There's a moment on every cold chairlift ride when you realize your face is the only part of you that isn't covered. That's where a balaclava or neck gaiter comes in.
They look similar on the hanger, but they do different jobs. Here's how to work out which one you need, and why most people who ski a lot end up owning both.
What is a balaclava?
A balaclava is a close-fitting hood that covers your head, neck and most of your face, leaving an opening for your eyes. For skiing and snowboarding, it sits under your helmet and tucks under your goggles so no skin is exposed to the wind.
Best for:
- Very cold, windy days and storm riding
- Long chairlift rides with no shelter
- Whiteouts and blowing snow
- Riders who feel the cold on their head and ears
What is a neck gaiter?
A neck gaiter (also called a neck warmer or neck tube) is a simple tube of fabric that covers your neck and pulls up over your chin, mouth and nose when you need it. It doesn't cover your head, so you can wear it with a helmet, a beanie or on its own.
Best for:
- Everyday resort riding in normal conditions
- Spring skiing and sunny days
- Touring and high-output days when you're warming up and cooling down a lot
- Wearing off the hill, around town or on the plane
Balaclava vs neck gaiter: the quick comparison
- Coverage: A balaclava covers your head, ears, neck and face. A gaiter covers your neck and lower face only.
- Warmth: A balaclava is warmer overall because it seals the gaps between your helmet, goggles and jacket.
- Versatility: A gaiter pulls up and down in seconds and is easier to vent.
- Fit with your helmet: A balaclava is designed to sit under a helmet. A gaiter works with any headwear.
Why merino is the best fabric for face and neck layers
Whatever goes over your mouth and nose is going to get damp from your breath. That's why fabric matters so much here.
- It stays warm when damp. Merino keeps insulating even when your breath has made it a little wet.
- It fights odor. Our Signature Merino Blend™ of merino and bamboo rayon wicks moisture fast, so you can wear it day after day without it smelling.
- It's soft on your face. The bamboo rayon gives a smooth, non-itch feel against sensitive skin.
- It breathes. You can breathe through it without your goggles fogging as badly as they do with thick synthetic fabrics.
Which LÉ BENT balaclava is right for you?
- Lightweight Merino Balaclava: Thin enough to sit comfortably under any helmet. The everyday option for most conditions.
- Midweight Mesh Merino Balaclava: More warmth, with a mesh panel across the nose and mouth for easy airflow when you're working hard.
- Heavyweight Grid Fleece Merino Balaclava: Our warmest balaclava, for properly cold, windy days.
Which LÉ BENT neck gaiter is right for you?
- Midweight Merino Neck Gaiter: The versatile all-rounder for resort days.
- Heavyweight Grid Fleece Merino Neck Gaiter: Our warmest gaiter. A 3D grid texture on the inside traps extra warmth with a plush feel against your skin. Wear it bunched or pulled up, depending on the conditions.
Shopping for little ones? We also make a kids balaclava and kids neck gaiter.
Our advice: pack both
For most resort days, a neck gaiter will cover you. If you're heading somewhere properly cold, like Japan, the Rockies in January or a mid-winter storm anywhere, pack a balaclava too. You'll wear the gaiter most days and be very glad you've got the balaclava on the ones that really blow.
Heading to Japan? Our Japan layering guide covers the full system.
Shop all headwear and neckwear →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a balaclava or neck gaiter better for skiing?
A balaclava is warmer and better for very cold, windy days because it covers your head, ears and face under your helmet. A neck gaiter is more versatile and easier to vent, making it better for everyday resort riding and spring conditions.
Can you wear a balaclava under a ski helmet?
Yes. Ski balaclavas are designed to sit under a helmet. A lightweight merino balaclava is the easiest to fit without changing how your helmet sits.
How do you stop your goggles fogging with a balaclava?
Choose a breathable fabric like merino, avoid pulling the balaclava too high over your nose, and look for a mesh panel over the nose and mouth to help your breath escape.
What is the warmest balaclava for skiing?
A heavyweight merino balaclava, like our Heavyweight Grid Fleece Merino Balaclava, gives the most warmth while still breathing well.
