Huub Unisex Varme Thermal Balaclava Mask

I bought this in November 2019 because I swim in the sea and wanted to keep my head, neck and chin warm. (I also wear a wet suit, gloves and swim bootees). It’s great. I would certainly recommend it to others (especially if you can get it in a sale!) it’s January 2020 and I am still enjoying my swims thanks partly to this hood.It’s a lovely soft stretchy fabric and is easy to get on and off, even with cold hands. It’s makes a real difference to how warm I feel and I particularly appreciate the extra warmth around my neck. Without it the sea feels like the icy grip of death at my throat !The skirt is big enough to get well tucked in under the neck of my wet suit and to stay tucked in while I swim. The first time I wore it I had folds in the skirt and got cold water down the front of the suit. I am now more careful about flattening out the skirt as much as possible before zipping up and closing the suit at the neck.I am swimming in the sea just north of Inverness. Today’s temperature was 7.9 degrees centigrade.I don’t usually put my head right under the water (because my sinuses get too cold) but appreciate the warmth and protection the hood gives against cold winds and waves.Today I was swimming for about 20 minutes, at warmer temperatures (14 degrees) I am happy to be swimming for around an hour.I think the only thing that could make the balaclava better would be a bright neon colour across the top, just to make swimmers more visible.I paid just under £35 for my balaclava. That seemed quite expensive but I reckon it was worth it because it means I can continue swimming (which I love) even as the sea gets quite cool.I hope to continue swimming but by March the sea will probably be between 4-6 degrees centigrade. I will update my review to say how well the hood and I bear up at those temperatures.UPDATE July 2020I have continued to swim in the sea throughout the year and at temperatures down to 4 degrees centigrade. It’s now July and the sea is around 12 degrees centigrade. I don’t need the balaclava for warmth now but have continued wearing it as protection against jelly fish!

Beautiful soft neoprene, comfortable and a good fit - no gaping holes for chilly water to get in.

Essential for the winter wild ice swims

Thought I might feel really restricted when swimming, but lovely soft neoprene that has definitely helped keep my lanky long neck warm and is keeping me swimming further into the colder days in Scotland. Efficient delivery.

I use it for Outdoor swimming in the winter - 0-5 degree water.

Great, super warm, but slips down your chin to your neck.