10 Best Neck Gaiters For Skiing & Snowboarding In 2024
The Blackstrap tube is my top pick for any day on the slopes. I have used a variety of Blackstrap gear over the years, but their neck gaiters are hands down my favorite product. The dual layer combines comfort, protection, and performance with just enough neck cover.
While on the thinner side, it won’t be too bulky to fit under your helmet. The thinness also helps if your skin gets easily irritated. My face tends to be very sensitive, so I must be careful about the material I choose since it will be against my skin for many hours.
The spandex material makes this gaiter soft and warm while giving it extra flexibility and breathability. The material also has a UV rating of 50+ for sun protection, moisture wicking, and quick drying.
Sunshine or cold temperatures is such a fun season to be out in the mountains, but without proper face protection, the weather changes can make for an unpleasant ski day.
Neck gaiters for skiing and snowboarding are a must. They will protect you from the harmful effects of the elements and help prevent discomfort and irritation, such as chapping, windburn, and sunburn.
Neck gaiters for skiing need to be warm with enough weather protection to get you through any conditions. I’ll review 10 of the best neck gaiters for skiing in this guide.
My Review Process
One of the nice things about skiing is the ability to dress in layers. However, sometimes that makes it tempting to go out onto the slopes without the proper gear, so I’ve had to end many ski days early because I was freezing.
I’ve learned that there’s much more to choosing the best neck gaiter for skiing than just the warmth. Material, weather protection, and layering also matter.
In addition, choosing the right neck gaiter requires thinking about your entire ski outfit, including how much room you have outside your thermal layer and under your outer layer. There’s no best neck gaiter for every possible ski day, so my goal is to help you choose the best suited for your ski days.
Best Overall Neck Gaiter For Skiing
The Blackstrap tube is my top pick for any day on the slopes. I have used a variety of Blackstrap gear over the years, but their neck gaiters are hands down my favorite product. The dual layer combines comfort, protection, and performance with just enough neck cover.
While on the thinner side, it won’t be too bulky to fit under your helmet. The thinness also helps if your skin gets easily irritated. My face tends to be very sensitive, so I must be careful about the material I choose since it will be against my skin for many hours.
The spandex material makes this gaiter soft and warm while giving it extra flexibility and breathability. The material also has a UV rating of 50+ for sun protection, moisture wicking, and quick drying.
Best Women’s Neck Gaiter
Merino wool is known for providing good insulation and not itching like other wools, so it is hard to go wrong with any merino neck gaiter. The Meriwool is versatile and multi-functional and is an excellent option because of its affordable price.
While this neck gaiter is machine washable, it is recommended to hand wash it for best results and durability. However, the odor resistance and lack of the unwanted smells that come with an epic ski day make the hand washing worth it.
The Meriwool is a shorter and thicker neck gaiter allowing the stretchy four way material to provide comfort in every movement. The thicker materials also offer excellent protection from the elements.
Best Unisex Neck Gaiter
From neck warmer to beanies to headbands, there are various ways to wear this unisex Merino Tech neck gaiter. Lighter and thinner than other wool products, this neck warmer is excellent for keeping out the snow, wind, and sun.
Although this neck gaiter for skiing is thinner, it is perfect for those who like extra breathability and don’t want their eyewear to fog up.
Made with merino wool, some of my favorite materials, this gaiter will keep you warm and dry on all of your mountain adventures. While it is great for all seasons, this garment thrives on slightly warmer days.
Best Merino Wool Neck Gaiter
If you have followed along this far, you can make out that I love merino wool. But my favorite merino wool neck gaiter for skiing is the Smartwool. The Smartwool is simple and multi-purpose with just the right amount of thickness.
The downside to the Smartwool is that it is pricier than the other options, but it makes up for it by being one of the softest and warmest gaiters out there with 100% merino wool.
This neck gaiter is perfect for all-season skiers to ensure you stay comfortable, warm, and dry on all your adventures.
Best Customizable Neck Gaiter For Skiing
The touch headwear winter neck warmer is another top-rated neck warmer. The top layer is form-fitting, while the bottom is a double-lined fleece made to keep the icy-cold air out.
Some people don’t like the headpiece because it becomes uncomfortable under their helmet, but there is no need to constantly adjust this gaiter because it stays in place and fits no matter what. The four-way stretch fabric also makes this an excellent choice for mobility.
Best Neck Gaiter For Cross-Country Skiing
If you’re planning to cross-country ski, the Botack neck warmer is for you. The adjustable closure keeps it in place, so you don’t have to adjust mid-ski.
While the material is a bit thicker and heavier, it is also very breathable with air holes on the inside nose and mouthpiece – this allows you to cover your nose and mouth on cold days without feeling stuffy.
This gaiter for skiing is made with 100% acrylic material with a fleece lining providing extra warmth for cold days. It is also multi-functional and can be worn as a beanie when you pull the drawstring together.
Best Neck Gaiter To Prevent Windchill
There's nothing worse than windburn on a cold day. The EXIO neck warmer is tactical and stylish, made with high-performance fabric and a quick dry system that protects your skin from freezing winds.
Due to material, this gaiter can be on the tighter side for some. However, the snug fit keeps the gaiter from moving and bunching around the neck.
The material is neither too thin nor too thick and doesn't feel cheap for its affordability.
What's cool about this neck warmer is that it has an air hole making it easier to breathe, and it ensures that your goggles don't fog up.
Best Budget Neck Gaiter For Skiing
The Turtle Fur Neck Warmer has proved that you can get a cheap neck gaiter that provides excellent warmth.
Made with 100% acrylic material, this stylish guy is proven to be super soft and comfortable.
The Turtle Fur Neck Warmer provides so much warmth that it may be too warm for sunny ski days. But if you tend to run cold like me, this is the perfect one for you.
The Turtle Fur Warmer is best suited for those who want something easy, affordable and can brave any weather.
Most Comfortable Neck Gaiter For Skiing
Are you someone that gets cold quickly? If so, you can’t go wrong with a cozy fleece neck warmer. This Dymex gaiter combines premium fleece and spandex, ensuring that extra stretch we all love.
This gaiter is a bit thicker than other options, but this winter face cover will be warm enough for any windy excursion. Afraid of it being too warm? On warmer days, it can easily be worn as a headband or bandana, allowing for more airflow.
The best part about this ski gaiter? If you’re an all-season skier looking for the perfect match for the rest of your outfit, this is the staple piece you’re missing. It comes in 20 different colors and is easily washed without all the pilling of some fleece fabric.
Best Men’s Neck Gaiter
This gaiter might be small, but he is feisty and ready to block out any wind or snow that blows your way. With many vibrant and colorful options, the Burton Midweight neck warmer is perfect for all our male shredders.
Although this neckwarmer is a one-size-fits-all product, and we know sometimes that's not the case, it makes up for it by being highly breathable with four-way stretch material.
The material is also odor resistant, keeping you fresh and focused for the entire day. Finally, it´s blue design approved for all my environmentally friendly people out there, meaning it is created to reduce the impact on our world.
Why Wear A Neck Gaiter When Skiing?
There is a lot of gear that comes with skiing, and not all of it is necessary, but a good neck gaiter is something I can't live without on the mountain. Neck gaiters are small but mighty and can prevent a whole list of uncomfortable effects from the elements, such as chapping, windburn, and snow blindness.
Invest in a neck gaiter if you want ultimate comfort on the slopes. Don't feel like wearing it on a sunny day? Throw it in your pocket for easy access if the weather changes.
Neck Gaiter Buying Guide
Fit
Some neck gaiters only offer a one size fits all option. So for fit, I would find one made with spandex or four-way stretch material.
Neck gaiters are usually eight to eleven inches in diameter, but this sizing is based on average head sizes. So, if you have a smaller head, find one that you can easily adjust.
Material
Material preferences vary from person to person, and no material will be perfect for everyone. The critical thing to remember is that neck gaiters will be against your neck and face all day.
So if you have sensitive skin, you should pick a stretchy and soft fabric.
Other than comfort, an excellent option would be material that has a layer of insulation, like merino wool.
Warmth
Moderation is essential in the material because you want something warm enough for cold temperatures but breathable enough for warm days.
Sometimes the warmth in a wool or fleece neck warmer can be too much.
Try to avoid ski neck gaiters that are 100% these materials if you are someone that overheats quickly. Wool and fleece work best when they are mixed with other materials.
Layering
Want your neck gaiter to have extra warmth? Shop in layers.
The more layers, the warmer it will be. Be careful, though, because layers also mean thickness, and if you want to avoid the extra bulk, stick to lower layers.
Layers also help with durability, essential when protecting your skin from the elements.
Weather protection
Whatever you do, avoid cotton. You don't want to be on your second run and already have a super damp neck gaiter that eventually freezes, or you have to take off because it's not providing enough insulation.
When choosing a neck gaiter for skiing, make sure to take the water resistance and cold temperatures into account.
Summary
The best overall neck gaiter for skiing is the BLACKSTRAP Tube, with the best for women being the MERIWOOL and then the best for men being the BURTON Midweight. If you’re a skier on a budget, I would recommend the Original Turtle Fur Fleece, and if you’re looking for wool, I would go with the Merino Wool Neck Gaiter.
Common questions
I've been out on the mountain since I was a kid and rarely venture out without a gaiter. Gaiters for skiing prevent your neck, chest, and face from getting windchill. They also avoid windburn and sunburn as most of them have UV protection.
To get your gaiter to stay up, you can pull it above your head and chin, but make sure it is sitting toward the back of your head. While in place, slip your helmet on, and you should be good to go.
This one is up to personal preference. I have never been someone that wears my gaiter over my ears because my helmet tends to keep my head warm. However, many people pull it up over their heads about halfway and slip their helmets on to keep it in place.
I recommend having a mix of fabrics. I like wool for warmth and spandex for that four-way stretch.
Neck gaiters are very versatile and can be worn in many ways, because of this they have many different names. Some people also call them neck warms or face masks.
With 20 years of experience in Bend, Oregon, Becca is an expert in outdoor activities like hiking, trail running, skiing, and snowboarding.
*The information on this site is based on research and first-hand experience but should not be treated as medical advice. Before beginning any new activity, we recommend consulting with a physician, nutritionist or other relevant professional healthcare provider.
