We’ve mentioned the Weatherneck System in the past. It’s a breakaway balaclava from the creators of FixIt Sticks.
The Weatherneck consists of two components, a uniquely designed Mullet Hat and a breathable face mask. Using magnets, the face mask can be attached to the hat.
Available for pre-order now, with delivery before Christmas.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/fixitsticks/the-weatherneck-system-a-tactical-breakaway-balacl
Tags: Kickstarter
SSD,
Just a quick note that I think it’s cool and handy that you keep an eye on kickstarter for innovative stuff that’s relevant to our interests here. I don’t have time to browse that thing, and you regularly post stuff that’s neat.
Well done, sir!
Mick.
Weatherneck mini review
I got one of these and broke it out this week for Chicago area sub-zero windchill.
A few observations:
1. The hat is thin, like skullcap thin and tight and the fabric feels cold when first placed on. I’m used to the standard polartec fleece watch cap.
2. The mullet thing on the hat is kind of weird and IMHO unnecessary; I don’t notice much difference in warmth between the mulleted hat and another hat. In fact, between this hat and the watch cap, the watch cap is warmer. I guess I could see the appeal if you’re biking and there’s air moving over your body, but otherwise, for walking, hiking, etc., probably not necessary.
3. Facemask works well. The magnets in hat are intelligently placed to hold mask in appropriate spot on your face, so it doesn’t ride up over eyes or drop down under nose, and the multiple magnets allowing different sizing works well, allowing one to adjust for a good fit.
4. In pics you’ll notice a thinner strip of mesh fabric right over the mouth; this is to help reduce/eliminate fogging. I haven’t worn it with glasses or goggles, so cannot comment on that, but you can tell it’s a little thinner there. Having said that, having a piece of fabric, even a thin one like this uses, over your face goes a long way to keeping the wind and cold off.
5. Comparisons to standard issue army gear:
The polar watch cap is thicker and warmer. The Weatherneck hat is thinner and tighter and not quite as warm. The mullet tail would probably be helpful when doing active, high-speed stuff outdoors. Personally, I put the Weatherneck hat on, and facemask, and put the polartec watch cap on over it.
The face mask is thinner and lighter than a standard-issue neck gaiter, but breathes much better and fits much, much better than a neck gaiter pulled up over the nose and mouth.
6. If I was king of the world, I would put the magnet system into a standard army fleece watch cap (the magnets in mullet cap are high enough that they would seem to fit into a watch cap and attach the face mask pretty much as –is.
Also, I’d make it available in coyote brown for USA and USMC, and I’m sure there’s folks out there who would love a blaze orange version.
7. Made in USA! Not just USA, but Milwaukee, WI, a city I have a soft spot for, so kudos for that.