Donning the Talus ColdAvenger Expedition Balaclava may cause small children and women to run in fear from you. Others will mumble under their breath that you look like a cross between Hannibal Lecter and Darth Vader.

Shun the “Luke I am your father” and “Quid pro quo, Clarice” comments, because the temperature is below freezing, your belly is full with Ramen noodles and you’re motivated to ski past sundown. You need to stay warm and are determined to get your money’s worth from your $100 lift ticket.

The ColdAvenger Expedition Balaclava provides protection for your entire head and neck for extreme hot or cold conditions. It is designed with Polartec Wind Pro. Polartec touts the Wind Pro as four-times more wind resistance than traditional fleece. The removable respirator is non-toxic polyurethane and Talus boasts that it’s medical grade.

The respirator is what makes the ColdAvenger Expedition Balaclava different from other balaclavas. Traditional balaclava can be a challenge to position, so breathing from your nose and mouth is not restrained although still receives the most protection.

Not so with the Expedition Balaclava. The respirator on the Expedition Balaclava is affixes with Velcro to the sides of the balaclava to covers the nose, mouth and cheekbones. Nearly your entire head is covered when you are wearing goggles.

Breathing is not restrained or laboring even when sucking some air while cutting loose for a minimal turn, speed induced and endorphin popping run. The ventilator keeps the air you are inhaling as warm as the air that’s exhaled. The ventilator doesn’t make it difficult to be heard when talking to your liftmate.

The ColdAvenger Expedition Balaclava function performance is impressive. It may not be fashionable, but when has a serious outdoorsman ever wanted to turn heads because of their outfit.

The Talus ColdAvenger Expedition Balaclava carries a suggested retail price of $79.95.