I strongly recommended the wind resistant face mask called the MN Shoreman’s Windblock Face Mask sold by the Duluth Trading Co. The reason is that this wind resistant face mask is not only protective while being out in cold weather to run or work in, but because of its durability and comfort. Here’s more about the wind resistant face mask called the MN Shoreman’s Windblock Face Mask.
While the Duluth Trading Co. provided me this product to review, I was under no obligation to recommend it nor was I told how to write this review by them nor was I paid any money by the company to write this review.
Review of Wind Resistant Face Mask: MN Shoreman’s Windblock Face Mask
Living in Cheyenne, Wyoming, I deal with strong west and northern winds which can be quite fierce running into or whenever I’m outside in general. These winds basically start in late August and don’t end until the following June. I’ve used those paper-like masks with the cheap elastic band to shield my face, but it’s only partly effective, as the band breaks and breathing into the mask fogs up my glasses nor is there much warmth.
This Duluth Trading Co. product I reviewed is made up of two layers of polyester fleece that has a 100 per cent windproof barrier, according to the product description. The wind resistant face mask pulls over my face. Other than my eyes and nose bridge areas and some of my forehead, the rest of my face is covered. One of the best aspects of this face mask is that the mouth covering is mesh, so I can actually breathe through it. And most of my nose is covered, but there’s a hole for my nostrils.
I put the wind resistant face mask on after washing (it can be machine washed, but needs to be air dried according to the care label) and it fit nicely and didn’t feel too tight (you can pick from two sizes as mentioned further down), and it feels soft on my face. I tested this product out between October and December 2009, and all temperatures quoted are in Fahrenheit. The first time I used it, I was running a half-hour plus at the end of dusk in around 35 degree weather and into some light breezes and fog. My face felt warm throughout, but if you do run in this face mask and wear glasses like I do, you need to get used to inhaling and exhaling through the mesh mouth covering, or you will fog up your glasses badly, especially the more the weather is cold.
My next test came running in 53 degree weather with a WNW wind at 22 mph plus higher gusts. I didn’t feel the chill of that wind on my face. I also wore the mask with 36 degree weather with fog and 100 per cent humidity at dusk. My face felt warm throughout my run into 15 mph winds coming out of the north. At 20 degrees with very little wind on a clear but very very frigid night, this product again kept my face very warm during my half hour of running.
The Wind Resistant Face Mask, the MN Shoreman’s Windblock Face Mask, Provides Winter Weather Warmth
The real test came on a very bitterly cold December evening with wind chills hovering between (-)5 and (-)15 degrees as I ran across the plains of southeastern Wyoming for around 35 minutes. My face stayed warm throughout the run, and the mesh covering over my mouth kept my mouth area warm, too. The warmth and protection this face mask provides in such cold weather has me strongly recommending this product. Even around my eyes, forehead, nose bridge and nostrils areas where there the openings are, these parts stayed warm, too, fulfilling its online product description that says “Protects your full face in subzero weather”.
With the disposable face masks I’ve used in the past in such cold weather, there’s been no breathing holes, so when I’ve used them, my glasses got constantly steamed up, but using this face mask with the mesh covering over the mouth which I can breathe through, the steaming of my glasses wasn’t as bad. But realistically, in very cold weather, there will be some steaming, especially if one is huffing and puffing via exertion.
The MN Shoreman’s Windblock Face Mask generally fits in the back or side pockets of jeans or coat pockets easily. As for cleaning care, you can hand wash it or put it in the washing machine, but the manufacturer recommends air drying (takes 7-8 hours to air dry). You can also fold the cap in half and wear it like a regular stocking cap.
The regular price for this wind resistant face mask is $18.50 (Item # 75030), but check for discounts at the product description here. The color is black and comes in M/L and XL/XXL sizes. Prices and availability are subject to change.
More About the Wind Resistant Face Mask: MN Shoreman’s Windblock Face Mask
Another positive aspect of this clothing and accessory company is their 100 % Satisfaction Guarantee policy. Contact the Duluth Trading Co. via phone at 1-800-505-8888 or contact them via their website contact form. You can also request a print catalog. Website here.
