Arc'teryx Balaclavas

Arc'teryx builds balaclavas for two very different crowds. The mainline models target skiers, runners, and climbers who need lightweight face protection during high-output cold-weather activities. The LEAF line serves military and law enforcement with flame-resistant fabrics, helmet compatibility, and windproof panels built to mil-spec standards. Current production includes models from both lines, while several discontinued options from the Rho, Motus, Phase, and System_A families show up on resale platforms.

Materials are split into three categories: Polartec Power Stretch fleece for maximum warmth and four-way stretch, merino wool blends for natural temperature regulation and odor control, and lightweight synthetics like Phasic AR for moisture-wicking during aerobic activities. Most models use flatlock seams to eliminate chafing under helmets, and nearly all convert between full balaclava, neck gaiter, and hat configurations. For beanie options that pair well with these, check the complete list of Arc'teryx beanies and toques.

What Are Arc'teryx's Current Balaclava Models?

Arc'teryx currently produces four balaclavas, split between the mainline and LEAF collections. The mainline focuses on athletic performance, while LEAF models add tactical features like flame resistance and PPE compatibility.

Rho Balaclava

Polartec Power Stretch fleece with four-way stretch and a brushed microfleece interior. This is the warmest mainline option, built for severe cold during mountaineering, skiing, or expedition camping. The fleece interior traps heat while the durable exterior resists wind. I wear mine on single-digit snowboarding days when lighter options can't keep up. The hinged design lets you pull the face section down without removing the whole thing. Available in Black and Grey.

Norvan Balaclava

Built for mountain runners who need face protection without overheating. Merino wool wrapped around a nylon core gives you wool's odor resistance and warmth with synthetic durability. The open-top design is the standout feature, letting heat escape during intense effort so you don't end up soaked. Converts between neck warmer, toque, and full balaclava depending on conditions. Available in Black and Bordeaux.

Assault Balaclava (LEAF)

Part of the Law Enforcement and Armed Forces line. Streamlined, contoured shape provides full head and neck coverage with minimal bulk under tactical helmets. Synthetic blend with a smooth outer surface and moisture-wicking interior. Available in Gen 1 and Gen 2, with Gen 2 adding longer neck coverage, better breathability, and refined seam placement. Colors include Black, Ranger Green, and Crocodile. Sold through LEAF retailers only.

LEAF Assault Balaclava FR

The flame-resistant version of the Assault. Made from TenCate Defender M mesh knit at 50g, this meets military standards for no-melt, no-drip performance. FR mesh panels around the mouth and nose improve ventilation while the main body retains warmth. Dual-wear configuration works with eyes-only or full-face exposure. Gen 2 improves the collar ergonomics, optimizes mesh placement, and drops weight. Available in Black, Ranger Green, Crocodile, and Wolf.

What Is the LEAF Cold WX Balaclava SV?

The LEAF Cold WX Balaclava SV is Arc'teryx's extreme-cold tactical option. Weighs 80g with GORE WINDSTOPPER 3L stretch nylon on the face and forehead panels and Polartec Power Stretch fleece on the crown and neck. The GORE panels block wind where it hits hardest, while the fleece sections provide warmth and breathability. Some versions use GORE-TEX Infinium instead. Strategic ventilation over the mouth reduces moisture buildup on goggles and eye protection. Flatlock seam construction keeps bulk down under helmets. Gen 1 is discontinued, but Gen 2 remains in production through LEAF channels. Model number 15394. Available in Black and Crocodile.

What Arc'teryx Discontinued Balaclava Models?

Arc'teryx has cycled through several balaclava models across the Motus, Phase, Rho, and System_A lines. Discontinued models show up on eBay, Grailed, and specialty outdoor resale platforms. Updated versions replaced some; others belonged to lines that Arc'teryx shut down entirely.

Motus Balaclava

Lightweight synthetic built for high-output pursuits like skiing, trail running, and climbing in cold weather. Made from Phasic AR II polyester with a fuzzy interior finish and a contoured one-piece design. The thin, slim-fit construction prioritized moisture management over raw warmth, making it better for aerobic use than standing around. Flatlock seams, available in Black and Grey. If you're looking for something similar that's still in production, the Motus Neck Gaiter uses the same Phasic AR II fabric. Discontinued.

Phase AR Balaclava

Part of Arc'teryx's Phase moisture-wicking base layer series. Phasic AR fabric at 145 g/m² blending 87% polyester and 13% polypropylene with UPF 50+ protection. Weighed just 35g, making it the lightest balaclava Arc'teryx produced. The double-knit textile used multi-dimensional polyester yarns to wick moisture laterally for rapid drying. Pill-resistant outer surface with a lightly lofted interior. The extended front length sat flat under collars for easy integration with jacket systems. Available in Black only. Discontinued.

Rho AR Balaclava

The heavier sibling of the current Rho. Polartec Power Stretch at 150g with 90% polyester and 10% elastane. Four-way stretch, flatlock seams, and anatomical shaping for a secure fit under helmets. Weighed 47g and converted between a full balaclava, a hat, and a neck gaiter. The "AR" designation meant all-around, positioned between lighter options and the extreme-cold LEAF models. Available in Black. Discontinued.

Rho LTW Balaclava

A lighter alternative within the Rho family using merino wool and elastane instead of synthetic fleece. The wool provides natural temperature regulation, odor resistance, and a soft next-to-skin feel during multi-day use. Packable and compressible enough to stuff in a pocket when conditions warm up. Good for ski touring, alpine climbing, or backpacking where you need warmth but can't afford the weight or bulk of the standard Rho. Available in Black. Discontinued.

System_A Volta Balaclava

From Arc'teryx's now-defunct System_A streetwear sub-brand. Articulated shaping with flat seams and pull-up/pull-down functionality. This was the fashion-forward option, designed more for urban cold-weather wear than for technical performance, though the construction quality met Arc'teryx's mainline standards. Synthetic blend with a smooth outer layer and moisture-wicking interior. Available in Black and Grey. For more on the System_A line, see the complete breakdown of all 8 System_A drops. Discontinued.

System_A Balaclava

A separate model from the Volta, also from the System_A line. Built for high-altitude and extremely cold environments with a modular design that converts between a full balaclava, neck gaiter, and partial coverage. Windproof panels reinforced key areas against biting wind. Thicker and more insulated than the Volta, targeting collectors and users who needed real cold-weather performance from the streetwear line. Available in Black and Grey. Discontinued and rare.

See also the complete list of Arc'teryx beanies and toques, and the list of Arc'teryx jackets.