A balaclava (head covering) is a hat knitted from dense materials that completely covers the entire head, including the forehead and facial skin, and has small holes for seeing and speaking. The main functionality is to protect against the penetration of strong winds. Also used to warm the face in cold winter.
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According to an old legend, when the Crimean War was going on, near the city of Balaklava in the cold winter of 1854-1855, the British were not given the appropriate uniforms. They were very cold, faced with the icy sea winds, and began to pull on stockings with slits for their eyes and mouth. After this, the army decided to create appropriate hats for the cold seasons. The convenience of such a helmet was appreciated and put into wide production.
Where is it used?
The balaclava has reached our times and is widely used in the army and special forces for psychological intimidation of the enemy and anonymity. It is used in sports, as well as among firefighters.Popular among skiers and snowboarders, they use it to protect their faces from frostbite. Balaclavas are produced in a variety of colors and are sewn from materials of different densities - fleece, wool, membrane fabrics. You can find stylish designer balaclava hats.
A hat that looks like a helmet, made of fire-resistant materials, is used to protect the head of firefighters and racing drivers. These hats are made from special durable materials that, despite their small thickness, can protect a person from strong fire. The main users of the balaclava are motorcyclists, but they call it a balaclava. Often in life we come across information about the use of balaclavas by bank robbers and members of terrorist organizations. The Balaclava mask hat is widely used in children's and teenage clothing, becoming a fashionable and practical accessory.
The most popular reliable cases when balaclavas were used:
- Robert Scott and Ernest Shackleton used balaclavas to protect their heads and facial skin from frostbite on their polar expeditions;
- During public appearances, Marcos, who was recognized as a symbol of anti-globalization, wore a cap exclusively over a balaclava;
- Semyon Semenchenko, who heads the Donbass volunteer battalion in Ukraine, until recently always went to public events in a balaclava;
- The well-known provocative feminist rock band Riot wear colorful balaclavas as part of their stage costumes;
- In special forces, such hats are a common element of the uniform; they have the appropriate color and material;
- In the cinema of the Middle Ages, Japanese intelligence officers and saboteurs - ninjas - wore a black balaclava with a slit only for the eyes.In this way they hide their appearance and remain unknown.
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There are also lesser-known names for helmets of a similar cut: “passamontana”, “passamontana” (through the mountains), presumably due to their frequent use by mountain residents and climbers. This name is used by left-wing radicals and anti-globalist circles, in which passamontana is a symbol of the rebel struggle. Used respectively by participants in illegal radical demonstrations and rallies in order to remain anonymous.
A balaclava is a useful attribute that should be present for lovers of snowy winter walks, climbers, and snowboarders. Convenient for children who constantly take off their hats and scarves. With such a hat you don’t have to worry even in severe frosts.