- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Balaclava vs Neck Gaiter + Beanie?
Posted on 8/18/26 at 7:44 pm
Posted on 8/18/26 at 7:44 pm
Anyone have any experience using a balaclava vs neck gaiter & beanie for hunting in southern Mississippi? I hunt in tree stands and sometimes need my face covered. I know the balaclava is versatile, but so is a neck gaiter. Mostly using it for cover and not warmth.
Give me your pros cons!
Give me your pros cons!
6
Posted on 8/18/26 at 7:51 pm to bmela12
A merino Buff neck gaiter is my favorite piece of deer hunting clothing. Wear it around my neck. Pull it up over my ears and face if I want.
This post was edited on 8/18/26 at 7:53 pm
Posted on 8/19/26 at 1:05 am to bmela12
Blaze orange Ball cap, blaze orange beanie and a neck gaiter.
Walk in or hot just a ball cap. Starts getting cold put neck gaiter on , gets colder put beanie over ball cap and pull beanie over the top of all of it like a ninja.
Walk in or hot just a ball cap. Starts getting cold put neck gaiter on , gets colder put beanie over ball cap and pull beanie over the top of all of it like a ninja.
Posted on 8/19/26 at 2:00 am to bmela12
Are you mainly bow hunting?
If you are you better practice with it on. I have never used one when shooting a bow, but I can see how it would affect your anchor points.
I don’t see where it is necessary, why not just use a mask that you use for turkey hunting? I guess I could see the need if you were in a blind on the ground and deer could see your face against the black background.
I use what they call a “Poo Shiesty Mask”, but that is strictly for the coldest of the cold boat rides when duck hunting.
If you are you better practice with it on. I have never used one when shooting a bow, but I can see how it would affect your anchor points.
I don’t see where it is necessary, why not just use a mask that you use for turkey hunting? I guess I could see the need if you were in a blind on the ground and deer could see your face against the black background.
I use what they call a “Poo Shiesty Mask”, but that is strictly for the coldest of the cold boat rides when duck hunting.
This post was edited on 8/19/26 at 2:07 am
Posted on 8/19/26 at 5:03 am to bmela12
I go the neck gaiter/beanie route especially when bowhunting. I’ll pull the gaiter down before making a shot so my anchor points feel normal. I have a couple different styles of gaiters, thin merino and a thicker lined gaiter for really cold days.
Posted on 8/19/26 at 9:20 am to Outdoorreb
quote:I have never had issues with a head covering, but sleeves have given me fits in the past. Sitka is too pricey gets hate, but they designed the best mid to light weight hunting coat imaginable, including arms that are nice and snug, but you can still layer under them.
If you are you better practice with it on. I have never used one when shooting a bow, but I can see how it would affect your anchor points.
Posted on 8/19/26 at 9:53 am to tigerfoot
quote:
I have never had issues with a head covering, but sleeves have given me fits in the past. Sitka is too pricey gets hate, but they designed the best mid to light weight hunting coat imaginable, including arms that are nice and snug, but you can still layer under them
I completely agree, but I also don’t know how thick the material is that he is using. I thought he was wanting it solely for covering his face. My mind went straight to anchor points and if everything would feel the same and be the same. I wouldn’t want to find out when pulling back on a deer and shooting 35-40 yards. If he can shoot farther, those anchor points become even more important. 10-20 yards might not have enough of a difference.
Posted on 8/19/26 at 10:18 am to bmela12
I don’t like my ears covered all the way bc I can’t hear as well. I prefer the beanie and neck gaiter
Posted on 8/19/26 at 10:47 am to magicman534
All good info. Firstlite's balaclava actually has small ear holes to help with hearing.
Seeing what everyone is saying, I think neck gaiter is my route. I own firstlite tops that keep me very warm in the "South Mississippi Cold", but I don't like how tight the jacket is zipped all the way up to cover my "lower face".
I like the idea of different weighted gaiters for temperature. I have a light weight beanie already, so a gaiter would work well as a combo.
Thanks for the input!
Seeing what everyone is saying, I think neck gaiter is my route. I own firstlite tops that keep me very warm in the "South Mississippi Cold", but I don't like how tight the jacket is zipped all the way up to cover my "lower face".
I like the idea of different weighted gaiters for temperature. I have a light weight beanie already, so a gaiter would work well as a combo.
Thanks for the input!
Posted on 8/19/26 at 11:28 am to bmela12
Agree. I have lighter neck gaiters and beanies for cool/hot weather and heavier wool ones from Sitka/kuiu for cold weather. Being bald doesn’t help my thermoregulation either lol
Posted on 8/19/26 at 1:25 pm to turkish
This. Very versatile and the Merino wool is perfect.
Posted on 8/20/26 at 7:08 pm to bmela12
First lite balaclavas changed my life. The lightweight merino one works for me anywhere between a little chilly to freezing cold calm days. The heavy duty one works great for boat rides or cold windy days.
Page 1 of 1
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News