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!

Comments

ConfusedNegi t1_ivlq4b9 wrote on November 8, 2022 at 9:51 PM

#477,274

A decent wool scarf? Or go uniclo heat tech

BeckywiththeDDs t1_ivlsdff wrote on November 8, 2022 at 10:06 PM

#477,402

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

Junior_Ad2955 t1_ivmey8p wrote on November 9, 2022 at 12:46 AM

#478,845

Duckworth is totally worth it

Fuizaidomineer OP t1_ivmw33i wrote on November 9, 2022 at 2:56 AM

#479,996

Replying to Potential_Wave_3662 (#479,811)

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!

jkrdr t1_ivmyds2 wrote on November 9, 2022 at 3:15 AM

#480,150

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

Fuizaidomineer OP t1_ivmz8bw wrote on November 9, 2022 at 3:22 AM

#480,197

Replying to jkrdr (#480,150)

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?

jkrdr t1_ivn0pn4 wrote on November 9, 2022 at 3:34 AM

#480,282

Replying to Fuizaidomineer (#480,197)

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!

Dracomies t1_ivn4lew wrote on November 9, 2022 at 4:06 AM

#480,474

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.

stereolithography t1_ivnd4y6 wrote on November 9, 2022 at 5:26 AM

#480,906

Replying to Dracomies (#480,474)

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

gravis86 t1_ivpe211 wrote on November 9, 2022 at 5:17 PM

#485,019

Replying to ConfusedNegi (#477,274)

+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!

[deleted] t1_ivrqik9 wrote on November 10, 2022 at 2:58 AM

#489,795

[deleted]

Expensive_Public3075 t1_iw1jxm1 wrote on November 12, 2022 at 5:48 AM

#507,919

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

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