The Best Face Coverings for Skiing & Snowboarding of 2024-2025

Donning one of the best face coverings available makes staying comfortable in changing conditions easier for skiers and snowboarders. We tested the best face coverings to find the top options that will keep your neck and ears (and sometimes more) warm and protected so you can stay out longer and enjoy all winter has to offer.

Writer, skier, and gear-tester extraordinaire Carolyne Whelan has tested outdoor apparel for the past decade. She’s tried everything from cycling bibs to rain jackets to the warmest winter gear. For a person who doesn’t particularly enjoy winter, she’s long lived in cold winter climates and is on the forever quest for comfort while leaning into the best her location offers.

While testing these face coverings, she spent hours in the mountains and parks around Montana, Idaho, and northern New Mexico. She tried them on Nordic trails, windy mountain passes, balmy local ski lifts, and backcountry ski tours with her much more skilled friends. She also shared these face coverings with other avid skiers to gain different perspectives and a fuller picture of what makes these coverings shine.

We understand that finding the best face covering for your needs can be challenging without trying various options in person. That’s why we have taken out the guesswork for you. Whether you’re looking for a budget option like the Buff Merino Move or a top performer like the Turtle Fur Quantum Luxe Balaclava, we have you covered.

Scroll through to see all of our recommendations for every need and budget. Check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide and comparison chart at the end of our list. If you have any questions, look at our list of frequently asked questions.

The Best Face Coverings for Skiing & Snowboarding

Best Overall Face Covering for Skiing & Snowboarding: Turtle Fur Quantum Luxe Balaclava
Best Budget Face Covering for Skiing & Snowboarding: Buff Merino Move Multifunctional Neckwear
Best Face Covering for Skiing & Snowboarding in Extreme Cold: REI Wind Pro Hinged Balaclava
Most Breathable Face Covering for Skiing & Snowboarding: Buff Mountain Bandana

Specs

Price: $40
Material: 77% polyester/18% rayon/5% spandex
Coverage: Full head and neck coverage, possible chin and mouth coverage
Best For: Nordic & alpine skiing, snowshoeing

Pros

Quick-dry, breathable material
UPF 50+ fabric to protect against UV rays
Super cozy microfleece lining
Hood can peel back to wear as a neck gaiter if too hot

Cons

Hood can ride low on forehead
Fit may be too big or small depending on head size
Not windproof or waterproof

The Turtle Fur Quantum Luxe Balaclava ($40) is a cozy head covering that is comfortable and versatile for all-day use in most conditions. We loved how easy it was to pull up the front face covering to protect the lower part of our face, especially since the unique hinge design also allowed that part to scrunch down out of the way for more breathability.

Similarly, we appreciated the option to either keep in heat and cover our ears by wearing the hood up or pulling it back out of the way. Plus, it was comfortable when we pulled it back and gave no choking sensations like others we’ve tried.

What really shines for this balaclava is how comfortable it is to wear. This incredibly soft fleece with reinforced seams feels durable without irritating edges. The front is double-lined for extra warmth as you fly down the mountain, but the single-layer hood means it doesn’t feel bulky or claustrophobic, whether worn up or down. The neck in the front also comes down long enough to stay tucked under a jacket and provide coverage even when you don’t zip your coat to the top.

While the Quantum Luxe balaclava is breathable enough for all-day comfort, the double-layer face covering can be challenging to breathe through if you are huffing and puffing, which happens to us when we’re skate-skiing uphill. Unless it’s dangerously cold out, the option to keep the covering around or under your chin during moments of exertion is a significant bonus.

It also isn’t waterproof, so if the weather suddenly turns and it starts raining or snowing, especially heavy flakes, this face covering could get wet and cold. However, it does dry quickly, so it won’t ruin the rest of your snow time if it gets wet.

This balaclava also comes in one size, so keep that in mind if you have an especially large or small head. One reviewer felt the hood fit a bit loosely and potentially blocked vision without frequent adjustment, while another felt that by the end of a long day with the hood up, it felt a bit tight on a pressure point, especially when wearing goggles.

The Turtle Fur Quantum Luxe fits under a helmet, and its breathability means that even though you can quickly push the hood on and off, you likely won’t need to. Because of this, it shines as the best overall face covering due to its comfort, versatility, and breathability.

Specs

Price: $32
Material: 91% Merino wool, 8% polyamide, 1% elastane
Coverage: Full neck, face covering (when pulled up), possible head coverage
Best For: Nordic & alpine skiing, everyday wear, snowshoeing

Pros

Versatile
Quick-dry, breathable material
Stylish for everyday wear and après hangs
Antimicrobial Merino wool (91%)
Comfortable when worn like a neck gaiter

Cons

Thin material not very warm if not bunched up
Not waterproof or windproof
Not the most comfortable if worn like a balaclava

Buff is the quintessential brand name for versatile neck and head coverings, and the Buff Merino Move Multifunctional Neckwear ($32) is likely the item that comes to mind when people think of Buff. And for a good reason: we wore this comfortable, stylish, and virtually endlessly versatile item starting when the first leaf changed color through to when public pools opened, and it more or less always made sense.

We wore it in extremely varied situations: with a tank top for a bit of coziness when we wanted autumn to hurry up and get here already, with a denim jacket when the sunset temps dropped to 40 degrees, and in the heart of winter with a coat and hat to make snow angels.

More importantly, we loved all the ways we could wear it. You can pull it up over your ears, wear it as a full face covering, turn it into a hat, and pull it like a tube over the top of your head down past your neck so just your face is exposed. Fold it over a few times to create heat-holding layers in its soft Merino wool, or stretch and fluff it to allow maximum breathability. The Buff Move is the Swiss army knife of apparel and a potential lifesaver if you find yourself ill-equipped for the elements.

It’s no substitute for a proper hat, and the loose fit of this style Buff, when worn around the neck, can let out some important body heat if not properly fashioned. The loose knit is great for temperate weather but less ideal for extreme temperatures or weather. Depending on where you ski, this may be the best item you purchase or leave you wanting more — at least more layers.

However, even here in Montana, we use the Buff Move a ton, and we leave an extra one in our backpack as an emergency extra layer. It has come in handy when we’ve needed to seal up the neck of a coat or jacket, pull up some chin or ear coverage, or create a head base layer under our hood or helmet when the temps have suddenly dipped, or the clouds roll in unexpectedly.

Specs

Price: $40
Material: 94% polyester, 6% spandex
Coverage: Full neck, head, and face covering (when paired with goggles)
Best Use: Alpine skiing, extreme conditions

Pros

Great coverage
Moisture-wicking quick-dry fleece
Windproof and water-resistant
Hinge allows for some adjustment while maintaining full coverage

Cons

Can fit a bit baggy on some heads
Baggy fit can impair vision, cause excessive movement

Whether from inclement weather, high altitude, or carving fresh paths in the backcountry after snowfall, a wet or windy climate calls for increased protection from the elements. REI’s Wind Pro Hinged Balaclava ($40) is a fantastic option for those days when simply pulling your neck gaiter over your nose just won’t do. While many ski face coverings offer warmth and shield you from direct interaction with the harshest elements, wind and precipitation can cut through many materials, allowing the cold in.

This balaclava has Polartec Wind Pro fleece, which combines knitting technique, fabric, and chemical-free finishing style to create a tightly woven protection against wind and precipitation while maintaining breathability. It isn’t waterproof, and you can’t dunk your head in an ice bath while wearing it and stay dry, but it will keep you comfortable when riding through blower pow. The neck offers ample coverage, so there isn’t a massive risk of catching an edge and getting a face full of snow from your collar.

We especially appreciated the versatility of the hinge on this face covering. It allowed for adjustability in all situations so we could expose our faces to get fresh air or a drink. We also could easily pull it up high for maximum coverage.

The “one size” is sized to fit heads with a 21.5-23.5-inch circumference, but we found this balaclava fits best on skiers whose heads were closer to the larger side of that spectrum. Because it runs a bit big, we often had to fiddle with the face covering to keep the forehead fabric from covering our eyes without exposing the hairline.

The Wind Pro Hinged Balaclava may be a bit overbuilt for a mild season, shoulder season snow seshes, or the average nice day in the mountains. But, if you’re going to be out after the sun sets (or before it rises) and the cold wind picks up, or up high where you’re more exposed, this breathable, high-coverage balaclava is a fantastic option to stay safe and comfortable.

Specs

Price: $35
Material: 49% polyester, 44%, recycled polyester, 7% elastane
Coverage: Neck, face
Best For: Mild conditions, layering in cold conditions, skinning, skate-skiing

Pros

Comfortable to wear
Highly breathable mouth area
Soft fleece neck area
Easy to transition to après wear

Cons

No covering for back of neck, ears, head
Not waterproof or windproof

The Buff Mountain Bandana ($35) is a stylish, easy-to-wear face covering ideal for versatile climates. Whether you are skinning up the backside of a mountain on a cold dawn patrol session and need protection from the cold air while you huff up the mountain, are Nordic skiing your favorite national forest with your best friend and want to cover your nose for protection but still pull down your mask fast enough to say, “you told him what?!”, or are on a full moon snowshoe on a pass known for exceptional wind, this bandana answers many needs in one simple design.

This style can be especially helpful if you aren’t comfortable having a stationary covering on your head or fabric over your ears or if you would rather wear a hat or the hood of your sweatshirt or coat. We also loved wearing it “cowboy style” around our neck; its soft fleece provided protection against the cold and wind. When it was especially brutal out, we also wore it pulled up over our mouth and nose and even covered most of our ears if we needed some sudden extra protection.

While we lose a good amount of heat from the top of our heads (though not as much as previously assumed), there are plenty of other options for head coverings out there, a few of which you likely already have in your winter gear stash. However, if you don’t usually wear a winter hat or a hood, you may find the Mountain Bandana lacking the necessary coverage.

It also isn’t waterproof, though the upper part is quick drying so the condensation from our breath didn’t stick around and make us colder — a smart choice for an item designed specifically around being worn over our mouth and nose.

What the Mountain Bandana lacks in the top parts, it makes up for in the bottom design. The tired and true bandana style covers the neck and cheek area very well without bunching up. Because the fleece is thick, more fabric would not only be uncomfortable if it were to bunch up, but also it could likely cause it to get pushed out from under a coat. The pointed design prevented that from happening, which meant we stayed warmer.

Most so-called breathable materials are breathable enough to let sweat evaporate. But this often comes with a trade-off; they can be very restrictive, and we often need to pull them away from our faces during harder efforts (or at least to uncover our noses). This bandana is different, however, because you can actually breathe with it on. It protects and covers well enough to keep your nose intact without sacrificing your cold nose to the suffocation gods.

Specs

Price: $40
Material: 100% Merino wool
Coverage: Neck coverage
Best For: Snowshoeing, Nordic & bluebird alpine skiing

Pros

Quick-dry, breathable material
Naturally antimicrobial fibers appropriate for sensitive skin
Simple design works well for layering and pairing with other favorite gear
Warm

Cons

Only covers neck
No front coverage beyond neck so cold can get in underneath
Snug fit can feel constricting especially with prolonged wear

Smartwool is known for its consistently high-quality Merino wool products, and the Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Neck Gaiter ($32) is no exception. At a reasonable price, this neck gaiter is a great option to keep stored in your pocket, glove compartment, or ski bag as an emergency layer when the weather shifts or you realize too late that your ski jacket doesn’t offer as much neck coverage as you thought.

While this neck gaiter is short and simple, the double-layered, tight-knit fabric is incredibly warm. Like all Merino wool gear, it’s breathable and dries fairly quickly, so it works great pulled up over your face in a pinch.

This gaiter can feel tight, which can be restrictive if you don’t like turtlenecks or have a larger neck circumference. At roughly 8.5 inches wide lying flat, just one size is available, but it isn’t one size fits all.

Unlike some other neck coverings, there is no additional fabric to cover our lower neck or chest, which means it did let in cold when our jacket wasn’t cinched up properly. In contrast, this lack of fabric means we could get relief from the tight neck covering’s equally tight weave by unzipping our coat.

The Smartwool Reversible Neck Gaiter might feel tight to some wearers, but for others, that just means it’s not bulky and is an easy and versatile item for a variety of weather conditions. While it’s just a small neck gaiter (10.25″ long) that doesn’t include a hood, it provides a surprising amount of warmth. Plus, since it’s reversible, you can change your look with a simple flip of the fabric.

Whether you’re enjoying the last bits of spring snow on the nordic trails or bombing down a double black diamond on a cold winter day, this simple additional layer is a solid option to build up an outfit for any conditions.

Specs

Price: $38
Material: Shell: 80% nylon, 17% elastane, 3% other fiber/Lining: 95% polyester, 5% elastane
Coverage: Full neck, face covering (when pulled up), head coverage
Best For: Alpine skiing

Pros

Thin material fits well under helmet & goggles
Fits well without moving around
Freeze-resistant TREO fabric technology
Wind resistant
UPF 50+ rated UV protection

Cons

Synthetic material can hold onto odors if not washed after use
Thin material not sufficient for extreme cold conditions (negative temps)

This thin, high-coverage Hood Balaclava from Blackstrap ($38) is the perfect solution for people who want a layer of protection to wear under their helmet or hood and goggles. The synthetic material provides wind and sun protection and doesn’t bunch up when worn under other apparel. It’s also breathable and dries quickly, so it doesn’t cause condensation on goggles or problems with freezing or suffocation from moisture.

The front inside panel is made of a polyester mesh lining, which helps with drying and wind protection. Because it’s so thin and lightweight, it’s comfortable enough for all-day riding, making it an ideal balaclava for lift-accessed skiing and snowboarding. It also has a hinge design on the facepiece.

Thanks to a solid design, we were able to keep our gloves on and easily pull down the bottom part to fully expose our face when the sun came out or temps warmed up. We also were able to take the balaclava off completely without having to remove any of our many layers.

Like other synthetic sportswear, such as cycling jerseys or basketball shorts, this balaclava wicks moisture to keep you dry and comfortable. However, it can also potentially hold onto odor-causing bacteria. So, it’s important to wash this item regularly and not let it sit in your duffel, lest you have a rather uncomfortable run the next time you head to the slopes.

This thin material was the perfect layer when we went out in temperate conditions. It did a fantastic job of protecting against sudden gusts of wind, but when testing it on the more frigid winter days, we found ourselves wishing for an additional layer. When we wore it on truly cold days, this balaclava was only warm enough when we were nordic skiing uphill fast enough to break a significant sweat.

Unfortunately, at this point, the balaclava was also cold because while it did breathe great and was genuinely quick-drying, it still became damp from the level of exertion it took to get warm.

The Blackstrap Hood Balaclava was a great option for the vast majority of conditions and especially shined when alpine skiing. It protected well against sun reflecting off the snow and was generally comfortable enough to wear all day without feeling claustrophobic, sweaty, or overheating.

The Best Face Coverings Comparison Chart

Face Covering	Price	Material	Coverage	Best For
Turtle Fur Quantum Luxe Balaclava	$40	77% polyester/18% rayon/5% spandex	Full head and neck coverage, possible chin and mouth coverage	Nordic & alpine skiing, snowshoeing
Buff Move Multifunctional Neckwear	$32	91% merino wool, 8% polyamide, 1% elastane	Full neck, face covering (when pulled up), possible head coverage	Nordic & alpine skiing, everyday wear, snowshoeing
REI Wind Pro Hinged Balaclava	$40	94% polyester, 6% spandex	Full neck, head, and face covering (when paired with goggles)	Alpine skiing, extreme conditions
Buff Mountain Bandana	$35	49% polyester, 44%, recycled polyester, 7% elastane	Neck, face	Mild conditions, layering in cold conditions, skinning, skate-skiing
Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Neck Gaiter	$32	100% merino wool	Neck coverage	Snowshoeing, Nordic & bluebird alpine skiing
Blackstrap Hood Balaclava	$38	Shell: 80% nylon, 17% elastane, 3% other fiber/Lining: 95% polyester, 5% elastane	Full neck, face covering (when pulled up), head coverage	Alpine skiing

Face coverings come in all shapes, sizes and weights. We tested the best so you can choose wisely; (photo/Carolyne Whelan)

How We Tested the Best Face Coverings for Skiing & Snowboarding

Here at GearJunkie, we are dedicated athletes, outdoor hobbyists, and all-around adventure aficionados all year long. When winter sets in, we gleefully trade in our adventure sandals for ski boots and continue having fun on the same trails we hiked and biked. It may be skis and snowboards accompanying us up for the lift instead of mountain bikes, but the stoke remains the same.

Our Expert Testers

While testing these face coverings, she spent hours in the mountains and parks around Montana, Idaho, and northern New Mexico. She tried them on nordic trails, windy mountain passes, balmy local ski lifts, and backcountry ski tours with her much more skilled friends. She also shared these face coverings with other avid skiers to gain different perspectives and a fuller picture of what makes these coverings shine.

Our Testing Grounds and Process

To test these ski face coverings, we spent the winter months alpine skiing, nordic skiing, and snowshoeing all around Montana, Idaho, and northern New Mexico. We spent days out in the brightest sun our goggles could handle, the darkest afternoons trying to beat the dark clouds that were racing us back to the trailhead, and plenty of nights out with the stars and clouds swirling around the full (or full-enough) moon. Many times, we swapped face coverings multiple times on the same day to see how different coverings handled the same conditions.

Whether pushing through uncomfortably frigid testing conditions or chasing the last patches of late-season snow as it melted from our favorite trails, there were plenty of opportunities to test gear in a variety of conditions to see where different items truly shined and when they just weren’t the best design for the job.

Overall, our team put in hundreds of miles testing these ski face coverings. We chased the snow, explored new areas, shared the trail with teams of sled dogs and sled dogs in training, and crossed time zones on skis to give the most well-informed reviews possible of the best gear out there to protect your neck, face, and head from the harshes and mildest conditions.

We pushed through frigid temps and stayed happy and warm (so you can, too) while testing face coverings to meet all your needs; (photo/Carolyn Whelan)

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Face Coverings for Skiing & Snowboarding

In some areas of the world, winter is the longest season with the shortest days. The best way to pass the time is to lean into the spirit of things and work with the seasons, not against them. Whether you’re lucky enough to live in such a place or just visiting for vacation, it’s important to properly protect yourself against the elements. Just like the killer bunny from Monty Python, snow may look soft and fluffy, but it can kill you without the proper precautions.

With so many options for ski face coverings out there, which one works best for you will depend on your specific needs. Use this guide to help comb through the jargon and find the best fit for your ski trip. And don’t forget that comfort and safety is a head-to-toe matter — check out our guide to the best ski socks of 2024 to make sure your feet stay just as dry and cozy as your cheeks.

What Activity Will You Use It For?

One of the most important questions to ask yourself is: What sort of skiing or recreating am I planning on doing, and what other gear will I be wearing while I do this? Nordic skiing and skinning up a mountain while backcountry skiing require a lot of lung power, especially at higher altitudes.

Snowshoeing, meanwhile, is a hard workout, but the intensity can be controlled as it’s easier to change pace as needed. While, of course, downhill skiers and snowboarders also need a level of breathability, your heart and lungs aren’t typically pumping as intensely as other pursuits, so you may not need as much. Downhill skiers will instead want to prioritize an option like the Hood Balaclava from Blackstrap, which works well under a helmet and goggles.

The **Blackstrap** **Hood Balaclava** is the perfect solution for people who want a layer of protection to wear under their helmet or hood and goggles. (photo/Carolyne Whelan)

Materials

Some people have general preferences for certain materials, whether synthetic or natural, and that can be an easy place to start. The simple but effective Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Neck Gaiter will be guaranteed to be made of, you guessed it, wool (just like all its products) products, and the Buff Merino Move Multifunctional Neckwear is also merino wool.

Wool keeps you warm even when wet, so that’s an advantage when recreating in winter. Synthetic coverings like the Turtle Fur Quantum Luxe Balaclava offer different benefits like cozy fleece or high breathability. In addition to the type of fabric, thickness, and breathability are critical considerations as well. What works best for you will largely be dependent on the conditions you expect to face and the activities you’ll be doing most often.

Whichever material you choose should have enough elasticity to accommodate a wide range of head sizes and shapes. A flexible fit ensures that the mask can adapt to your movements and maintain its position, whether you’re glancing down at your feet or looking up at the lift line. This adaptability is crucial for both comfort and maintaining visibility.

The simple, elegant design of the Smartwool Thermal Reversible Neck Gaiter; makes it excellent for active pursuits; (photo/Carolyne Whelan)

Coverage & Design

When buying a ski or snowboard mask, consider if you want a full head covering or simply a neck gaiter or face cover. The most effective face covering for skiing or snowboarding should cover critical areas exposed to the elements, including the neck, chin, cheeks, and sometimes the nose. Yet, it’s essential that the mask does not interfere with your helmet or goggles.

We recommend trying on your face covering while wearing your other accessories. Check that the bottom of the mask tucks under your jacket collar to keep out drafts and that there’s a seamless interface with your goggles to avoid fogging and ensure a wide field of vision.

Other important factors include fit and versatility, such as the ability to be worn over the whole head or only the face or neck with a transformation. For a balance between full coverage and breathability, the Turtle Fur Quantum Luxe Balaclava stands out as the best overall face covering. Made from a blend of polyester, rayon, and spandex, it offers full head and neck coverage, with the possibility of chin and mouth coverage as well.

It’s particularly suited for both alpine and nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and more. The microfleece lining is super cozy, and the hood can be peeled back to wear as a neck gaiter if it gets too hot, giving you the best of all worlds.

Our best overall pic, the **Turtle Fur Quantum Luxe Balaclava,** delivers as much or as little coverage as the situation calls for; (photo/Carolyne Whelan)

Breathability

When selecting the best face covering for skiing, breathability stands out as a key factor for both comfort and functionality on the slopes. While a snug fit is crucial, the mask must also allow for comfortable breathing, especially during rigorous activity.

Look for models with venting options or breathable materials, particularly around the mouth and nose, to prevent moisture buildup inside the mask that can lead to dampness and cold. One standout option is the Buff Mountain Bandana. This bandana-style covering offers a unique blend of functionality and style, making it a great choice for skiers who prioritize ease of breathing without sacrificing protection from the cold.

When you’re super active in freezing temps, reach for a breathable face covering like the **Buff Mountain Bandana;** (photo/Carolyne Whelan)

Weather

There are lots of factors to consider when deciding what sort of coverage is best for you, and an important place to start is what sort of weather conditions you expect. Depending on where you’ll be skiing or recreating, you may need full protection from high winds and extreme cold, or you may benefit from more breathability and the ability to shed layers easily.

Altitude can also be a factor, as the sun is less filtered, yet the thin air also means it can be harder to breathe. For face, check, and neck coverage, the Buff Mountain Bandana, while the REI Wind Pro Hinged Balaclava provides full coverage for the most brutal conditions.

best face coverings ski & snowboarding — On super cold, windy days, the **REI Pro Hinged Balaclava** is your best best; (photo/Carolyne Whelan)

Fit

When choosing a face covering for skiing or snowboarding, fit is paramount for ensuring comfort, functionality, and protection from the cold. A well-fitted ski mask should conform snugly to the contours of your face and head without being too tight or overly loose.

Look for a face covering that securely hugs your face and head. It should sit comfortably without any gaps where cold air can sneak in. However, be wary of coverings that feel too tight, as they can restrict breathing or cause discomfort, especially when worn for extended periods.

Adjustability

Some face coverings come with adjustable features, such as drawstrings, Velcro straps, or flexible nose bridges, allowing wearers to tailor the fit to their specific needs. This customizability is particularly valuable for achieving the right balance between snugness and comfort. For those facing extremely cold conditions, the REI Wind Pro Hinged Balaclava is a highly flexible choice.

While it is designed more for extreme cold rather than prioritizing breathability, its hinged design allows for flexibility in how you wear it, giving you the option to uncover your mouth and nose for easier breathing when conditions permit. The iconic Merino Move Multifunctional Neckwear from Buff is also an extremely versatile option since it can be worn a wide range of ways and it works for widely varying conditions.

Keep smilin’ no matter what the weather by choosing wisely when it comes to a face covering; (photo/Carolyne Whelan)

Frequently Asked Questions

A face covering should fit loosely around the face with plenty of fabric to move up and over the ears. Balaclavas should fit snug enough around your head and face that they don’t move around as you move your head or slide in front of your eyes, but loose enough that they don’t constrict movement.

Neck gaiters should pull securely around your chin and nose if lifted but bunch comfortably around the neck when worn as a gaiter. Depending on use and weather conditions, you may want something that fits snug around your neck to prevent cold air or snow from getting in, or something that is more loose-fit to allow for ventilation on a warmer ski day or when exerting yourself.

None of the masks we reviewed are cotton, and for good reason. Cotton retains moisture, which means it can freeze your breath. It can also collect snow and work against you when your body is trying to stay warm.

Whether you desire a synthetic blend of polyester and spandex fabrics or merino wool is a personal choice, keeping in mind that merino wool is great for breathability and its antimicrobial nature allows it to dry quickly and not get stinky, while synthetic materials can be combined and woven in ways that can better block against wind and external moisture like snow.

When in doubt, doubling up and either carrying an alternative in your backpack or wearing them as layers, such as a Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Neck Gaiter over a Blackstrap Hood Balaclava, is never a poor option, budget-dependent.