[Request] BIFL Winter mask recommendations for daily student commute?

Submitted by Fuizaidomineer t3_ypzn0h in BuyItForLife

Hi all! This is my first time posting here after discovering the sub. I am an international college freshman studying in Minnesota right now. The winter is building up and I'm considering to invest in a winter mask to protect my face from the cold whenever I'm out walking from building to building or just any daily commute. The last post here similar to this was 9 years ago and it would be great to hear some updated recommendations or specific specs to look for that are suitable for my use case. I am planning to spend somewhere around US$40 but feel free to recommend to anything above that price point that is worth the price tag. Thanks!

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ConfusedNegi t1_ivlq4b9 wrote

A decent wool scarf? Or go uniclo heat tech

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gravis86 t1_ivpe211 wrote

+1 scarves are great. I have a Cashmere one (not that cost effective but oh so comfy) that I’ve been using for years and it’s the best for keeping warm.

Though if it’s really windy, Gore-Tex makes a wind-stopper material you can get face masks out of and it’s like magic. I used those on my motorcycle to keep my neck from freezing and they worked so well!

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jkrdr t1_ivmyds2 wrote

Hi, I’m also a student studying in minnesota and walk/bike to commute between classes. When I moved here from California I bought a full mask but didn’t use it once. I would recommend a nice wool/alpaca scarf instead - you can wrap it around your face and head if needed and there will be many more mild winter days where it will come in handy. If you want a mask for the drip then go for it, but if you’re looking for something that will last you forever and something you’ll use all the time, invest in a natural fiber scarf

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Fuizaidomineer OP t1_ivmz8bw wrote

I was very much on board with getting a balaclava but you changed my mind! Are there any good brands that do scarves like these?

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jkrdr t1_ivn0pn4 wrote

Gosh, if it’s wool I’m not sure you can go wrong really. I got a beautiful merino scarf I wear daily from Nordstrom rack a few years ago in your price range. My fancy one I got from an alpaca farm near Duluth where you can feed alpacas for free and find great stuff from their gift shop. Frosty Ridge Alpaca farm! Check them out lol!

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BeckywiththeDDs t1_ivlsdff wrote

I have a nice volcom one. Just don’t put that type of fabric in the dryer. google it

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Potential_Wave_3662 t1_ivmteh7 wrote

I am in the same situation and am planning on buying one of these four:

  1. Patagonia Retro Pile Fleece Gaiter: $49
  2. Arc'teryx Rho Lightweight Wool Neck Gaiter: $40
  3. Carhartt Fleece Neck Gaiter: $25
  4. TheNorthFace Neck Gaiter: $25
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Fuizaidomineer OP t1_ivmw33i wrote

I am considering the Duckworth Comet Balaclava after seeing u/Junior_Ad2955's comment. Costs $40 after coupons at time of writing. I would consider Duckworth as well as Patagonia and Arc'teryx if I had to pick any one from the list.
Edit: Considering a wool scarf now!

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Dracomies t1_ivn4lew wrote

I use the Carhartt Mens Fleece 2-in-1 Hat and it kept me warm in ice-cold temperatures in Seoul and in Whistler snowboarding.

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stereolithography t1_ivnd4y6 wrote

How's the wicking on that and how easy is it to pull down? The one I currently have doesn't wick for shit and the stasche always gets chilly on the lift towards the end of the day l

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Expensive_Public3075 t1_iw1jxm1 wrote

A merino wool Buff is always a good choice, a little less fussy than a scarf but not as thick. Doesn't tend to accumulate moisture either

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