Initial Report

Outdoor Research Motion Fleece Balaclava - Initial Report

Product Information:
Manufacturer:	Outdoor Research
Year of manufacture:	2004
Website:	http://www.orgear.com/
MSRP:	$27 USD
Weight:	1 oz/28 g (size L)
Weight as tested:	1 oz. size L (NOTE: my scale only measures in whole ounces)
From the Website:	This one-piece balaclava is a superb base layer, providing breathable, moisture-wicking protection for active adventures in chill conditions. Wear it as a helmet liner on long winter ridges or as a outer layer on a spring trip into the backcountry. A versatile, all-day piece that adapts to your activity, this design also functions as a neck gaiter or hat when conditions don't demand full coverage. +Motion Fleece fabric +One piece design +Works as a neck gaiter, balaclava or a hat Avg. weight: 1 oz./28g (size L) Colors Black and Marine. Sizes: S (less then 22 in, or 56 cm), M (22-23 in or, 56-58.5 cm), L (over 23 in or, 58.5 cm)

Product description:
The hat is a simple balaclava, constructed out of four panels of Motion Fleece fabric connected with flat-locked stitching. The size large is slightly roomy on my rather large (61 cm or 24 in in circumference) head and reaches just to the base of my neck. There is an embroidered 'OR' logo at the base of the hat. The hat fits well, allows excellent peripheral vision, and seems to want to cover my entire head from mid-forehead to just below my nose, but can be easily worn over my nose or under my mouth or chin. The balaclava can be easily rolled up and worn as a hat (with very little bulk), or worn as a neck gaiter. The 'Motion Fleece' fabric is considerably lighter then a 100 weight fleece and feels more line a 50 weight fleece, has a nice amount of stretch to it, is smooth on the outside and slightly fuzzy on the inside. The balaclava is comfortable to wear, moves with my head, layers well and does not interfere with my hearing.

My take on the hat:
    The hat arrived at my doorstep inside an oversized cardboard box in perfect condition, bearing a hangtag detailing the balaclava in English and French and another hangtag exposing the benefits of Polartec Power Stretch fabric. Looking at the hat, it's pretty much what I was expecting after looking at the catalogue description and I didn't find any real surprises.
    The balaclava appears to be suitable for backpacking, downhill and cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, climbing and pretty much any other cool weather sport. The balaclava appears sturdy enough to take some use but remains very light, and the fabric seems to offer a bit more warmth then a mid-weight long underwear balaclava.
    Overall the Motion Fleece Balaclava looks like a decent piece of gear.

Test Strategy:
During the next six months, I plan to use the Outdoor Research Motion Fleece balaclava while backpacking, snowshoeing, and cross-country and downhill skiing. Specifically looking at the balaclava's suitability for these sports, its usability and usefulness, as well as its general performance and comfort.

Personal Information:
Name:	Rob Patterson
Age:	20
Gender:	Male
Height:	5 feet 9 inches (1.6 m)
Weight:	150 pounds (68 kg)
Email address:	robpatterson5 <at> gmail <dot> com
Address:	Southern Ontario, Canada
Date:	December 19, 2004

Backpacking Background:
I'm an avid backpacker, and have hiked through most of Canada. Because of a number of factors I tend to use heavy to mid-weight gear but am looking at moving towards lightweight backpacking. Thus far, I've always used tents, and heavyweight backpacks. I also am an avid white-water paddler, long distance canoeist, and in the winter ski downhill, cross-country (skate and classic), climb (rock and ice), and with luck this winter I'll learn to snowshoe.

Read more reviews of Outdoor Research gear
Read more gear reviews by Robert Patterson

Reviews > Clothing > Hats > OR Motion Fleece Balaclava > Rob Patterson > Initial Report

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