Hoods and hats can only go so far in protecting your face from the bitter cold and winds we get here in Michigan in the Winter. You need more tna a hat, whether you're skiing, snowshoeing, or just shoveling snow. I've owned a lot of balaclavas, but this is probably my favorite so far. It's big enough tp fit the biggest head, and there's a movable mask with its own drawstring that can be moved about to suit the weather conditions. I like mine for treks in the woods, and I love it when I'm running the snow blower.