APEX BALACLAVA
NOT AVAILABLE: DO NOT ORDER
ClimaShield Apex Warmth.
WEIGHT: 2 oz | 58 gm
NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME – DO NOT ORDER
NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME – DO NOT ORDER
The MLD Apex Balaclava is filled with ClimaShield Apex Synthetic Insulation, which, unlike down fill, will keep your head warm even when it’s wet. Not sold on synthetic? We present “7 Reasons Why An Apex Synthetic Balaclava Beats a Down Balaclava”:
1. Apex is warmer when wet.
2. Apex dries faster than down.
3. Due to faster drying, there is less condensation build up during constant wear.
4. Apex is thinner than down at the same temp rating.
5. Fast to field wash and dry. Ok in a washer on gentle wash and dry cycles.
6. Fewer seams than a down balaclava.
7. Almost Zero % allergenic compared to down.
Yes, the same balaclava in down is a whopping 0.3 oz lighter, but is it worth it? Even if you are using a down sleeping bag, down quilt, and hoodless down jacket, we think going with an Apex Synthetic Balaclava is a wise choice.
Comes in two size options.
FEATURES
• MLD Mountain 10D X 10D Micro Ripstop 3X DWR fabric 0.72 oz sq/yd outer
• ClimaShield Apex Synthetic fill 3.7oz/sqyd
• Absolute minimum # of stitched seams for more strength and water resistance
• Adjustable drawcord face hole can be cinched over eyes for sleeping or around glasses /goggles to keep your eyeballs from freezin’
• Underarm bungee cords hold hood secure and keeps it straight & centered over face
• Extra long and wide neck and back tongues to prevent drafts when used with a hood-less quilt
NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME – DO NOT ORDER
MEDIUM SIZE
HEAD CIRC: 21.75- 23 in | 55 – 58 cm
FITS: Most Women and Small/Medium Men
LARGE SIZE
Large
HEAD CIRC: 23+ in | 58+ cm
FITS: Most Men and Women With Thick Hair
HOW TO MEASURE
To discover which size is best for you, measure around your head across eyebrows and just above ears. If in doubt, SIZE UP.
MATERIALS:
OUTER: MLD Mountain 10D X 10D Micro Ripstop 3X DWR fabric 0.72 oz sq/yd outer
FILL: ClimaShield Apex Synthetic fill
NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME – DO NOT ORDER
TEMPERATURE RATINGS
INSULATION 3.7 oz sq/yd Apex
TOTAL WEIGHT (MEDIUM): 2 oz | 59 gm
SLEEP TEMPS: 14 to 55 F | -10 to 12 C
HIKING TEMPS: -10 to 35 F | -23 to +1 C
USER TIPS
• Most users of lightweight synthetic and down hood-less backcountry quilts will choose this style of balaclava.
• Pair with a thin stretch facemask style 1 oz balaclava to form a versatile layering system for severe conditions below about 10 degrees. This combo adds about 10 degree of comfort above the Balaclava temperature rating alone.
• Apex synthetic insulation is warmer than down at the same thickness and feels less bulky when used inside a hooded jacket or hooded mummy bag
We suggest that even if you use a down sleeping bag or quilt you consider using an Apex Balaclava for these reasons:
1. Synthetic is warm when wet and dries much faster than down. Head insulation is critical and an APEX balaclava only weighs about 0.3 oz more than a down balaclava of the the same temperature rating with similar design features.
2. Head sweat, breath vapor drool condensation crud etc, hair oils and ear dirt can be easily cleaned out of a synthetic balaclava in the field and air dry much faster than down. It can even be wrung out and worn damp to dry via head warmth while hiking.
John Abela –
I have been using the MLD APEX Balaclava since late 2014, it is my go-to, and only, balaclava ever since getting it.
Mine is the 4oz/sqy version and it pairs up very nicely with my MLD ‘Spirit 28’ quilt, as well as my MLD ‘FKT Quilt’.
It has been with me on a few thousand miles of hiking. At a tad over 2 ounces, look no further, just buy this!
Prof Gary Campbell (verified owner) –
Very warm addition to my kit, essential addition to the quilt in the colder months. No worries about getting it damp from condensation. Less hassle than a sleeping bag hood. Great for cold camps but too warm for wearing in the move.
Excellent kit