By Bassmaster from Central Valley, Ca. on 1/29/2008

I use Gorillia windstopper when Iam fishing STOPS the wind completely. 65 mph in the 20-30 degree morning and NO wind gets thru. Also Excellent in the rain, Waterproof and stops the wind. I have used other products similiar but by far this is the best. The removeable face shiels are also a very nice feature.

By akwolfer from Delta Junction, AK on 1/4/2008

I was looking for a warm Balaclava that also cuts the wind..I bought this product because it said high altitude and warm. And I like the stile. It does cut the wind but is not warm enough for Alaska. [...]

By TK from Vermont on 12/17/2007

I have always held OR products in high regard. So when my "older" version Balaclava (4-5 years ago) was appropriated by my son, I ordered this new version. The older version was a fairly thick fleece with windblock. This latest version has a slick, windstopper shell but not much else. It is very thin and useless in cold conditions (I live in Northern Vermont) without wearing another hat on top of it for warmth. You certainly can't wear another layer underneath as the Large size that I purchased fits only by really pulling the lower face piece hard across to stick the velcro on the other side. Additionally, the back of the piece is too short so that with any kind of head movement the back of the neck is exposed.
Finally, the piece is made in China. Nothing wrong with that but why then does it cost so much??? Somebody's not passing on the cheap labor in the price to the end user.
Extremely disappointed. I will not be ordering any more OR goods in the future. This from an aging mountain climber (50 yrs) who's been at it for a long time.

By Sierra City Hiker from Sierra City on 7/9/2007

Ordered a large, yet still too small. Was looking for something a little more soft and less restrictive.

By Storms from Idaho Falls, ID on 4/11/2007

Make no mistake with the Outdoor Research Gorilla Balaclava. Soon, you too will be in touch with your feminine side. You see, upon ordering the 20177BLKMD product I was unaware I was ordering a woman?s product due to the completely generic listing of the product. As soon as Mountain Gear asked me to write a review on my recently shipped ?Gorilla Balaclava Wms Black MD? I spiraled into an irreversible depression as a result of my pre-programmed Manly Man Genetics. Well, needless to say, something clicked and I have to agree that the underwire support in this balaclava gives me more energy at the end of the day.I?m not asking for commitment here. I just want to say I love it. Seriously, I climbed the South Teton in complete comfort on March 31st. Forecasted winds were spot-on with average 30 mph and gusts up to 50 with temperatures in the mid twenties. Adjustment and proper fitting of the chin portion of the mask can be mildly cumbersome with the Velcro attachment but gets easier with use. OR?s Windstopper Balaclava is a dependable and functional item which extends your comfort in inclement weather to take you farther.[...]

By Walter the Explorer from The Netherlands on 4/13/2006

I have used this balaclava on two separate occasions: first time was this winter when I was dog sledging in Northern Finland, the second one was during an Atlantic Ocean voyage in spring.
In both situations this balaclava performed outstanding: exceptional protection from the elements (temperatures down to ?40 Celsius, wind speeds up to 20 meters/second).
The balaclava has a good fit and the material feels nice to the skin which is a big plus if you have to wear this for a prolonged period of time. The removable face mask allows for flexibility in changing weather conditions. Back this item up with a good pair of goggles and your set for life.

By Jim the winter cyclist from Columbus, Ohio on 2/1/2006

The balaclava is adjustable for varying temperatures. It keeps my face and head comfortable at high speeds in the extreme cold. It also keeps my glacier glasses from fogging up. A great product.