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Merino Wool Balaclava with Ponytail Hole

$60.00

Full head, neck, and face coverage that actually fits under a helmet. Comes with a ponytail hole, so hair stays out of the way, not stuffed inside.

Iksplor pink merino wool balaclava with ponytail hole worn by a young girl in a navy base layer set #color_peak pink
Child wearing a bright pink Iksplor merino wool balaclava with a helmet and navy long-sleeve base layer #color_peak pink
Iksplor hot pink merino wool balaclava with a ponytail hole, providing full head and neck coverage. #color_peak pink

Merino Wool Balaclava with Ponytail Hole

$60.00

Full head, neck, and face coverage that actually fits under a helmet. Comes with a ponytail hole, so hair stays out of the way, not stuffed inside.

color
alpenglow
peak pink
campfire
poppy
yellowstone
meadow
evergreen
blue sky
ocean
starry night
lilac
huck-it-berry
trail dust
teton eclipse
juniper
tidepool
size
small (2-5yr)
large (6-12yr)
adult (12yr+)
color peak pink
size
Child wearing an orange Iksplor merino wool balaclava with a ponytail hole, side view. #color_poppy
Warm, versatile, and actually fits under a helmet.

The Merino Wool Balaclava covers everything that matters on cold days without the bulk: head, neck, and face. Soft enough for sensitive skin, slim enough for ski helmets, and thoughtful enough to include a ponytail hole.

  • Fits under a helmet. Slim merino profile works for skiing, snowboarding, and biking
  • Ponytail hole. Hair stays out of the way and works for braids too
  • 3 ways to wear it. Full balaclava, pulled down as a neck warmer, or layered under a hat
  • Built-in UPF 50. Chemical-free sun protection on bright snow days
  • Naturally odor-resistant. Fresh through back-to-back ski days
  • Soft enough for sensitive skin. Kids who are particular about fabric actually keep this one on
  • Sized from kids through adult. The whole crew covered
details Plus

The Merino Wool Balaclava is the piece that transforms a cold day into a good one. Made from 100% merino wool, it covers head, neck, and face without scratching, overheating, or fighting with a helmet.

The ponytail hole is the detail parents and kids keep coming back for. No more hair bunched up underneath, no more braid battles before a ski day. Pull it through the back and go. It also works for braids tucked out to the sides.

Wear it as a full balaclava in bitter cold, pull it down to a neck warmer when you warm up, or layer it under a hat or hood for extra protection. Kids as young as 2.5 have worn this comfortably through single-digit temperatures, forest preschool sessions, and full powder days.

Soft enough for kids who are particular about fabric. Slim enough for ski helmets. Warm enough for New England winters and JH powder days alike.

fabric & care Plus

Fabric
100% Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) Merino Wool
200gsm, 18.9 micron: lightweight, breathable, and perfect for year-round use

Where It's Made
Our merino wool pieces are thoughtfully crafted in Vietnam by skilled artisans following RWS guidelines. We believe in producing responsibly and sustainably, ensuring fair working conditions for the people behind our products.

How to Care

  1. Machine wash on the gentle cycle with cool or cold water and a mild or wool-specific detergent
  2. Lay flat to dry to preserve shape and softness, or tumble dry on low with similar items
  3. Hang outside for a few hours to refresh between washes. Merino naturally resists odors and bacteria, so it rarely needs a full wash

Storage
Store in a clean, dry space. Use airtight bags or bins and add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to prevent moths. Wash or air out periodically to remove any residue that may attract them.

shipping & exchanges Plus
  • Free standard shipping on orders over $160
  • Ships within 24 hours: Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays
  • Free Exchanges: Initiate a return or exchange here
  • Outgrown it? Resell through Iksplor More

the magic of merino

moisture wicking

Merino pulls moisture away, keeping you dry and warm on every adventure.

soft & cozy

Your skin deserves the softest touch, and merino delivers without any itch.

just-right temp

Not too hot, not too cold. Merino adapts naturally, so you stay comfy.

easy care

Machine washable, lay flat or tumble dry. Simple as that.

what parents are saying

good to know

Is this really 100% merino wool? Plus

Yes, 100% Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified merino wool. No blends, no synthetic fillers, just the real thing.

Won't wool feel itchy against my kid's face? Plus

Not with this merino. Superfine fibers are soft enough for sensitive skin, even right up against the face, with none of the itch people associate with old wool sweaters.

Does this actually fit under a ski helmet? Plus

Yes, that's exactly what it's built for. It's cut to sit smoothly under a helmet without extra bulk.

What's the ponytail hole for? Plus

It lets you wear your hair up and still get full coverage, no stuffing a ponytail inside against your neck.

What happens when my kid outgrows it? Can I resell it? Plus

Yes. Send it back through Iksplor More for cash or credit when your little one sizes up, giving it a second life with another adventurer.

Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 11 reviews.

Customer video review of Merino Balaclava with Ponytail Hole – All Ages

The balaclavas are so perfect! Especially with the pony tail hole. My daughter always got so annoyed with everything staying under her balaclava. So this is great! We can even do braids and tuck them out on the sides with ease if she wants that instead of a pony tail. Absolutely love these new colors!

Merino Balaclava with Ponytail Hole – All Ages

Customer photo review of Merino Balaclava with Ponytail Hole – All Ages

Best balaclava ever! It’s warm, quick-drying, and fits perfectly—and the ponytail hole is such a bonus! This has become a crucial piece of gear for our winters. Our daughter wears it almost daily at her forest preschool and ski school, and we constantly get comments on how well it fits her face. It provides excellent head and neck protection—highly recommend!

Merino Balaclava with Ponytail Hole – All Ages

Customer photo review of iksplorer balaclava

We LOVE our balaclava! I have one of my own in navy blue. She is in a school that values outdoor time and goes out to play several times a day. This kept her warm when temps were in the single digits. Sadly she has lost hers in school shortly after her first wear, but she now truly understands how to stay warm in the cold to have fun!

iksplorer balaclava

Store owner replied: Oh my goodness, this is too cute! Thank you so much for sharing. I am so so sorry it was lost. We promise these are coming back for next season!

Customer photo review of iksplorer balaclava

Flynn loves wearing his balaclava to play Ninja! He also wore it skiing at kids ranch!

iksplorer balaclava

Customer photo review of iksplorer balaclava

Hey ladies! We were back in JH for our Feb break. Mimi's balaclava kept her warm and cozy during 3 big powder days! She had her matching Yellowstone base layers on as well. So glad to see your business and families growing! Wishing you the best. -Alice Roby

iksplorer balaclava

Store owner replied: Oh my goodness, so cute! I'm so glad to see you were in town and enjoyed a great weekend skiing with your kids!!

I have been looking for a big kid balaclava and this one is wonderful. Thin enough to fit under a helmet and long enough to keep her neck warm. It fits our tall 9 year old a little loose(she is a size 10, but quickly moving into 12), but she will grow into it by spring no doubt! Thank you!

Merino Wool Balaclava with Ponytail Hole

I purchased the size 6-12yo balaclavas for my 2.5, 5 and 6yo and they all fit wonderfully. They're very comfortable and each child actually likes them! Such a relief to see their sweet heads well-protected in the cold wind and snow and also rest easily that they're wearing 100% merino wool!

Merino Balaclava with Ponytail Hole – All Ages

Store owner replied: We love hearing this! Getting a great fit and kid approval is a big win. So glad they’re keeping all three of your little ones comfortable and protected in the cold, and we couldn’t agree more about the peace of mind that comes with 100% merino. Thanks so much for sharing 💛❄️

I purchased the Ik'splôr balaclava for my five year old (who is particular with fabric fit and feel) - this has become one of her favorite winter wardrobe items and has been essential in our colder, windier New England climate! I'm now a huge fan of this brand!

Merino Balaclava with Ponytail Hole – All Ages

Store owner replied: This makes us so happy to hear! So glad it passed the picky-kid test and is keeping her cozy through those New England winds 💛

Purchasing three Ik'splôr balaclavas were my first purchase from this brand I've seen through the years - SUCH A GREAT piece to add to winter wardrobes, I wish I'd purchased sooner! My kids ages 2.5, 5 and 6 all enjoy wearing them and I feel so good about the added protection on their heads, necks and faces. They wear them on their own, as a scarf and layered under a hat or hood.

Merino Balaclava with Ponytail Hole – All Ages

Store owner replied: Love love love! Thank you.

My daughter got this for Christmas and tried it out on a recent ski trip under her helmet. She loves the ponytail hole and the versatility of the design for keeping neck and/or head warm as needed.

iksplorer balaclava

Store owner replied: Thank you for taking the time to share your great review Samantha! We're so glad our balaclava worked out well for your daughter!

Built to be passed on. When they size up, send it back for cash or credit, giving it a second life with another adventurer.
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