I have the whole process recorded — modeling/stencils/patterns, cutting supplies, prep, sewing it all together. For now, though, please just enjoy some images of the finished product.
Materials:
- 100wt PolarTech Fleece (under 1/2 yard)
- 1/16” elastic shock cord
- tiny cord lock
It’s 53 grams (1.87oz) finished weight including the elastic and cord locks. It functions absolutely perfectly.
I wanted to add a super functional eye mask for sleeping at night. I’m a terrible sleeper and while the moon lighting up camp is sweet for a midnight pee, it ain’t sweet when I need that sleep really badly to recover. An eye mask solves that problem. A eye mask also really helps with heat retention.
This design ended up perfectly. I can close the balaclava all the way closed so just my lips and nose are breathing. Or I can wear it like a beanie if I want and not look totally ridiculous. I can even wear it like a beanie and still have the eye mask working!
I wanted to address the question: why a balaclava instead of a beanie?
1) Warmer. 1b) Using a hoodless top layer and I love a hood.
2) On the hottest nights, a balaclava comfortably covers my pillow, giving me a soft warm surface. When it’s cold, I’ll be sleeping with the balaclava on, performing the same result. Sleeping on just a plastic pillow ain’t comfortable. Flexibly solved the problem.
Here it is!
Beanie Mode:
Balaclava Mode:
Eye Mask Sleep Mode:
Beanie and Eye Mask Mode:
Pillow Cover Mode:
MISC:
