Reddit mentions: The best sports & outdoors neck gaiters

I swear by leather chaps. I wear em even if it's 100F outside. The hot sun directly on the tops of my legs sucks, but the chaps provide an air-gap insulation layer.

I ride in that temp comfortably with not much problem, provided it's not a really long ride (without heated gear). I had expected to read that you'd bundled way up against the cold and still decided that was enough. Did you really just add chaps to your regular riding gear?

Here's what i wear other than normal "Clothes, jacket, gloves, and chaps"-

Good spandex thermals like Harley's "Ice Breakers" top and bottom. They're not the knit ones like the white long-johns, they're the kind you get at sporting goods stores for snow-boarders and skiers. Super thin, super comfy, and super warm.

Zipper hoodie- There's different weight hoodies. When I ride in cold temps, I grab my $100 super-heavy weight, thumb holes in the cuffs, "too heavy to wear indoors like ever" hoodie.

Glove liners made of silk or spandex- same stuff the thermals are made of. Makes all the difference until you're on the bike for more than 45 minutes. If I'm riding longer than that in real cold, I add another pair of glove liners. They're $12 a pair on Amazonhttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IUH9UKG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

A fleece "turtle neck" sleeve that pulls down over my head to cover my face below the eyes, ears, and neck. They're usually 10-12" long and two layers of fleece. http://www.amazon.com/Chaos--CTR-Chinook-Fleece-Gaiter/dp/B002ZG7RCG/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1414855281&sr=1-5&keywords=fleece+neck+warmer

Knit watch cap- pulled down over my ears.

Once the sleeve is down over my face and the watch cap is down over my ears, I strap on the helmet. You can fold the sleeve down to expose your face if you get too warm while waiting at lights and to pull the bike out of the garage while the wife does whatever (happens a LOT when I dress like this, which means it's warm enough to ride :). If my face gets cold through the sleeve even, I tie a bandana over my face, old-west bandit style "This is a stick-up. Hand over the loot".

Glasses or goggles that cover the slit made between beanie and face sleeve. Glasses should be one-piece plastic frames that allow no air to pass between the lenses and the bridge of the nose. Wire frame glasses allow the eyes to dry out.

When finally dressed like this (but with leather chaps, jackets, and gloves and the rest of your normal street clothes) you sorta look like the guy in the middle- http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/31/article-2531409-1A59815500000578-260_634x456.jpg

Last Christmas I rode from Berkeley, CA to Rocklin, CA, 125 miles away in 40F weather going up in the late morning and 30F weather going back home late-nite. It wasn't until the last 20 minutes of the ride home that my hands and crotch got unpleasantly cold, but not so cold that it was painful.

Hope this helps.

For my literally carry on my person at all times kit:

• This keychain flashlight is one of the things I'll be getting for Christmas this year to replace my old junker. I put a bit of research time into this with the help of /r/flashlights and youtube video reviews. I think it's a solid pick.
  
  
• I carry a Skeletool CX Multitool pretty much everywhere except airplanes. For day to day life it has all of the tools most people will need and weighs way less than a fully packed leatherman. I have uses for this at minimum monthly if not multiple times a week.
  
  
• I also wear a paracord bracelet regularly. Honestly... on that one I've never really had a call to unwind and use it as rope, but I like it well enough and it's nice knowing that it's there if I need it. Given the recent apple keynote address where they announced that their new watch will have full cellular capabilities among the other things it can do I am half considering replacing this with a $400 wrist computer at some point, but that's a hefty investment.
  
  
• Smart phone. A world of information at my fingertips.
  
  
• Then there's the usual stuff like keys, work badge, headphones, wallet.
  
  However, I also bring my backpack with me to and from work everyday, and if we're heading out adventuring for the day I'll chuck it in my trunk just to have it. I'm not sure I'll get everything here, but I'll toss in what I can remember off of the top of my head.
  
  
• Kleenex, Ibuprofen, pepto tablets, band aids, cough drops
  
• Pepper Spray and a boot knife
  
• Fingerless leather gloves + a seasonal pair of full work gloves. The fingerless ones are the ones I use most often when I'm helping friends or family move heavy things. They have padded palms and protect my hands well. The seasonal work gloves are for in the event I need to engage in more messy hand work and the winter pair has served as backup for my cold weather gloves more than once when someone less prepared didn't have their own.
  
• I got a shemagh once on a whim after watching a video on it. Tried it on, decided I looked ridiculous, but kept it as a small thin blanket in my backpack.
  
• Come winter I always have my Balaclava (seriously, this one is awesome) for really cold weather and even a half piece for when it's cold enough for a scarf but I don't really need full head gear. I love both of these and refer to them as my full ninja vs my half ninja. My fiancee rolls her eyes.
  
• A few kirkland brand 5 hour energy bottles (I don't like coffee)
  
• Umbrella, lighter, backup phone charger, and headphones
  
• Full size water-resistant flashlight
  
  That stuff usually gets toted around with me just about everywhere, though not always directly on my person. Depending on the season or event I'll add or remove items as needed.
  

No one has mentioned snow! Here are the basics of what you'll need.

• Boots. Something similar to LL Bean Boots would be ideal. It will snow and slush and you want your boots to be warm and waterproof. People will wear normal shoes during winter, but they'll also have cold and wet feet.
  
• Gloves. Try to avoid really thin materials. Fleece should be good enough until you realize what you're comfortable with. Old Navy sells cheap fleece ones to get you started.
  
• Jacket. You want something with multiple layers with a waterproof exterior. Bonus: has a hood and the ability to tighten around the waist with little bungee knobs (wind up your jacket sucks). North Face is a very popular brand, but can be expensive (>$250). North Face and Columbia also sell jackets that have a removable inner fleece jacket, so you can wear it across multiple seasons.
  
  Other goodies:
  
  
• Hat - anything goes, from beanies to those big furry ones
  
• Scarf / one of these thingies - fantastic for covering your chin and nose on a super windy day
  
• 180s
  
• Wool socks
  
• Long underwear / Under Armour style tight-fitted shirts and pants
  
  And if you ever drive in the snow, two things: accelerate slowly and brake before you turn, not during the turn.

Try this!
GOT 16-in-1 Headband - Multifunctional Microfiber Sports Headwear - Running, Biking, Hiking, Fishing, Yoga, Fashion -Moisture Wicking - Works as Scarf, Face Mask, Neck Gaiter (Blue Stones) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5W57KD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0M42Cb3RJGQ1J

I think that’s a good item. I don’t own one but it’s what I find when I look for hair buffs and some curlies love hair buffs.

Try to do a mask once a week or once every two weeks, I love the Jessie Curl deep conditioner. Your hair might also like oil so research that. Argan or olive oil can be good. I agree with the other commenter, a bandana that is silk or satin should be fine, standard cotton ones will dry your hair and damage it though.

Your hair won’t really grow faster, that has to do with genetics. But keeping it moisturizer and protected with items like this and a satin pillowcase will stop breakage and keep it growing, giving it the appearance of growing faster. Some people swear black castor oil grows their hair faster. Just don’t waste your money on ~hair vitamins~ or anything.

I've had similar problems. Here's how I do it:

• When you put on your balaclava, check yourself in your side mirror. It will show you that it's a bit off center, even though it seemed fine.
  
• Get your balaclava on tight. Pull it all the way down so there's nothing left for the helmet to pull. Pull it down in the back to keep too much material above your eyes. It should be nice and smooth - no crumples for the helmet to snag on.
  
• Then put on your neck warmer. I use this one. This cheaper one also looks good.
  
• When you put on your helmet, roll it onto your head. Start by looking into it, like you're putting it on your face rather than your head. And roll it into position - even overshoot so the chin portion thing ends up too high, then bring it down into position.
  
• Ride to work, take off your helmet, and walk around the rest of the day with the most absurd looking hair.
  
  Then you should be good to go. I use a cheap flimsy t-shirt headsock I got free from the go-kart track on mild days, and I use this balaclava when it's super cold
  
  Good luck!

Same, even on cloudy days.

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I am 40 and no one believes me. Very little wrinkles. I have been taking care of my skin for years and always wear sunscreen.

In fact, I see women sunbathing with their face exposed, and I cringe.

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Edit for routine:

Look, I take extra precautions to take care of my face from the sun. When I drive in the evenings/golden hour and the sun is hitting the lower part of my face, I always wear this to protect my nose, chin, and cheeks. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071HLFHX8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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• I use sunscreen with zinc. https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Lizard-Australian-Sunscreen-Protection/dp/B00007FCPX?th=1 or this one https://www.neutrogena.com/sun/sheer-zinc-dry-touch-sunscreen-broad-spectrum-spf-50/6811080.html
  
  But always with zinc!
  
  
• If you have sun damage/spots already, I highly recommend going to a dermatologist and getting a spot lightener. Something to remove sun spots.
  
  ​
  
  Here is my routine:
  
  Morning:
  
  
• Wash skin with this https://www.ulta.com/special-cleansing-gel?productId=VP12697
  
• Then I use a toner: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00016XJ4M/ref=as_li_tl?imprToken=glJJQhPDbHcr66KkQw7Mgw&slotNum=1&ie=UTF8&tag=bustle11957-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=w61&creativeASIN=B00016XJ4M&linkId=5bf01f335a90cf1e5d860068ba05a9fb&th=1
  
• Then I use a serum: https://www.lancome-usa.com/skin-care/collections/genifique/advanced-genifique-youth-activating-serum/1000302.html
  
• Immediately after applying the serum I use a roller on my face: https://www.sephora.com/product/jade-facial-roller-P436891
  
• Then I apply an eye cream: https://www.kiehls.com/skincare/eye-creams-and-eye-serums/creamy-eye-treatment-with-avocado/258.html
  
• And after that a good moisturizer, I just finished using La Prairie and about to start using this one: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/chanel-hydra-beauty-creme-riche-hydration-protection-radiance/3690250
  
• After that I wear my sunscreen.
  
  ​
  
  Nighttime:
  
  
• Wash skin with this https://www.ulta.com/special-cleansing-gel?productId=VP12697
  
• and then I moisturize with this thick cream I have which is this one:
  
  https://www.samsclub.com/p/genes-vitamin-e-creme-16oz/157674
  
  
• Then I apply an eye cream: https://www.kiehls.com/skincare/eye-creams-and-eye-serums/creamy-eye-treatment-with-avocado/258.html
  
  then I go to bed.
  
  ​
  
  ​
  
  Lifestyle is also has a huge effect on your face and how well you age. Sleeping well, exercise, drinking water, eating healthy are all factors to that help maintain a youthful appearance. If you smoke, well, your skin is going to look like shit.
  
  ​
  
  And please for the love of god, stop tanning/baking in the sun. My mother-in-law used to sunbath and tan all the time to get tanned and now she is in her 60's and her skin looks like shit. Her legs are all wrinkled af, her arms, and her back, her chest... wrinkles, so many wrinkles!
  
  Even if you are wearing sunscreen when you sit in the sun, your skin is going to look like shit in the long run. Just stop doing it.
  
  My mom is in her 70's and never sunbathed and took care of her skin, she looks like she is in her 60's. Sure her body looks older but not as bad as my mother in law that baked in the sun.

The main problem with cheap gaiters is how easy they are to put on and remove, and once they're in place, how well they stay put. I've owned some truly frustrating cheap gaiters.

Little bitty-height sets like these always suck, without fail. They never stay in place.

I finally managed to scrounge up a pair of OR Verglas gaiters off-season at a local outdoor gear shop, and I am in love with them. So very very much in love. We will have beautiful, water-resistant babies together.

I am almost always the first one in my group to get my gaiters on and fully ready, while everyone else is wrestling with stupid buckles or cinching systems or trying to tie a knot or trying to fit their foot through elastic. And once they're on, they damn well stay put.

Well, I've been unable to find one just like mine. The drawstring slide actually broke a while back so I'd love to replace it, but haven't gotten around to it. This one is pretty close, though it's out of stock on Amazon. I did see it at some other online store I'd never heard of. Windstopper (by Gore-tex, I think) might be the name of the underlying technology (whatever that impermeable layer is) but I don't know for sure since it's not stated anywhere on my gaiter. Good luck!

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B01M3QXIBM?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_pd_title

This thing is amazing. I rig it up so it’s not stuck on my face, it creates a little breathing chamber that keeps your face warm, and you don’t even notice it. It also greatly helps with mouth/lung freezing as a result as it’s not just 100% cold air right off the bat. If it gets super windy you can pull the ties and adjust it to your face.

And when you use it with a buff you look like a sub zero. There are worse things. Lol

I use a Balaclava of sorts, but not the ski mask type, more like these head wraps. They make some wicked looking ones. The bonus of this setup is it's basically a long tube of material, like a giant sleeve almost. So when one end get's wet, I can swap it around in like one minute for the end that was hanging in back and it's all fresh and dry...and then the one that was wet will dry while I am using the other end. I keep it pulled down over my eyebrows and I have had ZERO issues with sweat/face grease since.


These are them...Check it out:

https://www.amazon.com/Headwear-Headband-Balaclava-Sweatband-Motorcycling/dp/B06ZY5R6PX/ref=sr_1_34?ie=UTF8&qid=1536871826&sr=8-34&keywords=balaclava

If the battery is getting weak (especially in these colder temps), check the charging level of the alternator. If it's ok, pick up a battery charger that will automatically switch to float once reaching full charge. Throw the battery on there overnight.

Keep cold out of your gear. Like in hiking, being cold is worse than wet since it'll sap your energy. I wear a balaclava around my head and just picked up a fleece neck warmer to keep cold wind from entering my coat and helmet.

Pinlock visors are great at keeping your visor from fogging up if you wear a full face helmet.

Reflective tape on your helmet, bike and gear will add to your visibility.

Keep track of your tires and brakes. Give yourself 20 minutes to gear up and check the bike before you leave. You don't want to forget a piece of gear because you were in a rush.

Don't override your ability in lousy weather and know alternate, safer and slower routes if you need to get off the highway. It happened to me once in Skagit Valley when a rainstorm pushed me three lanes over (I shouldn't have been going so fast in the left lane) so I exited and took a really slow trip on some farming roads, then the old 99 highway all the way to Seattle.

Be aware and cautious, especially in the dark and wet around the unmindful cagers in this town, but have fun! These cold, sunny, dry days have been a blast to ride.

Good call. Just found this one that looks pretty great.

yea, like I said, it is really nice with a sweatshirt or fleece under it. I rode the Blue Ridge parkway for most of a day and the neck and hands were the only things that ever were cold. I may invest in some heated gloves this year and one of these http://www.amazon.com/Chaos--CTR-Chinook-Fleece-Gaiter/dp/B002ZG7RCG/ref=sr_sp-atf_image_2_30?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1411696966&sr=1-30 That should get me through the winter easy this year.

Unless the weather's really really cold I like my merino neck gaiter over a balaclava. I've got this one and can recommend it.

Should try These. They’re designed for outdoor sports. Very comfy and actually stay on. My must have for festivals. :)

Half Face Mask for Cold Winter Weather. Use this Half Balaclava for Snowboarding, Ski, Motorcycle. (Many Colors)(Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3QXIBM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GfNYCbJZ27P6R

These are easier to keep on than bandanas
Headwear,Head Wrap, Neck Gaiter, Headband, Fishing Mask, Magic Scarf, Tube Mask, Face Bandana Mask, Neck Balaclava and Sport Scarf 12 in 1 Headband Sweatband for Fishing, Hiking, Running, Motorcycling https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZY5R6PX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Ctk8CbVPTDQGK

Or you can get actual masks
MZYARD Cool Luminous Face Mouth Mask Black for Rave and Club 5 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076FTF7RJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Suk8CbQNYSKKC

I second the neck warmer but personally, I'd get one that's made out of merino wool, like this one for example.

Are there some health concerns involved or do you just hate the dust?

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I've done work that required respirators like that, they are not fun to wear. I'd recommend trying something more casual than professional if you can go with hit. I usually use a bandana like you mentioned, try one of these instead.

Yeah, I use a "neck warmer" which is basically just a stretchy fleece tube you shove over your head onto your neck. Works pretty well, but it can sometimes get in the way of putting a helmet on. I just wondered if the windjammer would compound that.

Also, you don't happen to use a bluetooth headset with your helmet, do you? Mine clamps on around the skirt of the helmet, it might also be in the way of the windjammer.

balaclava

neck scarf thing

decent earplugs

decent earbuds

ram mount
(worth it)

ratcheting screwdriver

hex bit set for their screwdriver

compact air compressor that runs off a battery tender quick disconnect

key tags

clothes

etc

Here!

I have a Joe Young. Seems a bit larger. Fits me without being too tight. 6'3" 225lbs. Here's a link.

They have a ton of patterns to choose from also.

You can get one of the following :

• surgical style
  face mask. (Bonus points for kawaii style)
  
• Face Shield tube mask
  
• Bandana or bandana mask if you want to look like you want to rob the ol' saloon. (Perfect for revolver days)
  
• Baclava if you want to rob the place or cosplay as a gunninja.
  
• Gasmask to oper8.
  
  I'm sure there are other options too, but this should do you for now.

I sleep in a buff. I got them in a pack of 6 for $7 on Amazon. I put it around my neck, turn my head upside down, then pull one end up (it's basically a long stretchy tube) until it's covering all my hair and the bottom edge is just above my eyes. Sometime I'll pineapple beforehand, but my hair isn't super long, so it's not really necessary for me.