Phunkshun Wear Review
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Phunkshun Wear Neck Gaiter
Phunkshun Wear is one of those stories where they got started in the garage or basement. In their case, it was actually one of the founders’ bedrooms, but who’s keeping track. They had a vision to create a visually attractive and very functional line of winter accessories. Phunkshun Wear got started in Silverthorne, Colorado, and if you had to call anyplace in Colorado the Epicenter of snowboarding, skiing, and outdoor fun, this would be the place. A-Basin, Breckenridge, Copper, Keystone, Vail are all within about 30 minutes of here.
The headwear, balaclavas, and neck wear pieces are great for the mountain, but have great versatility to wear for many an occasion to stay. My Rocky Mountain backyard is the perfect play and testing ground to put this accessory apparel through a myriad of conditions and activities. I plan to do just that.
The Phunkshun Wear Double Layer Mask Neck Gaiter
Warmth Rating of 3 snowflakes out of 5.
Double layer sun screen protecting in a subtle yet cool Colorado Flag Logo
Check out the subtle design in the Double Layer Neck Gaiter. This mask comes from their Colorado Collection, and the state logo is subtly located as the feature design piece. The Phunkshun mammoth logo also speaks to strength and warmth.
I have had this piece for 4-5 weeks, and I lost track of the multitude of settings and occasions for which I’ve had the pleasure to wear this Gaiter. Alpine skiing, snowshoeing, running, bicycle commuting, hiking, walking to the park, running around town, backcountry skinning and skiing, and there’s probably a few others. The Phunkshun Double Layer folds up nicely, so it is always tucked away in my coat pocket for when the need arises. I don’t mind being bundled up, but I am not a fan of zipping up my coats completely to the top. That’s just me, but this gaiter makes for a nice transition allowing me not to feel that ‘choking’ tightness while avoiding any drafts from creeping in to provide a chill.
A really cool feature is that the outer layer is water resistant. That’s nothing special in its own right, but what it does is prevent that outer layer from freezing. If you’ve ever been skiing in a snowstorm, and your breath plus the snow and wind get together to have an ice forming party, you’ll understand this. The resulting moisture will freeze creating a crinkly ice mass, and can also cause your goggles to fog up.
The inner lining helps keep you warm, but it also breathes to dump excess body heat which then won’t freeze and provide that stiff icy fabric mentioned above.
Moisture Wicking – Anti-Microbial – UPF 50+
For more information and stylish option check out more designs at: www.amazon.com/phunkshunwear.
The Phunkshun Wear Ballerclava
The Phunksun Wear Ballerclava is the one piece that really has me stoked to take on numerous winter expeditions. It is an SL – single layer product- and although I couldn’t find a snow flake warm rating, I would assume it’s in the 1 or 2 flake range. It is designed to allow you to partake in whatever outdoor passion you may want to undertake. The Ballerclava will and does protect however, especially in temperatures when I ride my bike, snowshoe the Alpine trails, keep up my winter running regime, or fly down the mountain on those not warmer Colorado Blue Bird ski days. All these activities require that I push myself and the warmth created will have my heart rate racing, and my body sweating in no time.
Double layer sun screen protecting in a subtle yet cool Colorado Flag Logo
The Face mask fits pretty snug, and it definitely is made to cover most of your face. I’ve had it over my nose, mouth, and tucked under the chin. A three setting approach that I could easily adjust on the go. My favorite was with my mouth covered, but not my nose as to not create any sunglass or ski goggle fogging. Especially when skiing and biking, the speeds can get up there, and this provided great coverage for my neck, head, and face. With its single layer and tight fit, it does not prevent any issues underneath a ski or bike helmet. I say it had its limitations as far as the handling the really frigid temperatures. Having said, temperatures down into the teens and twenties were handled perfectly.
The SL Ballerclava has been a lifesaver for many of my morning group rides.
The really cool thing is that this piece of winter apparel has an SPF rating of 50+. Even though the big snow dumps are treasured and greatly longed for by many a mountain lover, those beautiful blue bird sunny days do happen in abundance. When planning my day on the mountain, I will always stash a lip balm in one of my jacket pockets. Sunscreen is something I usually always forget. The sun at 13,000 ft. elevation can be quite fierce, and when you add in the reflective snow factor, you stand a good chance of a sunburn in places you’d think unlikely (the bottom of your nose or earlobes).
Antimicrobial is a nice feature to keep the funk out especially when working for your turns by climbing a few peaks. With a rising heart rate, the perspiration is bound to start flowing. With the moisture wicking capabilities, this is a great piece to have on hand as you point your skis downhill. Check it out at www.amazon.com.
Single Layer Design with Phunkshun featured all over :-)
The Phunkshun Wear Beanie Cap
The Beanie Cap is simple, basic, and devoid of funky designs. I personally like that in my attire and accessories. They have options galore as far as color schemes and designs, but I prefer a simple almost classic look. My image of this beanie harkens back to visions of longshoreman and fisherman tackling the wet, cold, and driving winds. I have been sporting this beanie in a more Urban out and about on the town setting, but I am happy to report that my noggin stayed nice and warm. My wife commented that it complemented my coat (and winter beard) very nicely. There you have, Seal of Approval from the wife. For more information on the beanies visit www.amazon.com.
Phunkshun Wear Beanie
Final Thoughts on the Phunkshun Wear line of products
With a multitude of options for apparel outerwear, Phunkshun Wear has the style and product for you. I have used these three products as stand alone options, and in combination to keep me stylishly warm no matter what I’m doing. With an entire section of Colorado products, you can be a proud Coloradan or you can sport some stylish winter accessories no matter where you are. If anything, come visit to experience Phunkshun Wear’s playground, and while you’re at it, stay nice and protected from the elements.
A feature that is quite rare these days is the fact that these are Made in the USA.
Something that is also pretty neat is it that a portion of every mask sold is donated to the High Fives Foundation, a Tahoe-Based National 501.c.3 Non-Profit dedicated to raising money and awareness for athletes that suffer a life altering injury while pursuing their dream in the winter action sports community BIG SMILES. For more info visit www.amazon.com/phunkshun.
Big Smiles all Around
