Pearl iZumi Barrier Balaclava Face Mask Cycling Ski Black

The Barrier layer is comfortable and not itchy. The size is comfortable and contours the side of my head nicely so there is no draft getting in. It can be tough to breath if covering your mouth but I was warm and sweat felt like it was pulled away from my head. I've this twice so far in 40-45 degrees and no complaints.

Pearl Izumi Barrier BalaclavaI've used Pearl's Barrier line of clothing with great success in the winter. The Barrier material is a tightly woven synthetic that somehow blocks out wind, is lightweight, and very water resistant but it comes with a real price premium. This Balaclava happens to have that Barrier material as well as some thermal fleece on the inside. I imagined this to be a lightweight but warm Balaclava that I could use for running and biking.After taking it out for a test run, I found that it was too light of a material for adequate thermal protection. My ears were freezing at 19F. I had to wear a Pearl Izumi ear warmer head band in conjunction with this Balaclava to provide enough protection. I also found the face opening to be a tad tight. I cannot breathe well with it covering my nose and mouth, although it breathes a LOT better than some of the military-grade ECWS balaclavas I've used in the past. If I keep my mouth exposed, the balaclava is tight against my lower lip. I also have some difficulty fitting my Oakley M-Frames with the tight opening.Overall: 4/5 stars, could be thicker to provide more warmth especially at the ears!UPDATE 2 JAN 2014:I've been using the balaclava for the winter, and just came back from a snow run with 13F ambient and 5F windchill. I have to retract my original comment about it being too thin. This is no doubt a very lightweight balaclava, and I would not recommend it for extended excursions in sub-zero temperature. For running and other high intensity exercises in the cold, it is perfect. I no longer wear extra ear protection, my ears feel fine because of the Barrier material. I wear my Oakley M-Frames on the outside of the balaclava and this helps prevent cold air from seeping inside. If I wear the balaclava over my nose, cold air can seep in by my temples, but if it only covers my mouth it is good to go. I don't have any problems breathing cold air, so I like to keep my mouth exposed and have the material under my lower lip or chin. If I had to make one change to this design, it'd be to make the rear longer so that it covers more of my neck.

Big stumble on the design of this one. It does not have perforations for breathing or accommodation for your nose. You will fog your glasses and have difficulty breathing through the fabric. Not sure Pearl Izumi ever rode this balaclava in cold weather.