New gear test - ColdAvenger Pro Softshell Half-Mask

Bane will bring the pain!

Just kidding. You do sound like Bane with this mask on though. 

Today I got a new face mask from Amazon called the ColdAvenger Pro Softshell Half-Mask. 

Description:

• Made with a next generation "soft-shell" fleece that is wind and water resistant, perfect for those who need the most protection in extreme environments.
• Soft medical grade and non-toxic polyurethane ColdAvenger ventilator is comfortable and inherently antimicrobial.
• The ColdAvenger ventilator allows you to breathe freely while keeping your face dry and your airways relaxed with warm and humidified air.
• Warming and humidifying dry/cold winter air has been shown to promote airway health and support and core temperatures in the cold.
• Hidden nose-wire and a generous hook and loop closure allows for a custom fit and near universal sizing.
  
  

The reason I got this mask is on my last test hike out at Bluff Creek, my nose ran like crazy, and after i got going after about the first mile or so, my balaclava I used just got wet and colder and colder as the night went on.

Activity level: low-moderate

Outside temp:35

wind: 0-5 MPH out of the north

location: Around neighborhood

time: 2:30 PM CST

NOTES: Did a mile hike around my neighborhood. 

First impressions
It's mighty warm! it kept my face warm it's about 35 F out right now, so not super cold, but chilly enough to make your nose run. Maybe a tiny breeze. That was actually one reason I wanted to try this because my nose would run so much when breathing that cold, dry air, and protect my face in the cold winter Colorado winds when I'm in the mountains. My nose still ran a bit, but not near as much. I'll update this with more as I use it, but thus far, it worked as advertised.

It's just nice to have something "around" my nose and mouth and not right up against it. There was some moisture that developed on the inside of the plastic cup part, but I'm not sure that it's really a problem or not. I just wiped it off.

Night cold weather backpack hiking test - 1/7

Activity level: high

Outside temp:15

wind: 0-5 MPH out of the north. was in the trees, so that pretty much cut all the wind

location: Bluff Creek dirt trails

time: 6:00 PM CST

notes: took a full pack, around 40 lbs, out to bluff creek and did the whole trail. Did 3.98 miles in 2 hours and 45 minutes. Avg speed: 1.44 MPH

Torso insulation:

• 260 weight icebreaker merino base layer
• 200 weight icebreaker merino t shirt
• columbia fleece vest
• mountain hardware ghost whisperer down jacket (850 fill down)

Head insulation:

• neoprene balaclava, half mask
• outdoor gear polartec fleece beanie cap
• outdoor research meteor mitts. 
• Buff brand merino wool and fleece neck gaitor

Leg insulation:

• 260 weight icebreaker merino base layer
• Maker and riders 3 season pants

Feet insulantion:

• Black dress socks
• Smarwool merino socks
• Columbia bugaboot electric heated boots with 200 grams omini-heat insulation

Comfort level: Pretty warm. vented the jackets a bit when i  got really moving. After about 2 miles, my hands and face were getting pretty cold. put on the outer shell of the mitts to  help with that. Found my balaclava got really wet from my breathing, which was a big problem. If it was really windy, I would want to have that covered, and if it got wet, that could be a serious problem. Ordered a new balaclava that is suppose to help with that. will try it next time. 

Having some hot cider to drink was great. I think i’ll just fill both my 1 liter and 16 oz bottles with hot drinks. the 16 oz with hot cider or chocolate; the 32 oz with just hot water. 

Legs got a tiny bit chilly when i would stop, but i already expected that, so i just put my outdoor thermal blanket over me to keep warm. http://www.amazon.com/Space-All-Weather-Blanket-Green/dp/B0007RSGQ6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1420690021&sr=8-6&keywords=thermal+blanket

When i was moving they felt a bit chilly, but nothing that was uncomfortable. When i was generating heat they felt great. 

The Meteor Mitts were really great. very versatile. most of the time i just kept the outer shell off when i was moving, but if i stopped for a bit, they would get cold, so i just threw the shell back on. 

I like that the thumbs and the rest of your fingers in the liner part all fold back if you need to use your thumbs for texting.

The outer shell also has some drawstrings you can put around your wrist so if you take them off, they can just hang down for quick access. 

The inner mitts also have a spot for hot hands, which i doubt i would need since they’re already so warm, but i suppose if your hands got really icy, that would be really nice. 

Pictures are below.