What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:"This balaclava is my go-to for long, cold chairlift rides and stormy days on the skin track. The hinged design makes it easy to pull the mouth panel down when I need a breather, and the merino blend keeps it from getting clammy. Bonus—it’s got UPF protection for those bluebird spring laps."When the wind is howling and the snow is flying, the 686 Alpha Hinged Balaclava keeps us warm, dry, and ready to ride. Its hinged construction gives us flexible coverage, letting us pull the mouth panel up for full protection or drop it down when we’re cooling off. The merino wool blend over the mouth area adds natural softness, breathability, and odor resistance—perfect for long days in the mountains. Built from stretch fabric with Hyprotecht® by HEIQ® treatment, it moves with us comfortably and stays put under a helmet or hood. With UPF 50+ sun protection, it’s just as ready for bluebird powder days as it is for blizzard missions.