Comparison · 7 min
The 7 best balaclavas of winter 2026, from trekking to European knitwear
From trekking brands that became city staples to balaclavas knitted in Europe: the 7 best balaclavas of winter 2026, their material, their price, and who they are made for.
The balaclava has left the slopes: it is worn in town as much as in the mountains, and the choice has never been wider. Here are the 7 balaclavas that come up most in winter 2026 searches and comparisons, from big trekking brands to European workshops. Folkovar is on the list, since we are the ones writing it.
Brands mentioned
- Velocidade
- Maison Bonnefoy
| Balaclava | Material | Made | Style | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Folkovar (Skadi, Frosthelm, Morrigan, Caledon) | 100% cotton | Portugal, Ave valley | Knitted traditional European patterns | €59 in pre-order |
| Arc'teryx Rho | Polyester and elastane | — | Plain, technical | $45 / £40 |
| The North Face (Base, Patrol, Hightech) | Polyester fleece and elastane | — | Plain, logo | $39.95 to $44.95 |
| Patagonia Balaclava | Recycled polyester and elastane | Fair Trade Certified factory | Plain, technical | €55 |
| Velocidade | Merino | France | Plain | €50 |
| Missègle | Mohair and silk, or camel | France | Fine knit | €56.95 to €61.90 |
| Maison Bonnefoy | Wool | France | Several models | €39.90 to €65 |
List prices noted on 5 October 2026, for guidance only.
Balaclavas from trekking brands
Arc'teryx, The North Face and Patagonia have moved from the trail to the street: their balaclavas are seen in town as much as in the mountains. They are synthetic fleece balaclavas, thin, stretchy, fast-drying. Their ground is intense effort: ski touring, running, mountaineering.
Their limits come down to material and style. They are plastics, which shed microfibres in the wash, and they all look alike: plain, technical, signed with a logo. Patagonia stands out with manufacturing in a Fair Trade Certified factory and 92% recycled polyester.
VelocidadeMaison BonnefoyBalaclavas knitted in Europe
Velocidade, Missègle and Maison Bonnefoy make in France, in merino, wool, mohair or camel. They are animal-fibre balaclavas, thicker and softer than fleece, a choice for those who are happy with wool.
Folkovar, the traditional-pattern balaclava
Folkovar goes against plain balaclavas: each of the 4 carries a European pattern knitted into the fabric, the Norwegian Selbu rose (Skadi), Nordic helmet lines (Frosthelm), Aran cables (Morrigan) or the Highland tartan (Caledon). In 100% Portuguese cotton, with no wool and no plastic in the knit, double thickness for 3 models out of 4, machine-washable at 30 °C.
They are made to go on and come off through the outing: rolled up into a beanie on the climb, pulled down as soon as you stop, at a pass, at camp or in a cold street. €59 in pre-order, barely more than a trekking balaclava, with a pattern you won't see on anyone else.
Which one to choose?
- You ski-tour or run and sweat a lot: a technical fleece balaclava (Arc'teryx, The North Face, Patagonia).
- You like wool and want French manufacturing: Velocidade, Missègle or Maison Bonnefoy.
- You want a balaclava that stands out, with no wool and no plastic, made in Europe, for the mountains as much as the city: Folkovar.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best balaclava of winter 2026?
It depends on use. For intense effort, a technical fleece balaclava (Arc'teryx, The North Face, Patagonia). For a balaclava made in Europe, in a natural material, with a traditional pattern, Folkovar, at €59 in pre-order.
How much does an Arc'teryx balaclava cost?
The Arc'teryx Rho balaclava is listed at $45 or £40. It is made of polyester and elastane.
Which balaclava to wear in the city in winter?
One with as much style as protection: trekking brands offer plain models with a logo, Folkovar offers knitted traditional-pattern balaclavas in cotton, worn in town as easily as in the mountains.
Is there a European-made alternative to Arc'teryx or The North Face?
Yes: Folkovar knits its balaclavas in Portugal, in 100% cotton, at €59 in pre-order. In France, Velocidade, Missègle and Maison Bonnefoy offer wool balaclavas.
Are trekking balaclavas made of plastic?
The Arc'teryx, The North Face and Patagonia models noted are polyester and elastane, so synthetic. Patagonia uses 92% recycled polyester.