Kids' Thermal Merino Balaclava
Smartwool

Kids' Thermal Merino Balaclava

Full head, neck and face coverage in double-layer 100% Merino, cut slim enough to wear under a helmet.

$30
Color: Charcoal
Also inUnisex
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Top features
100% Merino wool
Double-layer construction
Merino moisture management
Description

When it's time for a new cold-weather adventure, be sure to bundle your kids in our Kids' Thermal Merino Balaclava. It's the definition of warmth. Our heaviest, 100% Merino fabric and double-layer construction combine for maximal coverage with a bulk-free fit.

Perfect for
Ski and ride
Under a helmet.
Full coverage
Head, neck and face.
100% Merino
No blend.
Features
  • 100% Merino wool. No blend — the whole balaclava is wool, which is why it keeps insulating when your child's breath has dampened the face panel.
  • Double-layer construction. Two layers of Merino knit over the head and neck, which is where the warmth comes from without adding thickness under a helmet.
  • Merino moisture management. Wool moves moisture as vapor, so the fabric over the mouth and nose does not turn to a wet, cold patch by mid-morning.
  • Cleanly finished seams. Flat seams give a bulk-free fit, so a helmet strap and goggle frame sit over it without a pressure ridge.
  • Full face and neck coverage. Covers everything a neck gaiter and a beanie cover, in one piece that cannot slip down and leave a gap.
Size & Fit

One size, cut for kids' heads and necks. It pulls on over the head and sits close at the neck without gapping. Cleanly finished seams are what keep it flat under a helmet strap and goggle frame — the two places a bulky balaclava causes trouble.

Open size guide
Materials
  • 100% Merino wool.
  • Care: Machine wash cold on gentle cycle with like colors; do not bleach; tumble dry low or lay flat to dry; do not iron; do not dry clean.
About the brand

Smartwool brings the magic of merino wool to life — keeping you warm, dry, and comfortable no matter the season. From performance socks to base layers, every piece is designed for adventure. At Mountain Sports, we love Smartwool because it proves comfort and sustainability can go hand in hand, from trail to town.

Shop all Smartwool

SKU SW018041-003 · Style SW018041
Size guide

Smartwool Size Chart - Kids' Apparel

Smartwool Sizing Chart

Measurements are in inches, unless otherwise noted. Charts reflect body measurements, not garment measurements.

Kids' Apparel & Base Layers:

Size Age Chest Waist Height Weight (lbs)
XXS 2 - 3 22.5 - 23.5 20 - 21.5 35 - 41 31 - 41
XS 4 - 5 24 - 25 22 - 22.5 42 - 48 42 - 49
S 6 - 8 25.5 - 26.5 23 - 24 48 - 54 49 - 59
M 9 - 10 27 - 28 24.5 - 25 54 - 57 59 - 75
L 11 - 12 28.5 - 30 25.5 - 26 57 - 60 75 - 89
XL 13 - 14 30.5 - 32 26.5 - 28 60 - 62 89 - 100

How to measure - Chest: measure under the arms, around the fullest part of the chest and back. Waist: measure around the natural waistline, keeping the tape a bit loose. Height: measure standing straight, without shoes, from the top of the head to the floor.

Smartwool clothing runs true to size. If your child is between sizes, age, height and weight are good guides for choosing the best fit. Smartwool products are designed to retain their fit and shape; following the care instructions on the label will help avoid shrinking or stretching.
Performance

How it ranks across conditions.

Calibrated against comparable products we stock, so you can compare like for like.

Warmth

Light
Midweight
Warm
Very warm

Double-layered 100% Merino over the whole head and neck. Smartwool calls this fabric their heaviest Merino — this is the warmest piece in the kids' accessory line.

Coverage

Neck only
Neck and chin
Neck and face
Full balaclava

A true balaclava: head, neck and face in one piece, with an opening for the eyes.

Breathability

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Merino breathes well for its warmth, so moisture from breathing moves out rather than icing up against the face.

Bulk under a helmet

Minimal
Low
Moderate
High

Double-layered, so not the thinnest option — but the cleanly finished seams are what keep it wearable under a helmet.

Best for

Is this right for you?

Cold and windy ski days

One piece covering head, neck and face means no gap opening at the neck on the chairlift, which is what happens with a beanie and gaiter combination.

Not for: On a mild spring day it is far more coverage than a child needs. Try the Kids' Thermal Merino Neck Gaiter instead

Sub-freezing mornings

The warmest thing in our kids' Merino accessory line, for the days when a hat alone is not enough.

Not for: Not a substitute for goggles or eye protection — the face opening leaves the eyes exposed. Add the Kids' Merino Gloves

Winter walks and bus stops

Pull it up over the nose walking into the wind, down around the neck once you are inside.

Not for: Most kids find full-face coverage too much for an ordinary cold day, rather than a genuinely cold one. Pair it with the Classic Thermal Crew

Full spec sheet

Technical Specs

Material100% Merino wool, exclusive of decoration
ConstructionDouble-layered, cleanly finished seams
CoverageHead, neck and face
Fabric weight250 g/m²
Garment weight50 g (1.76 oz)
SizingOne size, cut for kids
Country of originMade in Vietnam
Style numberSW018041
Questions, answered

Before you buy.

Pulled from chats, emails and store visits. The things people actually ask us before they buy. Don't see yours?

Ask a question
What size is it?

One size, cut for kids' heads and necks. It pulls on over the head, and the interlock knit stretches to fit across a range of head sizes.

Will it fit under a ski helmet?

Yes — that is what the cleanly finished seams are for. There is no seam ridge to press into the head under a helmet or a goggle strap.

Will the mouth panel get wet and cold from breathing?

Less than a synthetic one. Merino moves moisture as vapor and keeps insulating when it is damp, which is exactly the problem a face panel has. It will still get damp on a hard day — that is physics, not a fault.

How is this different from a neck gaiter?

A gaiter covers the neck and can be pulled up over the nose. A balaclava covers the head as well, in one piece, so there is no gap where a hat ends and a gaiter begins.

How do I wash it?

Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle with like colors, then tumble dry low or lay flat. Do not use a hot dryer — heat is what felts and shrinks wool.

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