Neck Gaiter Face Mask Reusable, Cloth Face Masks Bandana Balaclava Cover Scarf Shield

I purchased this and several other neck-gaiter or handkerchief style masks looking for a good mask for hiking during coronavirus. I have heavier multi-layer fabric masks which fit tight with filter pockets for times when I want to provide myself some inhalation protection from others, but those masks are not appropriate for heavy exertion. So for hiking I just wanted something that would reasonably provide the protection to others from my own exhaled droplets when conditions force us to pass by close together. Several of the masks I ordered could not pass this simple test and were such thin fabric that I really couldn't in good conscious consider them valid masks for the purpose. This one, however, while lightweight and breathable, I felt was heavyweight enough to serve this purpose. It is roughly swimsuit material. When I have it stretched over my eyes, I can see through it, but only just barely. The material is stretchy, but a tight stretch and tightly knitted. You can see how it fits in the pictures. Pros: - The tube of the gaiter is very long, you can see in my pictures that it easily stretches over my entire face/head with fabric to spare. This means it is very versitile, if you wanted to wear it over your entire head so only your eyes would show, there is material to do that and still cover your neck. - I really like the elastic that lets you tighten the gaiter when its up over your nose. This I felt was a must for hiking when you are exerting yourself, possibly with hands busy on a pole or balancing yourself and you don't want to be constantly pulling the mask back up. - It sits loosely around your neck ready for when you need it, so when hiking you can easily just pull it up if someone else comes near - Pattern is pretty and vibrant - Well-made - no loose threads, looks like it will last well - Size - I am overweight and so don't have a tiny neck, but the tube when around my neck is loose and not tight, yet tight enough that it fits snug when I pull up over my face Cons (these are very nitpicky cons, but I list them anyway if it matters to you) - When I tighten the elastic and then pull the gaiter down, the elastic IS tight on my neck. Someone thinner might not have this problem, but it does mean I will have to loosen and tighten it each time I pull it on or off. Not a manufacturing defect, mostly just a factor of my neck size and the style Potential Improvements - No idea if manufacturers actually look at reviews for ideas, but I would love basically this gaiter with a pocket in front of the mouth area, providing slightly more protection (2 layers instead of one) and the ability to add a filter if desired. There were some that had this feature, but I don't think I could find one that had that and the elastic to secure the gaiter around your face. Overall, I was very happy with the quality and fit and ordered 3 more for the rest of my family.

What really differentiates this neck gaiter is the drawstring at the back with a metal tab to keep the bit you pulled snugly in place without slipping. (Slippage was a major concern since I'm definitely on the smaller side.) Because of this little bit of engineering, you can pull the front up over your nose in mouth while keeping the rest at the back of your neck, instead of having to pull the whole thing halfway up your head and ears to keep it in place. This also allows the front to not be pulled tightly up against your face and mouth, instead giving it enough room for the fabric to drape and blouse loosely and comfortably while still staying secure above your nose. This space also helps reduce the amount of particles you're going to breathe in through the fabric, if that is what you are using this accessory for. Personally I am using this accessory as something I can easily pull up while working, walking, or biking outdoors to protect against wind, pollen, sun, dirt, or grass and weed trimmings. So far it works great. It feels cooler in hot weather, and warms your neck and face up in colder weather. When not "in use", it drapes around your neck loosely with a good bit of material at the front, very much like an old school bandana or neck scarf -- it doesn't wad up tightly like many neck gaiters do. It gives any outfit a very "outdoorsy" look. Incidentally I also tried wearing the garment on my head, like a headscarf. It will indeed give you a bit of a "pirate" look (and maybe you'd like to put a band on the long trailing end like the pirates did) but is very comfortable, good at keeping your hair out of the way, and the silky fabric actually does cool your hair/top of the head a little bit. (Here in Texas that is an extremely important point.) If you are looking for a really functional neck gaiter, this is the brand that I would recommend!

I've used neck gaiters for a long time now, mostly to keep sun and bugs off my neck in the summer and for some extra insulation in the winter. For the last year, I've also used them as a face mask. This one has a drawstring on one end so I can adjust the tension on my face to keep it from slipping down my nose while also maintaining comfort. The fabric is a little heavier than most neck gaiters I've used, which could be an indication of durability but also makes it bulkier and maybe less desirable in hot weather; I'll have to wait until summer to really know. The cord lock is silver in color and I'd have preferred it to be black like the rest of the gaiter but it's not that big a deal either. Overall I think it's well worth the price so far.