By Mary Webb
Talus Outdoor Technologies’ ColdAvenger Pro multisport face mask will help you handle the bitter cold. Made in the USA, the soft shell fabric design is a half-mask that covers the face, ears and neck. Comfort is evident throughout the breathable fleece fabric, custom-design fit, and ease of ventilation.
One size fits all. Everyone in my hiking group was envious as I wore the ColdAvenger on our march to Mount Baldy. While temperatures have been warmer this year in Southern California, we were still at a temperature of about 30 degrees and colder on a late afternoon snowshoe trek. Last year, we went on the same wander to Mount Baldy and my face was very cold; fog and icy breezes from the north made my face quite chapped over the next couple days following the hike. It was great to be wearing the ColdAvenger on this trip.
I immediately noticed the soft feel of the elastic, water-resistant fabric, particularly the soft fleece interior, and the mask was very simple to put on. A large-width Velcro strap at the back of mask wraps you up in warmth and accommodates various head sizes.
The stitching, which surrounds the mask, offered extra support to properly place the mask over the bridge of my nose and cheek bones. A custom foam insert also comes with the mask and fits inside the ventilator to offer extra padded-protection. These pads are available for a mere $0.75 when you need a replacement.
Talus’ ColdAvenger covered my ears and neck and my face felt warm and protected from the elements. The rounded-out design of the mask allowed for my beanie and sunglasses to be worn in unison. I found it best to put the mask on first, then glasses and beanie.
The mask would not be complete without the state of the art ventilation system. Made of non-toxic medical grade Polyurethane, the ventilation system facilitated breathing, even on the most challenging parts of the trail. Microbial resistance is inherent in the Polyurethane, assisting to ward off unwanted microbes in the air.
This is how the ventilation system works; as I took in the cold air from the mountain range, through the ventilation slots of the mask, and exhaled warmer air, temperate balance between the two exchanges of warm and cold air occurred in the Polyurethane. Moisture did not build up on the Polyurethane finish and my lungs felt as though they were working less even though my heart was pumping faster.
Inside temperatures of the ColdAvenger can get up to 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which is pretty substantial for $59.95 MSRP. While skiing at night, the reflective Talus logo at the back of the mask helped keep goofy snow boarders from running into me. Also, I did not feel wind chill on my neck as I flew down snow-powdered runs; the neck portion of mask fit inside my jacket collar, so once I zipped up my coat, my neck stayed warm and dry.
There is a removable interior valve you will clean after each excursion. I appreciate the bright lime green color, as it was easy to find on the counter after I washed it. After it is clean, you simply pop it back in place.
Available in black or gray, the ColdAvenger Pro Softshell series mask will protect your lungs while you work or play in temperatures as low as -20 degrees.
This cold weather mask by Talus will not only warm your face, but your spirits as well, as you set your sites on winter activities.
Weight: 0.75 LBS
www.talusoutdoor.com/coldavenger
