Anyone use a balaclava under helmet?

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OldMare
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Anyone use a balaclava under helmet?

Postby OldMare » Mon Mar 28, 2016 7:41 pm

It is still around freezing in the mornings now, and I ride with a basic LS2 modular helmet. On cool mornings, I have a problem with it fogging up on the inside. Tried vents open and shut (open better), and tried fog-free cleaner on the inside of visor, but to no avail. I have to leave it open a crack. No problem other than my lips get a bit cold! I've seen balaclavas advertised to wear underneath. Does anyone use one and does this help by keeping your breath away from the visor?
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CountryCruzr
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Re: Anyone use a balaclava under helmet?

Postby CountryCruzr » Mon Mar 28, 2016 8:27 pm

I wear a tubular neck gaiter on cooler rides I can wear as a balaclava to cover ears and face just below nose to keep fogging to a minimum. The neck gaiter can be found under the brand names: Buff, Headz or generic equivalent
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trackaddict
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Re: Anyone use a balaclava under helmet?

Postby trackaddict » Tue Mar 29, 2016 1:37 am

I do on cold days. It definitely keeps the drafts off my neck and from going down my shirt. It does indeed help with fogging, although I find it uncomfortable for long periods of time and end up pulling it down. And then I get cold and have to stop to pull it back up. Haha. Never just right! My bet is that if you had a real brand-name one, it may wick moisture better and be more comfy. My neck tube is made to wick, and when I pull it over my mouth it doesn't get as wet, but it also starts slipping down on its own so it's not really as good for fogging and staying put.
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CountryCruzr
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Re: Anyone use a balaclava under helmet?

Postby CountryCruzr » Tue Mar 29, 2016 11:57 am

I agree on the brand name tubes for wicking. Plus wash up in a jiff. After a few uses they get stretched out a little. During the summer I twist it up and wear as a beanie to keep my helmet liner cleaner.
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VStar
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Re: Anyone use a balaclava under helmet?

Postby VStar » Wed Mar 30, 2016 1:47 am

My head doesn't get cold in my half helmet, but my face and neck need protection. I have a snow skiing gaiter that covers up to my nose, tucks down a bit into the collar but tends to slip down my face as I ride. I also have a mask with velcro closure in the back, it keeps my face cozy but the back of my neck gets chilly. I may invest in a balaclava. I always wear a kerchief or doorag on my hair, it keeps the helmet clean.
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OldMare
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Location: Iowa

Re: Anyone use a balaclava under helmet?

Postby OldMare » Fri Apr 01, 2016 6:22 pm

Thanks for the input! I need to look into getting one. My son recommended a buff also, so need to add that to my list also! Thanks again!
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LionLady
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Re: Anyone use a balaclava under helmet?

Postby LionLady » Mon Jul 04, 2016 8:25 pm

You could also try adding a Fog City visor insert to your shield. It's a sort of "storm window" for your visor. Totally keeps it from fogging. I added them to my Arai when I had that and commuted through cold weather. It worked like a charm. My Schuberth has a fog insert standard in the clear face shield.

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