Your face is at risk for frostbite in bitter
cold and freezing wind, especially in above-treeline winter conditions. To fully protect it, you need two things: a
facemask and goggles.
- A good mask fits snug against your
face and nose with no gaps whatsoever; the smallest exposed
sliver will rapidly frostbite in severe winter conditions.
- Be wary of facemasks integrated with a fleecy neck gaiter
or balaclava. They seldom fit well.
- Larger goggles offer
a better field of view and good ventilation that minimizes
fogging; higher-end models feature double lenses that
further reduce fogging.
- A variety of anti-fogging products
are available. They all help, but none work perfectly.
- Amber, orange, or yellow lenses enhance contrast; gray
lenses provide true color transmission.
- In strong winds,
placing the goggle strap over your jacket hood helps keep
the hood securely in place.
- Test your face system before
you crest treeline. You will have no time to fiddle with it
once you enter the winter alpine zone.
This column originally appeared in the print edition of AMC Outdoors along with the column "Warm Thoughts: Protect your head and neck from the cold."
(Photograph by iStock.)Labels: Hats, Hiking, Winter