Hunting has been a popular and long standing tradition in America for years, so much so that a recent survey revealed that a third of Americans take part in outdoor sports and activities such as fishing and hunting. However, you can’t just show up to a hunting trip without any gear.
Well, you can but you’d be facing some serious bug bites and a low success rate. A good quality face mask will keep you protected from the itchy bug bites and prevent you from being prematurely spotted by your target.
A hunting face mask is the preferred option to camouflage paint as it’s less messy and takes a fraction of the time to take it off.
While face paint may seem fun and exciting at the time, it’s definitely time consuming and just generally a pain to take off, so consider a face mask before you get the paint sticks out.
Having said this, it’s more likely that a mask is going to affect your field of vision and quick movements, which is why it’s important to choose a high quality mask and not just the first one you come across.
Many hunting face masks on the market claim they’re the best, but you need to be able to pick out the real ones from the fakes. Luckily for you, we’ve researched this and collated all the information down below.
Let’s get into the top five hunting face masks that will benefit your trips most.
In a hurry? This is our winner!
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Best Hunting Face Masks – Comparison Table
Best Hunting Face Masks – Reviews
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The QuikCamo Mossy Oak Obsession Camouflage is considered the best hunting mask with an attached hat on the market. Thanks to the 3D design, all you have to do is put the hat on and you’re instantly invisible to your targets – as long as the pattern matches the environment, of course.
As the fabric wraps around most of your head, you’ll also be sufficiently protected from bugs and annoying insects as well. This mask’s price point is slightly higher than the industry average, but we put this down to the extra fabric and great features.
Features
Speaking of features, the attached bucket hat is the star of the show here. It ensures you’re completely covered by the incognito material while ensuring your sight and hearing is not affected. Another added plus is the sufficient breathable mesh to ensure a constant flow of air, as well as the fact you’ll still be able to breathe in this thing.
The mask also comes in various sizes.
Customer Consensus
93 customers rated this mask good to excellent.
- Breathable material keeps you cool and sweat-free in the summer months.
- Available in different sizes.
- Makes you instantly invisible to prey.
- High quality material protects you from harmful sun rays.
- Works with glasses.
- The bucket hat breaks up the outline of your face.
- Head sizes are a little too broad.
- Doesn’t cover the back of your neck.
- The mask might not be long enough for some people.
- Mask may rustle when moving. You cannot wash the hat.
WTACTFUL Fleece Camouflage Balaclava Neck Warmer Face Mask Protection Wind Dust for Hunting Hiking Climbing Camping Tactical Cycling Hunter Ski Snowboard Thermal Camo Mask Winter Cold Cover #1
WTACTFUL’s Camo Face Mask is slim fitting and clings to the contours of your face, but still remains comfortable and able to be worn by almost all head sizes. Not only is this a great mask for hunters, it can also be used for people who enjoy outdoor sports such as hiking, mountain climbing and cycling.
This is more of an affordable mask with an attractive price point, making it better value for money than some other masks on the market.
Features
The material of this mask is 100% nylon, which is a mesh-like material to keep the mask both stretchy and breathable.
The camouflage pattern will blend into almost any hunting environment well and the skintight fabric won’t make any noise as you move.
The length is 35cm with a width of 21cm.
Customer Consensus
85% of consumers gave the WTACTFUL Camo Face Mask a rating from average to excellent.
- Attractive price point.
- Large space for eyes keeps your sight from being impaired.
- Tight fitting material will prevent your ears moving, allowing less localized noise from being generated without lessening your hearing.
- The camouflaged pattern will hide you from prey.
- Keeps mosquitoes and bugs away from your skin.
- Breathable material.
- Thin enough to be worn under a helmet, goggles or hoods.
- Mesh-like material allows you to keep cool and dry during summer.
- No warming capabilities.
- Only comes in one size fits all, so may not be suitable for very large heads.
- The thin material isn’t the most durable so may rip easily on branches or thorns.
- It may also not survive as many washes.
- The pattern may hide you from other hunters.
- Putting on and taking off skintight items isn’t the easiest thing to do.
Ergodyne - 6823 Black Wind-Proof Hinged Balaclava Face Mask (16823)
The Ergodyne N-Ferno 6823 Winter Ski Mask Balaclava is better suited to be used during the colder months and harsh conditions. The camouflage pattern is excellent for winter hunting, and you can also get this mask in a grey color if you’d prefer to use it for winter sports.
The price point is midrange within the market, so this is an excellent option for people not wanting to spend a fortune. Unfortunately this is not the best choice for summer hunting, but this can be found with most masks and many experienced hunters have both a summer and winter hunting mask to switch between.
Features
The camouflage material ensures you blend seamlessly into your surroundings for optimal invisibility. The wind resistant fabric keeps you comfortable in the harsh conditions and works to protect the most vulnerable areas of your face and neck.
Having said this, the fabric is still impressively breathable thanks to the mesh nose and mouth covers, ensuring you have enough breathing space.
The length is 15.2 inches, the width 10.2 inches and the thickness is 0.5 inches.
Customer Consensus
92% of buyers rated this mask between good and excellent.
- Wind resistant material.
- Stretchable fabric fits most people’s heads.
- This mask offers a long length meaning it will cover your whole head and neck comfortably.
- Mesh material allows you to breathe without fogging your goggles up and impairing your vision.
- Designed to be versatile thanks to the hinge and hood contraption.
- You can wear this mask under a hat without it feeling too heavy or compact.
- You need to wear another layer underneath the mask when wearing it in below zero temperatures.
- The eye hole is slightly awkward and mispositioned so it may limit your eyesight.
- The tag inside the mask can irritate your skin.
- Not very breathable around the mouth area and can become moist.
- The material is flame retardant which chemicals may be harmful to the skin.
- Material is slightly tight around the nose for some people.
Hunting Face Mask Light Weight, Camo Face Mask Hunting Turkey, Camouflage Face Masks for Hunting, Turkey Hunting Gear for Men, Camo Face Netting Mask for Hunting
The DecoyPro Camo Face Mask is an excellent choice for hunters who enjoy bowhunting or turkey and duck hunters. DecoyPro offers free shipping, which is a plus since the mask itself is priced slightly higher than the market average.
Having said this, the mask is very durable and versatile so can be used for a long time after purchasing.
Features
The material used to make this mask is a lightweight polyester which is especially quick drying.
This camouflage mask is comfortable enough to be worn for prolonged periods of time without becoming irritating or uncomfortable, and will easily fit your head, no matter what size.
Customer Consensus
82% of consumers have given this mask a rating of good to excellent.
- Quick drying material.
- One size fits all.
- Your eyesight is not impaired.
- The material is comfortable but very durable, as well as not irritating to the skin.
- Long length enables the mask to protect the neck.
- Affordable price point.
- Mesh allows the mask to be very breathable.
- Glasses friendly.
- The lower section of the mask is quite loose and therefore you may find your nose being exposed more than you’d like.
- The material isn’t stretchy enough to remain flush to your face.
Scent-Lok Men's Full Season Headcover
There are two main features that make the ScentLok Men’s Full Season Headcover stand out from its competitors – the neutralizing ability and the fact that it can be worn throughout the year during all weathers and temperatures.
The price is slightly on the higher side of the spectrum so you may have to accommodate your budget a little, but we think it is worth it considering you’re essentially getting two masks in one.
Features
The polyester material makes this mask both comfortable and silent while you’re moving to get a better shot. This fabric is infused with a carbon alloy to neutralize odours and keep you completely invisible – it’s like you’re not even there.
Many animals rely heavily on their sense of smell to detect danger, so this is a very beneficial feature for your mask (and the rest of your gear) to include.
The outer layer is also coated with a treatment to prevent moisture from sticking and being absorbed, while the inner absorbs sweat as soon as it’s formed so you don’t even have the chance to feel it beading.
With a hinged design this facemask is very versatile and you have more opportunity to move and feel free from your head prison. Your ears will be covered with mesh to keep your hearing on top form and you can always pull the mask down further if necessary.
The length is 18 inches, the width 10 inches and the thickness 1 inch.
Customer Consensus
78% of customers rated this mask either good, excellent or somewhere inbetween.
- Water resistant.
- The heat retention is excellent.
- The material doesn’t rustle or make noise while you’re repositioning yourself.
- Keeps your human odor in and away from animal noses.
- Ears are covered but not blocked.
- The mask is not very fitted and may feel slightly overpowering if you have a smaller head.
Best Hunting Face Masks – Buyers Guide
To get the most out of your face mask, you’re going to need it to keep the temperature constant and comfortable, keep you concealed from your target – and you’re going to need to be able to wear it all day, or at least a few continuous hours. To make it even more valuable, you’ll need this mask to keep your eyesight and hearing on top form and not impair it in any way.
Below we’ll look at the two most important factors that you need to consider before choosing the right hunting face mask for you.
Design
It goes without saying that the design of your hunting face mask must be camouflaged to keep you hidden from your target. A 3D design is preferred as it’s more believable for the animals, and they’re smarter than you may think.
The hole for your eyes need to be wide enough that you can see clearly through it, but not too wide that you become more noticeable by your prey.
Another thing to consider is that the mask needs to fit snugly to your face, but not too tight that it’s uncomfortable and needs to be taken off prematurely. The best mask for you is one that you can wear effortlessly and forget it’s even there.
Material
Fleece
Fleece offers the best insulation from colder temperatures, so is the best material for winter hunting trips. The thicker material may affect your hearing.
Mesh
Mesh is lightweight and breathable which allows you to hear perfectly through the mask. This material will keep you cool on hot summer days but won’t do much for keeping you warm in the winter.
Polyester
Polyester is the best material for protecting you from strong winds as well as keeping you relatively warm. This material is also waterproof so polyester masks are ideal for extreme weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the mask always keep mosquitoes and other insects out of my facial area and vision?
Yes! Most masks keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay, as well as all of their creepy crawly friends. You won’t find any buys getting through a high quality hunting mask.
I have a large head. Will the mask fit comfortably?
As long as the material isn’t too structured, there shouldn’t be any reason why the mask can’t stretch comfortably around your face. Some masks also come with different sizing, so make sure you get the right size. Always make sure your mask isn’t going to dull your senses you need for hunting.
Is the mask flame resistant?
Some masks include flame retardant agents within the material, so check the advert and label for your individual mask. Washing your mask multiple times may weaken this agent so beware if yours has seen the inside of a washing machine before. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so never take the risk if you’re unsure about whether it’s flame resistant or not. You can retreat your mask if you’re worried, though.
How breathable is the front panel?
This depends on the material, so look for a mask with a front panel made of mesh. This is the most breathable material and should be more than enough for your needs.
I had a fleece one, and the wind blew right through it, is this normal?
Fleece is better for keeping your face and neck warm in the winter, but not so much keeping you windproof. You’ll need a mask with wind protection properties included within the design, such as a mask made from polyester. Polyester is known for keeping you protected from the wind, so consider where you’ll be hunting beforehand and choose a material which offers the best protection from the likely environment.
Will the mask be scratchy and irritate my skin?
This again is dependent on the material of your mask. If your mask has a soft inner made of something like felt, your skin is most likely going to be fine. However, if the inner is made of something like nylon, your skin may react with the fabric over time and become less comfortable and more itchy. This is something to be considerate of, especially if you suffer from sensitive skin.
Will the mask fog up my glasses and make it difficult to see my targets?
If your face mask is made of the right materials which are breathable and high quality, your glasses should not fog up. This is counterproductive to hunting face masks objectives, so you’d need to choose a pretty poorly made one for this to happen. To ensure you don’t pick this fateful mask, check the reviews before purchasing.
Final Say
In regards to the five masks we looked at above, we think the Ergodyne N-Ferno 6823 Winter Ski Mask Balaclava is the best choice for hunters. The price is attractive and very reasonable for a mask that offers all the necessary features that you may need. This mask is considered to be the best to protect you from mosquitos and bugs that you’re most likely to run into.
The high ratings and reviews from customers are another reason that we have chosen this as our preferred option. Having said this, not every mask is going to be right for everyone so choose the best one for you, and happy hunting!