Under Armour makes several balaclavas, and they are built for very different conditions. Picking the wrong one means a thin summer liner in a blizzard or a fleece hood on a hot ride.
We compared Under Armour’s main balaclavas and added a few alternatives from other athletic brands.
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Quick Picks
- Best Under Armour for cold: Under Armour Storm ColdGear Balaclava
- Best Under Armour convertible: Under Armour Storm Sport Balaclava
- Best Under Armour lightweight: Under Armour HeatGear Tactical Balaclava
- Best Nike alternative: Nike Hyperwarm Balaclava
- Best adidas alternative: adidas Alphaskin Balaclava
- Best for snowmobiling: KLIM Covert Balaclava
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Type | Standout feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under Armour Storm ColdGear Balaclava | Best Under Armour for cold | Brushed fleece | Water-repellent UA Storm | View |
| Under Armour Storm Sport Balaclava | Best Under Armour convertible | Dual-layer | Converts to neck gaiter | View |
| Under Armour HeatGear Tactical Balaclava | Best Under Armour lightweight | Lightweight | 4-way stretch, extends below neck | View |
| Nike Hyperwarm Balaclava | Best Nike alternative | Therma-FIT | Flat seams under helmets | View |
| adidas Alphaskin Balaclava | Best adidas alternative | Fleece-lined | Mesh front panel | View |
| KLIM Covert Balaclava | Best for snowmobiling | GORE-TEX Infinium | Windstopper on neck, chest, forehead | View |
Detailed Reviews
1. Under Armour Storm ColdGear Balaclava
1Under Armour’s Storm ColdGear balaclava combines water-repellent UA Storm fabric with a brushed fleece interior and ColdGear Infrared, a thermo-conductive coating designed to absorb and hold body heat.
The result is a warm, soft, fairly thin balaclava that sheds snow and light moisture. It is a great everyday winter choice for skiing, running and outdoor work.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Water-repellent outer
- Brushed fleece inside
- Infrared heat-retaining coating
Watch out for
- Premium brand pricing
- Fewer face-opening options
Key Specs
- Tech: UA Storm, ColdGear Infrared
- Lining: brushed fleece
- Use: skiing, running, work
2. Under Armour Storm Sport Balaclava
2The Storm Sport balaclava uses dual-layer ColdGear fabric with a brushed interior and smooth, fast-drying exterior, plus UA Storm water repellency.
It converts to a neck gaiter when you pull the hood down, which makes it one of the most flexible balaclavas for skiing, snowboarding and winter running.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Dual-layer warmth
- Converts to a gaiter
- Wicks sweat and dries fast
Watch out for
- Premium pricing
- Conversion loosens hood fit slightly
Key Specs
- Fabric: dual-layer ColdGear
- Tech: UA Storm
- Convertible: yes, neck gaiter
3. Under Armour HeatGear Tactical Balaclava
3The HeatGear Tactical is Under Armour’s lightweight balaclava. Four-way stretch fabric gives full head and face coverage and extends below the neckline, and it is thin enough for helmets in warm weather.
Under Armour warns that it can melt in extreme heat or open flame, so it is not for fire-adjacent work. For riding, shooting, airsoft and summer sun, it is a light, comfortable option.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Light and thin
- 4-way stretch fit
- Coverage below the neckline
Watch out for
- Not flame resistant
- Little warmth
Key Specs
- Weight: lightweight HeatGear
- Fabric: 4-way stretch
- Coverage: full head, below neckline
- Warning: melts near flame (brand)
4Nike’s balaclava uses Therma-FIT fabric for heat retention and flat seams that lie smooth against the head, so it is comfortable under a helmet.
It offers full facial coverage below the neckline and is a favorite for football, skiing and winter training.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Therma-FIT warmth
- Flat seams
- Form fitting
Watch out for
- Form fit is tight on some
- No breathing panel
Key Specs
- Fabric: Therma-FIT
- Seams: flat
- Coverage: full face, below neck
5adidas’ Alphaskin balaclava has a fleece lining for warmth and a mesh front panel that keeps air moving to manage moisture.
It is designed for winter runs, ski days, cycling and training, and it stays put during hard efforts.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Fleece lining
- Mesh front panel
- Stays put during sport
Watch out for
- Basic face opening
- Brand pricing
Key Specs
- Lining: fleece
- Breathing: mesh front
- Use: running, skiing, training
6KLIM designed the Covert specifically for snowmobiling. GORE-TEX Infinium with Windstopper technology is mapped across the neck, chest and forehead to block wind at high speed, while Coolmax fabric on the head wicks sweat.
It is the most technical balaclava in our lineup and the one we would choose for fast trail riding in deep cold.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Windstopper where wind hits
- Coolmax wicking on the head
- Made for snowmobile helmets
Watch out for
- Premium pricing
- Specialized design
Key Specs
- Wind: GORE-TEX Infinium Windstopper
- Wicking: Coolmax head
- Use: snowmobiling
How We Chose
We compared fabrics, fit, coverage and features across more than 50 listings, then read verified owner feedback to find comfort and durability issues that spec sheets miss. We did not receive free products, and we do not claim hands-on testing. TOR Scores combine published specs, verified owner feedback and overall value.
How to Choose a Balaclava
A balaclava covers your head, ears, neck and most of your face in one piece, so there are no gaps for wind to sneak through between a hat, a scarf and a collar. The right one depends on how cold it is, how hard you are working, and what you wear on top of it.
- Fabric weight. Thin polyester or merino liners fit under helmets and suit high-output sports. Fleece and double-layer designs trap more heat for standing around, lift lines and riding.
- Face opening. Single-hole designs are simplest. Hinged or convertible designs let you drop the face section when you are warm, eat or talk.
- Breathing panel. Mesh or perforated panels over the mouth and nose let moisture escape, which cuts goggle and glasses fog.
- Fit under a helmet. Flat seams and thin fabric over the crown avoid pressure points.
- Neck length. A longer neck tucks into your jacket so cold air cannot sneak in at the collar.
Balaclava vs Neck Gaiter
A neck gaiter is a tube that covers your neck and can be pulled up over your face. A balaclava also covers your head and ears and holds the face section in place.
- Choose a balaclava for deep cold, high wind, skiing, snowmobiling and anything where your ears need cover under a helmet.
- Choose a neck gaiter for mild cold, running, hiking and sun protection, where you want to pull fabric up and down often.
- Convertible designs give you both: a balaclava that works as a gaiter when the hood is down.
Many people own both: a gaiter for mild days and a balaclava for really cold or windy ones.
Under Armour Tech Explained
ColdGear is Under Armour’s cold-weather fabric family, usually with a brushed, warm interior. ColdGear Infrared adds a thermo-conductive coating designed to absorb and retain body heat. UA Storm is a water-repellent finish that sheds snow and light rain while staying breathable. HeatGear is the lightweight warm-weather family. In short: choose Storm ColdGear for winter, Storm Sport if you want gaiter conversion, and HeatGear Tactical for warm weather and helmet liners.
Related guides: best balaclava 2026 men, best balaclava for winter, best balaclava for skiing, best balaclava vs neck. See every pick in our Headwear category.
Sources and further reading: CDC: preventing hypothermia and frostbite, CDC: winter weather safety and National Park Service: the Ten Essentials. Product details come from brand listings on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wear a balaclava under a helmet?
Yes. Choose a thin, stretchy balaclava with flat seams so the helmet still fits snugly. Adjust the helmet with the balaclava on.
Is a balaclava better than a neck gaiter?
A balaclava covers your head, ears and face, so it is warmer and stays in place better under a helmet. A neck gaiter is easier to pull up and down and is better for mild weather.
Are balaclavas warm enough for extreme cold?
Fleece, double-layer and heavyweight balaclavas are designed for deep cold, especially when paired with a helmet or hood. In extreme cold, layer a thin balaclava under a warmer one and cover every patch of skin.
Can you wear a balaclava in summer?
Yes. Thin, quick-drying balaclavas with UPF ratings protect against sun, dust and wind on rides and outdoor work, and many feel cool when damp.
How often should I wash a balaclava?
Wash it after every few uses, or after every use in hot weather. Use cool water and mild detergent, skip fabric softener and air dry.
Final Verdict
The Under Armour Storm ColdGear Balaclava is the best Under Armour balaclava for winter. Choose the Storm Sport for gaiter conversion and the HeatGear Tactical for warm weather.
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