Mask Reviews from Outdoor Brands
Pretty much everyone in the world is wearing masks right now. Thanks to COVID-19 spreading across the globe on waves of aerosol mist, businesses are requiring patrons to wear a face covering. This winter, ski resorts will be no different.
When Vail Resorts and Alterra announced their COVID-19 reopening plans, many safety measures were unveiled. Among them was a mask mandate. Some resorts even said that neck gaiters and Buffs would not cut it. Yes, that ubiquitous face covering seen on resort slopes for more than a decade is now forbidden. So what can skiers wear?
I’ve collected a few masks from outdoor companies during the pandemic. Each one has its pros and cons, but all of them have been excellent for outdoor recreation. So I plan on wearing these masks for the 2020/21 ski season. Here’s a few short reviews from best to worst. Because if you’re skiing this season, you’re gonna need a mask.
Outdoor Research Essential Face Mask Kit
My favorite outdoor-brand face mask comes from Outdoor Research. The company has teched the shit out of this mask. I love the Essential Face Mask because it is highly customizable with adjustable ear loops, and a nose wire to keeps glasses (and presumably goggles) from fogging. The mask has great coverage around the face and it is comfortable.
But that really makes the OR Essential Face Mask stand out is the fabric is resistant to microbes and germs. They’ve treated it with HEIQ V-Block, a new technology that makes fabric resistant to microorganisms. Science! In addition, there is a pocket where you can slide an included filter for high filtration. OR says the fabric, combined with the filter, removes more than 95% of virus, bacteria, and particles.
The only bummer is that this mask is expensive. For $20 you get the mask and a 3-pack of filters. They come in a handy, reusable sealed pouch, which I use to carry my masks everywhere I go. Despite the price, I love this mask so much that I bought two. Get yours at outdoorresearch.com.
Cotopaxi Teca Cotton Face Mask
Salt Lake City-based Cotopaxi makes what is the most comfortable mask that I own. The colorful Teca Face Mask is simple in material – just cotton, but in most situations that is a good thing because no fabric beats cotton for against-the-skin comfort.
That’s not to say the Teca doesn’t have any bells and whistles. This mask also features adjustable, elastic ear loops, nose wire for anti-fog and anti-slippage when talking, and a pleated front. The mask is also reversable so you can change the color depending on your mood (just probably not on the same day).
But back to that comfort. In August I flew to Alaska and wore other masks on the flight there. I felt claustrophobic, the masks overheated, and my face was not happy after 10 hours of taxis, flights and layovers. So on the trip back to Salt Lake, I wore the Cotopaxi Teca the entire way and honestly forgot I was wearing it. This mask is the one to wear if you have to cover your face for long periods of time.
At $13, the Teca is reasonably priced. Bonus: Cotopaxi will match each mask purchase with someone in need through their nonprofit partner, Mercy Corps. Get yours at cotopaxi.com.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Face Mask
The face mask offered by Hyperlite Mountain Gear is another favorite. The fabric is very comfortable as it’s made from a breathable hydrophobic interlock polyester. Read: it feels silky smooth against the face and it’s waterproof.
Aside from the high-tech fabric, the Hyperlite mask scores points for having a nose wire, and elastic ear loop (but not adjustable). One feature this mask has that the others do not is elastic under the chin. This provides an overall snug fit that other masks sometimes lack. My only complaint is that the mask doesn’t offer much coverage on the sides. It’s a rather narrow mask.
Hyperlite has perhaps the best deal around because you can score a 5 pack for just $20. That’s a great price to get 5 top shelf masks for yourself or to gift to family and friends.
Get yours at hyperlitemountaingear.com
BOCO Gear Performance X Mask
Among my new favorites is the BOCO Gear Performance X. BOCO is a Colorado company known for their outdoor apparel and accessories. Well they’ve gone all-in on masks these days and make some of the most comfortable out there.
The Performance X is meant for exercise. The materials and fit are ideal for high-output breathability without compromising safety against COVID spread. It consists of two layers of durable knit performance fabric. The internal layer has a slit that can hold a filter for additional protection. Soft elastic is sewn to both the top and bottom of the mask for a secure fit over the ears. The only thing lacking is a nose wire to prevent fogging sunglasses or goggles.
BOCO Gear masks come in a ton of different colors and patterns. I like my outdoorsy Topo Map design. Plus they are priced reasonably at $13.99. Purchase at bocogear.com
Coalatree Pitchfork and Shovel PPE Mask
Coalatree is another Salt Lake City company that’s now making masks along with their usual outdoor apparel. The Pitchfork and Shovel PPE Mask is 100% cotton, though there is a lot of stretch so I suspect there must be some elastic woven in. This mask is silky smooth and feels great against the skin.
But overall this mask does not work great for me. There isn’t a nose wire, so my glasses fog up whenever I wear it. The mask is also sized pretty small. The stretch in the fabric helps, but my ears hurt from the straps after a while and there is no recourse as the ear loops are not adjustable. I’d say this mask is fine for quick runs to the store, but not much else.
The cost for one mask is $10. Purchase at coalatree.com.
Black Diamond Mask
I’m a huge fan of Black Diamond products, especially since they are located here in Salt Lake City. So it pains me to say that their mask sucks. Considering BD’s history of creating innovate outdoor gear, they really phoned it in with their mask offering.
Honestly, this mask is no better than the ones your grandma makes at home. It’s nothing more than a piece of double-layer cotton with cotton ear loops sewn on. No elastic. No adjustability. Not a nose wire in sight. Technical fabric? Nada. And you get to pay $13 for it.
The only redeeming quality is that for every mask purchased, Black Diamond will donate one to a frontline worker. And Black Diamond’s logo is on it so… that’s cool.
Find it at blackdiamondequipment.com