Reviews > Clothing > Hats > OR Motion Fleece Balaclava > Andy Mytys > Initial Report

Outdoor Research Motion Fleece Balaclava

Initial Report

Product Information:

Manufacturer: Outdoor Research (http://www.orgear.com) Item: Motion Fleece Balaclava Year of Manufacture: 2004 MSRP: $27.00 Listed Weight: 1 oz (28 g) for a size Large Weight as Delivered: 1.3 oz (37 g) Size: Large Available Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, based on head circumference as follows:    Small:     <22 in (<56 cm)    Medium:   22-23 in (56-58.8 cm)    Large:     >23 in (>58.5 cm) Color: Black (also available in Marine) Manufactured In: USA Warranty: Covered by Outdoor Research's "Infinite Guarantee"

Product Description:

The Outdoor Research (OR) Motion Fleece Balaclava is a lightweight balaclava made of a breathable, 4-way stretch Polartec Power Stretch fabric that's designed to wick away body sweat while insulating body heat. It can be worn alone, or as a helmet liner.

Test Unit Description:

The Outdoor Research Motion Fleece Balaclava received for testing is a basic balaclava that provides full head and neck coverage, with an opening at its front that exposes my face from about the halfway point of my forehead to just under my lower lip. At its base is the company logo, sewn into the product in an "OR" pattern using raised, gray, stitching.

Fabric and Construction:

The Polartec Power Stretch fabric of the OR balaclava is comprised of a blend of fabrics that's 68% Nylon, 19% Polyester, and 13% Spandex. It has a smooth feel on its exterior, with an inner surface that's brushed, giving a look similar to that of Corduroy. Overall, the material is surprisingly thick for its weight. According to the manufacturer, the outside surface of the balaclava is resistant to wind, snow, and abrasion, while the inner layer is designed to dry fast and pull moisture away from the skin, keeping the wearer warm, dry, and comfortable. The OR balaclava also incorporates flat seam construction in its design to reduce bulk and feel comfortable when worn against the skin.

Wearing the Balaclava:

The four-way stretch characteristics of the balaclava's material allow its opening to be freely expanded, without feeling any stiff resistance from its edges. This also provides flexibility in use. The garment can be worn as a balaclava, as a neck gaiter - by moving the entire head through the face opening - or, when rolled up over the face, as a hat. The skirt over the neck is generous in size, and provides for full coverage. In fact, I can even tuck the bottom of the balaclava under the collar of a base layer worn on my torso.

Comfort:

I find that the OR Balaclava allows for a very comfortable fit - it's almost as if I'm not wearing anything on my head. There's no awkward pressure to any part of my face, even when I stretch the face opening so that it extends under my chin. The balaclava has a contoured and close fit, but at the same time the "stretch" in the material is accommodating without feeling restrictive. It fits comfortably whether I'm wearing my glasses or not, and doesn't mat down the hair on my head, which at the time is long overdue for a cut. While the weave of the material seems tight overall, I can still hear sounds around me as if nothing is being worn over my ears at all. The balaclava also feels comfortable when worn directly against my skin. I also find that its flat seam construction performs up to the manufacture's claims - I can't feel any of the seams pressing against my face when I'm wearing it.

Care and Maintenance:

The OR Motion Fleece Balaclava is machine washable in cold water, and should be drip-dried. It should not be bleached, ironed, or dry-cleaned.

Outdoor Research Website Feedback:

I found the manufacturer's website easy to navigate and, from the homepage, navigated down to the Motion Fleece Balaclava page without issue. I found the product page gave a fair description of the balaclava, including available colors and a sizing chart. Although not displayed on the screen, a printed copy of the page included a list of manufacturers that stock Outdoor Research products.

Customer Service:

The Motion Fleece Balaclava comes with OR's "Infinite Guarantee." I'm not sure what this means, and there's no mention at to specifics on either the hangtags that came with the balaclava or on OR's web site. I called the toll-free phone number listed under the "Infinite Guarantee" logo, found on a tag sewn inside the balaclava. The Customer Service representative told me that the "Infinite Guarantee" covers manufacturer and material defects for the life of the product. OR will either repair or replace the item, at their discretion.

Test Plan:

As a backpacker concerned with pack weight, I intend to use the Motion Fleece balaclava throughout the entire six-month test period.

During colder, winter conditions I will be testing the balaclava both as a standalone unit, and as a liner worn under heavier outer layers. I'm curious to see what conditions the balaclava can be worn in by itself and still keep my head warm and comfortable. Winter means snowshoeing and, due to the work involved, I find myself stripping down to just base layers, even in sub-freezing temperatures. While the cardiovascular activity levels involved in snowshoeing are enough to keep me warm, I still must protect my skin from cold winds that can cause frostbite and other cold-related issues to occur. Will the OR balaclava's material provide for adequate protection to be worn alone in such conditions? Will it be breathable enough to prevent me from feeling overheated? I'm also curious to see how the balaclava will perform when it's raised up over my mouth and I am wearing glasses. Will the result be a heavy fog on the lenses of my glasses?

As winter and spring fight for dominance, I often find myself in conditions that are both cold and wet, the moisture a factor of snowmelt, rain, sleet, and high levels of humidity in the air. How will the balaclava perform when worn while it's wet and, given the opportunity, how fast and in what conditions will it dry?

In mild conditions, the balaclava will replace my existing knit hat and neck gaiter, each of which weigh more than this single item. None of my sleeping bags have a hood, so I typically find myself sleeping with something on my head throughout the year. Pre-dawn and early morning hours can also be surprisingly chilly, even in the summertime. The OR balaclava will be my weapon of choice to combat chills in such conditions. Will it prove to be adequate for my needs?

I will also be interested to see how the balaclava performs as temperatures increase. Living in Michigan, many of the areas I hike in are along the Great Lakes. It's not uncommon for winds to pick up, bringing chilly conditions to otherwise pleasant days. On such occasions, I look for a garment that can breath well and block the wind, so that I can benefit by being protected and, at the same time, not overheat when the conditions subside. Will I be able to continue to wear the balaclava comfortably in warmer conditions or, as conditions rapidly change, will I find myself constantly putting it on and taking it off?

Durability and long-term performance will also be commented on.

Personal Biographical Information:

Reviewer: Andrew Mytys Email: amytys@gmail.com Homepage: Andy's Lightweight Backpacking Site Location: Michigan Age: 33 Gender: Male Head Circumference 23 1/4 inches (59 cm) Hat Size 7 1/2

     Backpacking Background:

I live in Michigan and have been hiking seriously for 15 years, although I've camped since I was 6 years old. I consider myself a lightweight hiker. I carry the lightest gear I can get my hands on which will provide a comfortable wilderness experience and adequately support the goals of my trip. Unless my goals are time/distance oriented, my pace is always slow. I rarely exceed 1.5 miles (2.4 km)/hour. I rest frequently, hike long days, and enjoy whatever nature throws my way.

Reviews > Clothing > Hats > OR Motion Fleece Balaclava > Andy Mytys > Initial Report