Balaclava hood

The balaclava, also called ski mask or storm hood, is a combined head and neck covering that covers the entire head including nape and neck, leaving only an opening for eyes, nose and mouth. The name goes back to the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War (1854), where British soldiers wore such knitted headwear against the cold.

Structurally the balaclava is made as a circular-knit piece or as a sewn textile part. Depending on use, materials include wool, merino, fleece, Windstopper or synthetic baselayer fibres. The face opening can be one hole (eyes, nose, mouth) or separate zones (only eyes, or only eyes and mouth).

Balaclavas are standard equipment in winter sports (skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering), in military operations, in firefighting (Nomex balaclava as flame protection) and in policing. In extreme conditions they come with breathable membranes or integrated nose protection.

Compared to the classic mummy hood the balaclava is more compact and merges directly into a neck piece, while a mummy hood is usually permanently attached to a jacket. Balaclavas are worn as separate items and can be combined with helmet, hood or buff.