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It’s that time of year to gear up for cold weather outdoor sports and activities. Usually, we think about jackets, snow pants, hats, and gloves. While those are definitely the major players in your cold weather armor, one often overlooked and super useful item is the balaclava. The balaclava has a distinctive one-piece design that covers from the top of the head all the way down to your neck, leaving only your eyes exposed and trapping in valuable heat and warmth. It’s used by many outdoor survivalists, skiers, snowshoers, hikers, and more. Today’s balaclavas are made from high-tech, advanced materials that not only keep you warm, but wick away moisture to absorb sweating and prevent overheating while you’re outside. The options for purchasing balaclavas are numerous, so to help you narrow it down, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of some of our top choices.