Given that we lose such a substantial amount of heat through our heads, it’s little wonder that the Peak Warmer Balaclava from Vado UL is such a lifesaver in inclement weather conditions.
Made from the plush, insulating and temperature-regulating Alpha Direct fabric, these balaclavas are soft against the skin, making them easy to sleep in and comfortable to wear during cool conditions.
With a roomy collar opening, the Peak Warmer is easy to slip on, yet fitted enough to keep the draft at bay. I like to tuck the base of the balaclava into my jacket or sweater when conditions are extra breezy.
The polyester trim that lines the front opening is also soft and non-obtrusive; and since it frames the face so well, it helps keep the bugs at bay too. It’s also easy enough to fold the neck section up onto the head, playing the role of a toque as you warm up.
Weighing in right around 1 ounce (super light!) and packing down incredibly small, the Peak Warmer from Vado UL is a no-brainer for adventure missions where the temps are due to drop, winds are set to gust and rain is expected to fall.
While the Alpha Direct fabric obviously isn’t waterproof in the rain, it does dry quickly, making the balaclava a helpful extra layer when light rain or morning mists occur. Being so light and comfortable, I often forget I’m wearing it.
Since the Peak Warmer is slim, I can easily fit it under a hood, hat or helmet, which cuts the wind and improves the insulating properties of Alpha Direct fabric. I can also easily pack it away into my pocket for future access. The fabric doesn’t wrinkle, has yet to get smelly and comes in a bunch of fun colorways.
Pros of Vado's Peak Warmer Balaclava
- warm
- ultralight
- packable
- soft
- comfortable
- temperature regulating
- multi functional
- quick dry
- made in the USA
Cons
- Alpha Direct fabric can shed
- aesthetically takes some time to get used to
Bottom Line
The Peak Warmer can give off a bit of an extra terrestrial look at times, but this multi-purpose balaclava can easily replace your toque and neck warmer, saving you space, weight and money — and keeping you cozy when the digits drop.
Ali Becker is a freelance adventure writer and narrative storyteller who shares compelling conversations about personal transformations, overcoming limitations, wellness education and adventurous situations. You can follow her rambling adventures on social at @thisisalibecker or at her blog thisisalibecker.com.
