The Ponyclava

Almost definitely yes. Here's the breakdown:

Ski & Snowboard Helmets: 100% yes. This is what we designed it for. The ponytail opening works with all standard ski helmet back straps.

Snowmobiling Helmets: Also 100% yes. Here's a photo of it in action.

Cycling Helmets: Yes! The same back strap design works with most cycling helmets. Perfect for cold weather rides.

Equestrian Helmets & Riding Hats: Yes! We haven't explicitly tested it, but the strap placement is about the same, so it should work great with equestrian helmets and riding hats. Same strap design principle applies.

First, check your helmet size! And don't worry - the Ponyclava is designed to fit all face shapes and neck lengths (we tested it on what we call a giraffe-length neck, so you're covered).

XS/S: Helmet size under 56cm
Best for many women, almost all youth and kids, and anyone with a smaller head. If you wear a S/M helmet, this is you.

M/L: Helmet size over 56cm
Best for some women, most men, and anyone with a larger head. If you wear a M/L helmet or larger, go with this size.

If you don't have a helmet handy or if you don't know your size, measure your head circumference with a soft tape measure. If you don't have one of those, then grab a string and a ruler! Wrap the string around your head at the widest part, mark the string, then measure the length of the string.

If you are between sizes, size up. The stretchy fabric is like a snug helmet liner that sits close to your skin without being restrictive, and you don't want to squish your nose.

Also, there should be no gaps around your goggle strap area, the side of your head, etc. Don't be a gaper.

Recommended age? Basically anyone who can safely wear a helmet. It works for kids' smaller heads too.

Not sure? Read more about what makes a good ski mask →

Okay, let's get specific because this is what makes the Ponyclava different from every other balaclava ski mask out there. And for maximum comfort we've found this works best:

1. Pull it over your head like a normal balaclava
2. Position it so the ponytail opening is centered at the nape of your neck
3. Adjust the face opening so your eyes, nose, and mouth are comfortable
4. Gather your hair (ponytail, bun, French braids, whatever - we are style-agnostic!) and pull it through the ponytail opening at the back
5. Tuck the neck down into your jacket collar for full coverage
6. Add your (ski) helmet and adjust as needed
7. Adjust the nose/mouth area - pull it up for full face cover or down for more airflow

The fabric is stretchy, so don't be afraid if it's a bit snug. That being said, it shouldn't be uncomfortably tight. If it feels like it's squeezing your brains, email us and we'll make it right.

Because the hole is low on the neck, not high up on the head, your helmet strap sits naturally above it. No weird bumps. No interference. No readjusting every run. Your mane stays completely at the back, which means no hair wrapping around your face and into your mouth. We know it's a cliche to say it's game-changing, but it's honestly true.

Of course!

You may not be wearing a helmet, but the Ponyclava is also perfect for winter runs, shoveling snow at dawn, cold weather camping, and other fun and not-so-fun winter activities which could use a full face cover.

It's midweight, which is the Goldilocks zone for winter gear. Like we said above, it's:

Warm enough for: cold ski days, winter runs, cold weather camping, winter bike rides, shoveling snow at 6am, basically any winter activity in legit cold temperatures.

Breathable enough for: Active skiing/snowboarding where you're working hard, spring skiing when it's warmer, high-intensity activities where you don't want to overheat.

Not ideal for: Extreme arctic conditions (go heavyweight for that) or mild spring days above freezing (you might get too warm).

PS: Learn more about layering for skiing →

The nose flap version is literally that: a nose flap with a cutout to let air out. The hinged version doesn't have a cutout, but still pulls down from the hinge at the side of the head. It's also a bit closer fitting around mouth and nose.

Remember, both of them can be pulled up and down as you like! We've found that as soon as you really get going, you end up pulling it down anyway, so it kind of ends up at the same place.

Even though it's the same Repreve fabric as all the others, the black nose flap came out noticeably fluffier and more plush. Like, we-want-to-snuggle-with-it soft. But it won't be coming back, so grab it while it's here!

And remember that this batch also has a slightly bigger ponytail hole than pictured due to a minor production hiccup. Still works perfectly and if anything, it's even better for thick hair!

Both are the same midweight warmth, same UV protection, same moisture-wicking magic.

The Ponyclava is low-maintenance, but here's how to keep it performing (and looking!) its best:

Washing:

• Cold water cycle
• Use a delicates/lingerie bag to protect it in the wash
• Regular detergent is fine – no fabric softener needed

Drying:

• Preferably air dry (it dries pretty fast thanks to the moisture-wicking fabric)
• If you must, tumble dry on delicate/low heat

Storage:

• Store it dry (don't stuff it in your ski bag when it's sweaty)

Yes! The ponytail hole is designed to handle serious volume.

We've had people with:

• Thick ponytails (like, really thick)
• Braids and French braids
• Messy buns with scrunchies
• Man buns
• Multiple hair ties and accessories

The opening has stretch to it, so it adapts to your hair volume without creating pressure points.

Of course!

We originally designed this as a women's ski mask, but tons of guys with long hair have the exact same problem: hair getting in your mouth while trying to shred. Or, they're wearing their hair as a man bun and it gets stuffed up awkwardly under the back of the balaclava and interferes with the helmet.

The M/L size fits most men perfectly. It works like a standard balaclava ski mask - it just happens to have a hole for your man bun, ponytail, or flow.

Totally fine! The ponytail opening doesn't affect warmth or fit when you're not using it.

Just wear it like a regular full face mask. The hole sits at the nape of your neck, so it's not like there's a weird gap or anything. It's just... there if you need it, invisible if you don't.

Think of it as future-proofing. Growing your hair out? Boom, built-in feature. Got a friend who wants to try your ski mask? Works for everyone.

The hinge and flap are your secret weapon, and here's how to use them properly:

For Cold Days / Chairlift Rides:
Pull the nose piece UP over your nose and mouth for full face coverage.

For Warm Days / Hard Charging:
Pull the flap DOWN. You still get full face cover for your cheeks, forehead, and neck, but more air circulation around your mouth. You can also just pull it down partway if you want to let your nose out but not your mouth.

Let's talk tech for a sec. The Ponyclava is made from Repreve, a high-performance fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. But it's not just about being eco-friendly.

What Repreve does:

• Moisture-wicking: Pulls sweat away from your skin so you don't get clammy
• Quick-dry: If it gets wet, it dries fast
• Breathable: Lets air escape so you don't overheat
• Four-way stretch: Adapts to your head and face shape
• UV protection: Blocks harmful UV rays from the sun
• Wind and water-resistant: Not fully waterproof, but repels light moisture

It's the perfect fabric for a piece of winter gear that needs to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable.

PS: We know, we know. A merino wool version is hopefully coming soon.

Great question! Here's the breakdown:

Neck Gaiter / Neck Warmer:

• Tube of fabric you pull up over the bottom half of your face
• Can slip down while you're moving (super annoying)
• Doesn't manage your hair
• Doesn't cover the top of your head
• Can leave unprotected spots at the top of the cheeks, side of the head, etc.
• Can work for mild days or as a helmet liner supplement

Ponyclava:

• Pulls over your entire head for full face coverage
• Stays put: no slipping or adjusting
• Designed opening for your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Covers your head, face, and neck completely
• An actual ponytail balaclava that actually solves the long hair problem

If you want something that stays put and provides complete protection, go with a proper ski mask like the Ponyclava. Neck gaiters and neck warmers are great for mild days or layering, but they're not a substitute for full face cover in real cold.