Chaos CTR Mistral Multi-Tasker Pro
DESCRIPTION: Thermal Balaclava
MATERIAL: 85% Polyester 15% Elastane composition
MSRP: $32.99
Now, before I get into the review, I need to admit something. I’m typically not a person who likes having anything around my neck or on my face when running, snowboarding, or really doing anything. When I get off the slopes, I’m normally sporting a frozen beardsicle, and my training runs have been known to leave me with some pretty serious windburn.
Well, my thoughts have changed about neck adornment. I never thought I would say it, but I wear this on almost every run now, and I’ve worn it on the slopes a few times, as well.
To provide a bit of background, a few months ago I made the decision to sign up for another ultra (Golden Gate Dirty 30). This means I’m on a 4-days-a-week running regimen, most of which take place in the early mornings. Since these early morning runs kicked off in February, I’ve been hitting the trails in 30-degree temps.
The Chaos CTR Mistral Multi-Tasker Pro (MMTP) was the one item that helped make those runs bearable.
The overall comfort of the MMTP was amazing. Made primarily from polyester, the MMTP is soft and comfortable. The outside of the mask has an almost softshell jacket feel to it, while the inside feels more like a soft, worn-in fleece against your face. I tested a size medium, and there was plenty of neck and head room for me. For reference, I have a 16 ½” neck and a 7 ¼” hat size, so that makes me think that the L/XL would provide plenty of space, even for the biggest of heads. Even with ample room, it provided a good seal around my forehead and cheeks, and the interior material was very breathable and wicked away my sweat well enough that there wasn’t a feeling of a sauna wrapped around my head.
I also found that the portion of the MMTP that pulled up over my nose and mouth was very comfortable. As I mentioned earlier, I’m not a big fan of face masks, but I have attempted to wear them in the past. They typically make me feel claustrophobic, humid, and just plain uncomfortable. The MMTP’s strategically placed the breather hole (mouth vent?) reduced that feeling for me, and after a few uses, I was 100% comfortable wearing it.
The last big rave about the MMTP was the overall flexibility of the way it could be worn. It is incredibly versatile. Please enjoy the display below:
The only feedback I would have with the MMTP is that when I would wear it up and over my nose, it would cause my sunglasses to fog up. I didn’t have this problem when snowboarding, but it was a consistent issue running. I ended up just running without my nose covered, so not really a big deal in the end.
Overall this was a great product that I would highly recommend for anyone looking for additional warmth, protection, and style when enjoying the outdoors!
That wraps up this gear review, so until next time, don’t forget to get out there and unleash your adventure!
Cheers,
Cameron
