The Hood is BlackStrap's helmet-friendly balaclava, a thin hood that covers your head, neck and face and fits under a helmet. It has over 2,400 ratings on Amazon, and BlackStrap comes up in almost every Reddit thread about face masks.
This review covers how the Hood fits, how warm it is and the sizing problem some riders run into.
What It Is: A Thin Balaclava With a Hinged Face
A balaclava is a hood that covers your whole head except your eyes. The Hood is made from BlackStrap's tri-blend polyester fabric, which wicks sweat and dries quickly.
The key feature is the hinge. The face panel is a separate double layer that you can lift over your nose for warmth or drop below your chin for air. BlackStrap says the fabric blocks wind, gives 98% UV protection and is safe for wiping your goggle lens. It is made in the USA and goes in the washer and dryer.
On the Hill: It Stays Put
The biggest win is that the Hood stays up. One rider asked why their BlackStrap tube gaiter kept falling below their nose. Another rider replied that the Hood never falls for them.
Owners like how it sits under a helmet. One rider said their everyday balaclava is the Hood under the helmet, and they save a thicker mask for the coldest days. Another rider who owns both a BlackStrap and an Airhole mask said they wear the BlackStrap more often because it sits on their head better and is more comfortable to breathe through.
Where It Excels
The Hood shines for riders who want one face cover for most of the season. One rider said BlackStrap masks have been great for years, and they also wear them on windy spring hikes. Another wore a thin hinged BlackStrap balaclava on a -33 F day after forgetting their usual one, and said it was breathable, soft and not too loose or tight.
BlackStrap also makes many face styles. One rider said BlackStrap offers more face styles than any other company.
Where It Falls Short
Fit across the nose is the most common complaint. One rider said their new BlackStrap balaclava was so tight it smashed their nose flat and left red lines on their face. Another rider tried every BlackStrap hood and balaclava and said they all crushed their nose, except the Team Hood worn under a helmet. One rider hated them and switched to a long neck gaiter.
Price gets mixed reactions. One longtime fan said one BlackStrap item felt weirdly overpriced, though they still like the brand's gaiters and standard balaclavas.
The Hood is a thin layer. Riders who run cold or breathe through their mouth often add a thicker mask on the coldest days.
The "Is It Too Tight?" Question
You'll find this question in BlackStrap threads. The rider whose balaclava smashed their nose later found out from BlackStrap support that they had received a child size. Other riders say the adult size fits fine. One owner who wears a size XL helmet said they like BlackStrap a lot, and another said the hoods are loose and super comfortable.
Here's the take from owners: if the Hood feels painfully tight, check the size label before you give up on it. If your nose still feels crushed in an adult size, BlackStrap's face panel may not suit your face shape.
Pro tip: Drop the hinged panel below your chin on hard runs and hikes, and pull it up on the chairlift. BlackStrap designed the hinge for exactly that.
Who Should Buy It
Buy the BlackStrap Hood if you want a thin balaclava that stays up, fits under a helmet and lets you drop the face panel to breathe.
Look elsewhere if you have a large nose or face, ride in deep cold without other layers or want a mask with a breathing hole.
Alternatives
The BlackStrap Expedition Hood is BlackStrap's dual-layer hood for colder days, for a few dollars more.
Verdict
The BlackStrap Hood is a simple, thin balaclava that stays where you put it, and the hinged face panel makes breathing easy. Some riders find it tight across the nose, so check that you have an adult size. For most riders who want one face cover for the season, it is an easy pick.
