Balaclavas

Stay Warm in the Cold with a Balaclava

Balaclavas are becoming more and more popular in industry where workers are in need of face protection from the cold.  They are similar to ski masks that cover the whole head which expose only part of the face, including the eyes or eyes and face.  They originated in the Ukraine in a town called Balaclava and have since been applied to all sorts of industry, including military, firefighting, race car drivers, motorcyclists, and for outdoor winter sports activities. Balaclavas are used as helmet liners for the military and firefighters and are available in flame resistant material that protects from fire and flames in the cold. They are also known as Nomex Hoods and can be worn in response to a fire with SCBA gear.  It covers the head and neck and the SCBA coveris the face which reduces the risk of potentially fatal burns to the face, scalp, neck and upper back.  They are versatile and can be worn just around the neck, as a cap, cover the neck jaw and head, covering the head except for the eyes and nose, or just leaving the eyes exposed.