Review: Stratus SureFit Anti-Fog StormCell Balaclava
The Stratus SureFit Anti-Fog StormCell Balaclava prevents lens fogging when used with a ski mask or glasses. The balaclava is made with merino wool and is available in multiple sizes. It consists of two attached pieces, a regular balaclava that covers your forehead and mouth, and a second ring of wool with a nose wire, like a surgical mask. It is marvelously effective.
Specs at a Glance
- Midweight (190 gsm)
- 100% merino wool
- Handwash
The Balaclava has two components: a traditional balaclava and a ring of fabric that loops around the front and has a bendable wire sewn into it like an N95 mask. The balaclava covers your head, ears, and neck and can be pulled up to cover your mouth if desired. The extra ring of fabric is attached to the balaclava behind the neck but can pull up to cover your mouth and nose.
This design works well to prevent moist air from fogging up a ski mask or glasses because the nose wire forms a good seal with your face and moist air from your mouth is absorbed by the overhanding ring of fabric, the bottom of the inner balaclava layer, or simply vented below your chin.
The company that makes this balaclava was formerly named North45 but has rebranded as Stratus. I still own the old version of this balaclava (no longer available), but prefer the new one, which has a longer neck in front and rear. Not only is this warmer, but it’s much easier to orient properly when you put it on.
The updated balaclava is available in two fabric weights: 190 GSM merino and 240GSM merino. I chose the 190 GSM merino because I like augment with a fleece beanie if I get cold, rather than being too warm and perspiring.
Overall Recommendation
The Stratus SureFit Anti-Fog StormCell Balaclava outperforms all of the other balaclava systems I’ve used for keeping my glasses or ski mask from fogging above treeline when I need face protection. It’s really kind of miraculous. There’s no fogging of my prescription glasses or ski goggles, even when I’m huffing and puffing and climbing to a mountain summit in 0-degree weather and high winds. If this is something you struggle with, I recommend you get one and try it for yourself.
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Thanks for the review, looks like a promising product. Wish it was synthetic for less moisture accumulation, though.
How does it compare to using a regular balaclava and a product such as OuterU faceglove or Beko noseguard?
I’m only familiar with the outer U. It coveres the rest of your face and is a full balaclava, not a nose shield.
I use the Beako Fantom (full face mask) in conjunction with an overlapped buff/beanie. This combination is excellent for ski goggles (especially when skiing directly into sub-zero, blizzard winds). No fogging.
I find it far more comfortable than a balaclava. Also flexible combinations abound with those 4 pieces of gear.
I have not tried the Fantom with glasses; but the Beako nose guard was OK.
Thank you for all your reviews Philip! Do you have any thoughts on, or experience with, their StormCell vs SuperCell material choices?
I use the 240 GSM version on the older model and it is warmer and less breathable.
Apologies if I wasn’t specific, I was not inquiring about the fabric weight options (although thank you for your comments around 190 vs 240 GSM, much appreciated!). Stratus site lists the balaclava in two material choices, StormCell which I believe is what you are reviewing, and also SuperCell (which they describe as softshell merino type material, higher cost than StormCell). Both of those materials are then available in the two different material weight options. Thanks again!
The stormcell really just feels like Merino wool. In other words, I think its probably marketing bs.
I’ve got the Neofleece Combo scarf from Serius.
Highly adjustable with the Velcro and very warm around the neck area for those bitter cold wind driven summits. That extra warmth was much appreciated on a 9 degrees F day of hiking.
Does not cover the head so is not a Balaclava style which I like because with the addition of my hat of choice it doesn’t get so busy on the top of the scalp.
For breathing thru the mouth its great but for thru the nose its terrible.
That said I added a flexible wire thru the piping that goes over the nose. I always wear my OTG goggles in the mountains because its so much easier on the eyes and so far in my limited testing its been superb with nary a fogged up area to be detected.
At 30 dollars its way cheaper than the Surefit so certainly something to consider.
Hope this helps.