Would diving hood keep neck warm for skiing/snowboarding?

[Torontonian]

Hi.

Many people wear hood for diving. Would a hood that also covers your neck be good for use during skiing/snowboarding? I was out snowboarding with my kids earlier this year (and waiting to go again soon). My neck still felt cold at times when wearing a scarf. Then I thought of the neoprene diving hood. Has anyone used a diving hood while skiing/snowboarding to keep warm?

Oh, we all wear a helmet and google, with scarf around our neck.


Thanks a lot.

 

[O2BBubbleFree]

I've know ice climbers that use neoprene gloves, and I've used my dive gloves while snow caving, but I wouldn't use a neoprene hood.

It doesn't breath, so you sweat like crazy. With the gloves it was OK, at least it was warm sweat, but if you take them off the freeze instantly and you'll never get 'em warmed up enough to put 'em back on. I wouldn't do it with a neoprene hood.

I carried a heavy pair of snow gloves, and only used the dive gloves while I was digging in the snow to build the shelter.

It would be best to get you a balaclava that's made for show use.

 

[sbrooks]

I use neoprene gloves while hunting - they have a liner (non-neoprene) on the inside that helps with sweating - very very warm and nicely waterproof! I wouldn't recommend a neoprene hood for snowboarding - doesn't breath. It also may be too constricting (if it has a bib) to turn your head and see who's coming the other way.
My two cents..
S.

 

[crlavoie]

There are companies out there that make neoprene balaclavas (that's what a neck / face warmer thingie is called). I've used them in the past but they are really uncomfortable.

The best thing you can use is a regular old fleece neck gaiter. There's ton's of other gimmicky crap out there but it's just that. Check out all the old school guys next time you're standing in line. They're usually the ones still using 210CM straight skis with duct tape on their pants.

 

[redrover]

I’d say yes you could, but something else would work much better. I’ve skied in Neoprene, O’Neill used to make pants that were kinda nice in the maritime climate of mixed rain and snow. I don’t like Balaclavas much but a fleece neck gaitor is the cats PJ’s. I don’t get the helmet thing, all it’s going to do is protect the skull, your neck will still snap and a more likely injury. Stay in control, avoid congested trails or Areas and pay attention to what is going on around you. Inherent with a helmet is a gap in exposure protection.
Set up your exposure protection for variable conditions, one word, layering. Effective exposure protection allows freedom of movement while providing insulation and a barrier from the elements. Zip Turtleneck and Sweater and a well constructed hooded Jacket prevent snow and wind entering neck area, particularly when performing the Yard Sale Maneuver, and allow modification for environment variables.

TO APPLY LAYERS FOR UPPER BODY EXPOSURE PROTECTION IN WIND AND WATER SO COLD IT IS NEAR TO OR FROZEN​

1. Zip Turtleneck to desired degree; this may be adjusted when leaving warmth of shelter to the outdoors.
2. Put on Hat low enough over forehead the Goggles will anchor front when in use.
3. Pull Gaitor over Hat letting bottom edge touch top of shoulders and top edge remain where Goggles will anchor it, then gently pull front under chin. Be certain Gaitor drapeS smoothly to shoulders.
4. Put Goggles on head a la MOF. It’s ok, there’s no chance anyone will think you’re in distress and they’ll just fog under chin.
5. Don Jacket adjusting hood coverage for conditions. From all the way up in extreme storm or wind to high collar height in less severe conditions.
6. Zip Jacket high enough to close but leave it open enough you don’t suffocate indoors doing whatever it still takes to get out the door.
7. Seconds before entering inclement weather;
8. Zip Turtleneck to active length smoothing it below chin under the Gaitor. Active would be walking to lift vs sitting on lift.
9. Pull Gaitor up to lower lip level and check is still smoothly covering chin to chest.
10. Place Goggles carefully on face trapping edges of Hat and Gaitor but leaving nose free.
11. While walking out the door, zip Jacket closed to desired level.
12. If nostril hairs are freezing, burrow nose into Gaitor. It’s right there handy just like a necklaced reg and direct breath upward to nostrils. Repeat nose in and out of Gaitor as necessary for comfort.
13. Continuously make minor adjustments as situation and conditions dictate. Such as head down and burrowed as deep in the jacket as humanly possible with the drawstring cinched tight when riding a lift facing directly into freezing rain. Or partially unzipped and chin free when wind is at the back. Lower Jacket zipper and reach under Gaitor to lower Turtleneck zipper for ventilation when cleaning up the Yard Sale.
14. If frequent execution of the Yard Sale Maneuver is expected, get a hooded Jacket with drawstring at lower level to reduce the getting Back Door chilliness.

 

[www.freedomfilm.com]

No.
The exertion from skiiing hard would soak you in sweat, as most neoprene hoods would be too warm.

The resulting moisture would have nowhere to go, and you would get soaked...Then you would get quite chilled in the line up and especially on the lift. Getting wet or sweaty is the best way to get hypothermia in a sport situation...

I have the same problem when i bought a helmet with no vents... It kept me so warm I went form wearing gortex-fleece-polypro undies to just helmet-polypro undies-gortex... Cut out one whole layer... It did breath a bit, but when doing rescue I got wayyyy too hot and sweaty. Get something like this:

http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?site=NA&model=A336

Breathable, and very very warm... MEC should have something similar and cheaper.

 

[Bob3]

What I used to do for Hawg riding in the winter was to cut the top of a knit watch cap open & drag it down over my neck.
If ya wanna get "industrial grade", get a nice long hardhat liner to go along with that.
Cheap & works as good as or better than stuff costing 10 times as much - or more.
Duct tape optional.

 

[Torontonian]

Thanks for all the comments. Ok we won't wear a neoprene hood as it does breath.

Redover, I have trouble following those step by step instructions. But will do more layering.

Oh, for people near Toronto/Ajax/Whitby/Oshawa, I found a place selling coupon books of buy-one-get-one-free lift tickets. A book is $35, so even going once using one coupon would be worth it. There are two resorts offering these, Dagmar and Lakeridge. I think I'm going to get 2 of Dagmar for my family.