Long Term Report

Outdoor Research Motion Fleece Balaclava - Long Term 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 ([for heads with a circumference of] 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 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 when put on seems to want to cover my entire head except for the area from my 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 than a 100 weight fleece and feels more like 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. For a more detailed description please see my Initial Report.

Test Conditions:
    During the past six months, the balaclava has seen about three weeks worth of use, while downhill and cross-country skiing, hiking, and snowshoeing. We've definitely had a very odd winter and I've used it in temperatures ranging from just above freezing down to -35 C (in and around -38 F). Weather wise it's been mainly bluebird days with a few stormy days thrown in. As the test period has come to a close and summer has rolled in, I've found less and less opertunity, or reason, to use the balaclava, so for a more detailed look please see my Field Report.

My take on the hat:
    Overall I've found the Motion Fleece Balaclava to be a welcome addition to my layering system. Typically I find that it adds about the warmth of a wool beanie by protecting my entire head from cold and layering much better under a helmet.
    I have found the fabric, while not windproof by any means, to dull the wind slightly, to wick sweat away very well and to comfortable enough to wear all day. When used as a helmet liner the balaclava comes into its own, providing a nice amount of warmth, and some protection from the snow without impeding my hearing at all. And when used with a hoodless jacket the balaclava protects nicely against falling snow (think getting dumped on while skiing under snow-laden trees) and when worn under a hood or softshell hat, adds noticeable warmth and seems to prevent any clamminess. Lastly when worn in the sun the black fabric can get pretty warm pretty fast.
    Otherwise I really don't have that much more to say about the balaclava. Overall I really like the and the versatility the balaclava affords; it's a great as cool weather baselayer or insulation and has held up well over the past six months; while defiantly not summer gear the balaclava has it has earned its permanent place in my winter pack.

Things I like:

Nice amount of warmth.
Wicks well
Provides a bit of snow protection
Doesn’t affect my hearing.
Lots of ways to use it.
Held up well to washing

Things I dislike:

Looks a little bit dorky.
Occasionally feels claustrophobic.
Depending on how how my helmets sitting the balaclava can feel uncomfortably tight at the edges of the face opening.
Black fabric can heat up quickly in the sun.

Personal Information:
Name:	Rob Patterson
Age:	21
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:	August 4, 2005

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 climber, white-water paddler, long distance canoeist, and from time to time work as a canoe guide. In the winter I ski downhill, cross-country (skate and classic), climb (rock and ice), and do a little bit of snowshoeing.

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

Reviews > Clothing > Hats > OR Motion Fleece Balaclava > Rob Patterson > Long Term Report

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