust wool in the dryer. The fit though. It runs big. The product photos make it look snug but there are gaps on the sides of my face where cold air gets in. The nose part slides down too. I have a pretty average sized head and I still have to mess with it. It's way better under my ski helmet where the helmet kind of presses everything against your face. On its own for a walk? You're going to be adjusting it. Also the listing says something about a "windproof liner" but there's no liner. It's one layer. It does block some wind on its own but it's not the same as something actually windproof. Felt a little misled by that. The seam that runs down the chin and across the upper lip area felt weird the first time I put it on. I have a beard so it stopped bothering me fast, but if you're clean shaven it might bug you more. For $30 this is good merino. The wool is nice, the stitching is good, I'd buy it again. But I'd size down if they had a small, or at least know going in that it fits loose. If you're relying on it by itself on a windy day you're going to feel those gaps around the sides of your face. Read more

Warm and comfortable, the only drawback was the guy was oversized. Read more

Janus Wool - Norse Merino Balaclava - Wool Face Mask - Windproof Liner - Black (ASIN : B0FW6TD2B3) With the current exchange rate, this under-$30 price looks like an excellent value for this balaclava. This merino wool is very fine 220 merino yarn, and is so soft. The flatlock seaming is very comfortable, with no added bulk in the body or bottom hem. The face opening is double layered of the same knit fabric, is nonirritating, and doesn't seem to shift much during activities. The bottom hem reached to just below my collar bones, and I can tuck it into my shirt or jacket so it stays put. Because the fabric is so thin, it breathes well, so I don't get overheated. It's good as a base layer, and they market it more as a liner - I do still feel I need a hat over it to hold the heat in more, but you could wear it alone. Naturally, I got this after our long, long subzero cold snap ended, so I've only been able to judge it for temps in the high teens (F) and above, with no lower temps in the foreseeable future. The balaclava was designed in Norway, but actually made in Romania, like many of the other Janus wool items I've gotten. I believe the wool is raised, harvested, and spun into yarn in Norway, and most of their fabric is knit there. The company has been in business for 130 years, so they know what they are doing when it comes to wool goods and winter wear. ]:) Det er veldig bra! Tusen takk. Read more

The Janus Wool Norse Merino Balaclava is a solid choice for winter and outdoor activities. The merino wool material feels soft against the skin and offers excellent insulation without feeling bulky. It does a good job of keeping cold air out while still letting moisture escape, which is helpful during activities like skiing, hiking, or even commuting in chilly weather. The windproof liner adds a noticeable layer of protection on blustery days, and the coverage extends well over the neck and around the face, reducing the need for extra layers. Breathability is good, and it doesn’t trap heat uncomfortably, even when moving quickly or layering under a helmet. The fit is snug but not too tight, allowing comfortable wear for extended periods without irritation. The black color is versatile and goes with most outdoor gear. From a value for the money perspective, this balaclava feels well made and effective for cold-weather protection. If you’re looking for reliable warmth and breathability in a winter mask, this one delivers strong performance at a reasonable price. Read more

This is true janus quality! So pleased with this merino wool balaclava - wool has such a warm, comfortable breathability to it and is so hard to find in garments these days. It is a blend, but 80% wool is still a sufficient percentage. It's a little larger than I expected, but then I do have a small head for an adult woman. I would not have liked it to be tight, though, so that is fine. There are no itchy seams or loose threads. Great quality materials and good craftsmanship. Seems like it will last a long time with proper care. Read more

Very nice, very soft, very warm. Only got to use it about a week before the weather started warming up but loved it for that week when it was still cold. Read more