The face is one of the best visual identification parts of the body. According to it, we are able to recognize our friends, family, but also enemies. And that is why it is good to have our face sometimes covered. But what do we use ? Balaclava serves great as it was invented for this purpose. It is a part of clothing that covers the entire face and neck with only little uncovered space for the eyes. We could divide the balaclavas into insulating and camouflaging ones.
Protection in any conditions
First group is rather protective than tactical. They protect us from external influences. Great example is skiing. We are usually skiing during very cold conditions and moving quickly so we need to protect our face against snow and other influences. That is why we use insulated balaclava, that has warming properties and provides protection against snow and cold. Such balaclava has usually exposed eyes or the entire face. On the other side stands the welding balaclava which protects against the heat and hot pieces of welded material. While the winter balaclava will be made, for example, from fleece or other stretchy fabrics, the welding balaclava is made in 99% from the leather. The leather provides an ideal protection. We should also mention neoprene diving hoods that protect against cold water, reduces the pressure in the ears and insulates body heat. As we know, we are on the armyshop website, so apart from the winter balaclavas we will also find camouflaging pieces.
Who is behind it ?
Camo balaclavas are highly popular in military. But also in other units and special forces where we need to prevent possible identification. Such balaclavas have usually only openings for eyes with sometimes special inlay for breathability. It is usually worn under tactical glasses or helmet which protects against mechanical damage. The length must be up to the shoulders. Why? Part of the armed components intervention is the use of pyrotechnics, whether they are P1 or P2 explosives that explode in several minor explosions. These small explosions are caused by explosives that can explode right next to us. Do we get it now ? The length of the balaclava protects the neck and face against burns. So now it´s obvious that apart from design and length, the material is also important.
Holds firmly and does not burn
The material is really highly important. Winter balaclavas are made from different knits, fleece or Softshell. But as for the material preferences, the tactical ones are much more demanding. The soft, stretchy and breathable fabrics are most widely used. All this is important, but we should think of the possibility of burning the face. This stretchy and breathable material must be resistant to temperatures and preferably non-flammable.
Different types of balaclavas
When making a selection, we need to realize, whether we use the balaclava for skiing or for example when working with explosives. Always watch out for its length, openings and material. Larger investment to our balaclava may bother us only for a while, but ugly burns on the face will accompany us for the entire life.