When the wind is driving snow sideways across the lift line, the Burton [ak] Balaclava 2.0 is the layer you'll want on. This hinged balaclava is built from a lightweight, stretchy knit that wicks sweat and breathes, with a low profile made to sit under a helmet. A side hinge lets you pull it over your face for the storm and drop it down when you start climbing, so one piece covers the whole day.

Why we like it:

The side hinge is the clever bit. Instead of yanking the whole thing over your head, you adjust the face coverage and the rest stays put under the helmet.

Features and Functions:

Burton leans on comfort details first with the 2.0: chafe-free Softlock seams sit flat against the face, and the fabric is an 89% polyester, 11% spandex knit that stretches to fit and moves sweat away from the skin. The knit is lightweight and breathable, which matters most on a skin track where a heavy fleece balaclava would soak through. The side hinge lets you adjust how much of your face is covered as conditions change, and the low-profile build is designed specifically to wear under a helmet. The materials are bluesign approved, and like the rest of the [ak] line it carries Burton's lifetime warranty.

Bottom Line:

The [ak] Balaclava 2.0 is best for riders and skiers who move between hard climbs and stormy descents and want face coverage they can adjust on the fly. Think of it as the active-day layer rather than a heavyweight piece for the coldest lift-bound outings.