Shooting with a balaclava?

[jonsimoneau]

Do any of you guys wear a balaclava while bowhunting in cold weather? I've never worn one but am considering trying one. Are you still able to anchor in the corner of your mouth or does it give you trouble?

[Pete McMiller]

Yep, I wear a light weight Balaclava and a neck gaiter - never had a problem with my anchor.

[J.Williams]

Jon,when wearing a heavy(thick) one I'll pull it down below my lip so I can get a good anchor,but with something thin like spando-flauge there's no problem.

[Bernie B.]

I do the same thing as J. Williams.  When I see a deer that I'm planning on shooting, I pull the balaclava down on my chin and have no problem.  I not only like a balaclava for warmth but also for camo.
\\
Bernie Bjorklund

NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin

[Bowwild]

I have the Sitka Gear balaclava and like it.

[Rustic]

I use a black silk Balaclava with no problem coming to anchor.

[Easykeeper]

I have a neck gaiter that is a decent compromise between warmth and yet not to much interference with my anchor.  Something on my neck is mandatory in cold weather.

[PUDDLE JUMPER]

I use a First Lite merino Balaclava and it's not a problem. However it is very thin.

As far as concealment I consider it the most important piece of clothing I wear.

Have not used it in very cold wx. Something thin combined with a wool scarf or buff should cover most temps.

[Overspined]

Used my first light in 20 deg with 20 mph winds. Worked great. It froze when I breathed into it in the wind, then thawed and dried when I looked away. I will stitch the face cover where it comes across to hold it up a bit better. Thin and easy to find anchor.

[Michael Arnette]

A Balaclava or any other face covering always gives me trouble. I have found a solution in a good head cap/Insulated neck gaiter. When I see a deer I just pull the neck gaiter down.
Works great and stays warm

[momo-t]

Jon
I second the First Lite Wind River Balaclava. Nice and thin,doesn't mess with your anchor point too much.And surprisingly warm for such a thin material.

I just modified mine by sewing and then cutting out a breathing hole so not to fog and freeze out my glasses as much.
Just came in from outside to test it out,                 worked like a charm.

Mo

[jonsimoneau]

Thanks guys. I'm looking at the Sitka balaclava. I get cold easily!

[KAZ]

I like the Under Armour "Hood" that's Cold Gear, thin and very versatile (Pull it up, down, and in-between)... No anchor issues at all. Then I add a beanie type cap over it if I need even more warmth. I also like the Asbell Wind Blocker Pullover with High neck in back, under chin in front... No issues, very nice! Traditional thicker Balaclava, not for me for anchor issues.................

[hickstick]

I use a fleece balaclava that has a neck gator built in....walking in I just have the neck gator up....as I cool off and start to chill I pull the hood up.  no prob coming to anchor either way.

my main beef with the hood is the extra layer over my ears interfering with hearing...(fleece hat over the ear hole, then the hood over the hat)

I just ordered the sherpa vest and zipper wool jacket with hood from Aspell.  I'm interested to see how that combo works as far as hearing...I think the less fitted hood should keep the warmth but not impair my hearing....

[Onions]

Like J. Williams said, once the deer is coming I pull it down under the chin for shooting.
I also wear a silk bandana around my neck (like the cowboys wear) very warm combo!
I have been wearing the Core4 element Assualt balaclava, it's thin, but very warm.

chris <><

[KentuckyTJ]

Jon, I suggest once you get one to practice with it on a bunch first. I missed a dandy one year in a snow storm at 20 yards. Had a thick fleece one on and I thought I anchored in the proper place but I evidently didn't and the arrow sailed right over his back. I was standing behind a big tree and thought it was going to be a chip shot. I am still sick about it even after 7 years, haha.

[smoke1953]

I've found the perfect combo for me and it is the first lite gator and beanie. The gator stretches to 18" long and can be pulled up over the head with the lower end over your chin. You then put the beanie over that and you have a warm solution as well as a flexible headnet that gives you a large opening that won't get in the way of your shooting. I add a little carbo mask paint that is easily removable and I finally have a system that I love. The gator and beanie are expensive but high quality very fine merino wool that does the job here in Wisconsin and we've been bellow zero on several occasions this season.

[Montanawidower]

Yep...2x Smoke said.  I have a smartwool neck warmer that I got as a present.   I can pull it up over my face or pull it down as needed.  

Word of caution...I have tried Balaclavas but they were either tight enough to bother me or loose enough to feel weird to me when I turn my head.  The loose one would bunch up and not want to turn with my head.  It would mess with my peripheral vision in my left eye when I shot.  Remember that and try it before you buy it.    

Jeff

[jonsimoneau]

Thank you for all of the excellent advice guys.  Trying to become more comfortable during late season cold conditions so that I will continue to hunt.  Often, it becomes too easy to not go out there when its COLD! HA!

[Stone Knife]

Just shoot with it on and you will get use to it. It seems that when I do or use something different it screws up my shooting but if i just stick with it and practice it will work out.