FaceGlove Flex and Bala by OuterU Review

Clay Farnsley

If you’re like me and always in search of a product that will keep your face warm, look no further. Today, we’re going to discuss a few products from OuterU that may change how you approach winter sports in general.

You might have seen Derek Toshner review the FaceGlove for us last year, and I wanted to provide a follow-up as they have made a few adjustments and additions to the line.

First, newer to the OuterU family is the Bala. It’s designed to work as a multi-use head covering and is super versatile. It’s made of an 89% polyester and 11% spandex mix and includes Sunscreen50™. What this means is you have a very comfortable head covering that provides sun protection with coverage, as well as sun protection technology, while being super soft to the touch. It will fit nicely under climbing helmets and help you to ventilate from the top and through the vents that exist on most standard helmets.

The design includes an opening at the top which regulates heat but also allows you to pull it down and use it as a neck gaiter or chin coverage. You can use it to provide full coverage up to just under the eyes. If you would like to use it with the FaceGlove, it fits snugly over the sides of the glove and really provides full face protection while still allowing you to breathe through your nose without fogging your glasses.

I had the chance to try out the Bala and the FaceGlove Flex on a few trips here in the Front Range. The Flex and the regular FaceGlove are used by guides on Everest and Denali so they should certainly be useful to our readers who love winter sports and mountain activities. Most notably for me, I took the Flex on a quick trip up to the famous Sky Pond in Rocky Mountain National Park. I wanted to give it a good run in some cold climates and heavy wind, both of which Sky Pond is known for. 

It did not disappoint. The FaceGlove helped to keep my nose warm and functioning all day as well as providing sun protection on a very bright and windy day in the mountains. It’s such a light piece of equipment that you hardly notice it’s there, and the strap system is super comfortable and fits nicely under my beanie. I encountered 45mph winds, and the temperatures dipped into single digits, yet I was as warm and as comfortable as I had ever been even with the heavy masks that I normally use.

For me, it’s very important to keep my nose as clear as possible during big efforts as it is what the human body is designed to do, and if I can avoid breathing through my mouth, I can recover way faster. The FaceGlove keeps your nose and sinus cavities warm and flowing like they should, and that’s even more important to me than keeping my glasses from fogging up. Believe me, that’s a huge benefit as well, coupled with the sun protection; you are going to have a very good day in the mountains with FaceGlove protection.

In short, I highly recommend the whole lineup, and they even offer a Mountaineering package that includes the FaceGlove and the FaceGlove Flex, the cold weather and lightweight masks in one set. I think most of our readers could benefit from using the FaceGlove Flex, the lightweight “all conditions” mask. While it’s certainly built for mountaineering, we had writers test this on the slopes and in the backcountry on a split board trip, and the level of protection is universal for those activities.

Clay Farnsley

“Hello, I’m Clay Farnsley, a passionate advocate for the great outdoors, and my journey has been shaped by the rugged landscapes I call home. Growing up in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains in Kentucky, I spent most of my formative years exploring the rolling hills and dense forests, fostering a deep connection with nature.

Now nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, my love for outdoor adventures has only grown. From hiking, camping, and biking to the thrill of backcountry snowshoeing, I embrace the full spectrum of outdoor pursuits.

My interests extend beyond the trails to encompass everything from evaluating shelters, tents, and sleeping bags to exploring facets like food, nutrition, fitness, and technology. If it aids you in getting outside, having fun, and making the most of your outdoor experiences, then it’s a subject I’m eager to review!

Join me on this journey as we celebrate the beauty of the outdoors and share insights into gear, techniques, and innovations that enhance our connection with nature. Together, let’s explore, learn, and ensure that the joy of outdoor recreation is accessible to all who seek it.”