Smartwool blaclava - worth 30?

I have always been a wool fan. I was wearing wool when fleece was the thing - they called me old school, and/or cheap. I need to replace a lost balaclava and am considering a Smartwool - any reason not to go ahead with my purchase. This will be site unseen, an online purchase.

I've had one for several years and love it. Whether it's worth $30, I can't say, I likely bought mine on sale.

Merino wool is the best thing going right now. If I could I would replace all of my synthetic stuff including hats, glove liners, base layers, etc with merino I would (and am almost there).

The question of if its worth it or not is really a matter of how much you'll use it. If it only comes out of the pack once or twice a year, then I would say no. However, if you find yourself in it much of the time your out in the cold, then it is definitely worth the price. The best purchases I've made have been those that I use all the time due to their function, comfort, fit, quality, etc. To be honest, I can't even remember the price or how much I paid on many of my favorite pieces of gear. As far as I'm concerned, they were all bargains <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />...

Having said that, I would make sure the website your buying it from has a good return policy. The only thing I can think of that would not make it a good purchase would be fit. Most refutable outdoor gear websites have excellent return policies (backcountry.com, campsaver.com, etc.)

I like most of what Smartwool is making these days and I think the price is where it should be in regards to other merino wool accessories.

I can't survive without a light balaclava.
Having recently lost one, am looking to replace at Campmor for six dollars. Outrageously overpriced.
Wool, I suppose is great stuff -- but thirty dollars????

I also have a windpro balaclava, which is for most conditions, much too warm. Something like it is sold at campmor for $17 currently.

Something called "lava wool" balaclava is sold for $12. I'm not that interested.

I can't comment on the balaclava, I prefer a neck gaiter and stocking cap combination. I have tried Smartwool neck gaiter and cap, didn't like them. The neck gaiter did not have enough stretch so it wouldn't stay in place when I pulled it over my mouth. I prefer a cap made of Windblocker fleece. The wind blows right through the Smartwool stuff.

I like pretty much everything Smartwool makes and this place sells @ 20% off all the time.

http://www.sockcompany.com/smarglovhat.html

I use my smartwool balaclava mostly to sleep in - it stays on my head during the night. I've never been fond of windblocker fleece, for me it doesn't get the sweat away from my body, I'd much rather use wool.

To date I've liked all the smartwool items I have tried, my loose fitting wool tights are my very favorite thing to wear in cold weather.

"my loose fitting wool tights are my very favorite thing to wear in cold weather. "

Are they really tights if they are loose fitting? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Tights was the product description.

After reading some posts on other clothing here - I am inclined to replace the synthetics I've been using with wool. It ain't old-school anymore!

I use a combo of a buff (http://www.buffwear.com/) with a fleece hat and sometimes a fleece neckwarmer. The buff is pretty versatile...

Here's a $19 option for a wool balaclava.
http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/Categories?category=Outdoor+Clothing%3AWOOLPOWER

I checked out the Icebreaker wool balaclava at my local outfitter the other night. $35. Very nice feel to the fabric, and it fit well. But I still like my Powerstretch fleece balaclava for now.