Over the past five years I’ve pledged money to help bring several new cycling products to market by way of Kickstarter. For those who are not familiar with Kickstarter, it is a “crowd funding” website that allows individuals to pledge money to bring films, music, video games and other creative projects to fruition—those who contribute often get “freebies” such as a sample of the product or a piece of memorabilia. A few of the cycling projects that I’ve helped support turned out to be fantastic products, like the Fix It Sticks by creator Brian Davis (click to see my product review). Brian also invented the BackBottle, a specially designed water bottle that slips into the back pocket of your cycling jersey. His latest project is the Weatherneck, a quick release bandana for outdoor enthusiasts. While I have pledged money to this project, Brian Davis was also kind enough to send me a prerelease version of the Weatherneck to review.
The Weatherneck is a face and neck warmer that is held in place by two powerful magnets. The product is made of a lightweight technical fiber and is not intended to take the place of a full balaclava—the Weatherneck would be the first layer of protection I would use when the temperature drops. The Weatherneck is long enough to cover me from my nose down to about mid-chest level (I tuck mine under my jacket). The fabric is also highly breathable, which is very important to those of us on bikes!
The main reason I love the Weatherneck is that it is very easy to take off—in fact, I can take it off with one hand while riding and stuff it into a jersey pocket without looking (and still have plenty of room left in the pocket). I own at least a dozen balaclavas and face masks and they all force me to stop my ride and remove my helmet and sunglasses to take them off—not so with the Weatherneck!
The Weatherneck will be available in nine different color combinations (the pink one is being worked on). I am really glad Brian is offering such a wide color selection since I always like my kit to match (I haven’t seen any studies on the matter, but I am certain that color-coordinated kit will increase your average speed by at least one mile per hour). The Weatherneck is not just for cyclists—any outdoor enthusiast would like it (runners, skiers, snow boarders, hunters, etc.).
This product is going to retail for $20 each. However, those who back this project on Kickstarter can save a few dollars by buying in bulk. For example, if you pledge $72 you will get four Weathernecks in your choice of colors (with free shipping in the USA; International orders are also available).
bgddyjim
February 6, 2016 at 7:37 PM
I’m all over that red one! Any word on how long for the pink? My wife could use that one.
All Seasons Cyclist
February 6, 2016 at 10:10 PM
I believe the pink will be ready in March (but check their website to make sure).
billgncs
February 6, 2016 at 7:59 PM
My issue with items like this is that the air always escapes up and fogs my glasses – not sure how to solve that problem
All Seasons Cyclist
February 6, 2016 at 10:11 PM
Just pedal faster—the moving air always cleans us my glasses. At stop signs I pull the bandana down below my nose and this seems to keep the problem at bay.
Elaine @ foodbod
February 7, 2016 at 1:44 AM
That’s so cool, I love that you’re supporting new ideas 🙂
I hope you and your family are doing well X
All Seasons Cyclist
February 9, 2016 at 7:57 PM
Thank you so much! Our family is doing well and my son’s service dog is still awesome (he is a “hearing ear” dog).
Elaine @ foodbod
February 10, 2016 at 5:08 AM
That’s wonderful, I’m so happy for you guys x
Lisa
February 9, 2016 at 6:44 AM
I’d like to know how it feels on the nose and cheeks area. But that is an interesting product though, I’m down for that. I also love that there are plenty of colors to choose from.
All Seasons Cyclist
February 9, 2016 at 8:01 AM
Once you are on the bike you will probably forget that you are wearing this (except for the fact your face and throat are warmer). Actually, that is probably the best compliment I can give to the Weatherneck.
thehomeschoolingdoctor
February 11, 2016 at 7:12 AM
That’s cool!
ragtimecyclist
February 23, 2016 at 3:59 AM
Wow that’s a clever idea. With me, once the neck protection is on it’s on for the duration of the ride. I love the idea of this!
Brian
November 7, 2016 at 11:05 AM
Just an FYI I re-launched The Weatherneck on Kickstarter, now deemed “The Weatherneck System” I fixed a bunch of issues by adding a hat to our product that magnetizes to the facemask. Overall it is a much better product and a much higher level of quality with our new supplier in Milwaukee, WI
here is the campaign page and there are press links at the bottom for photos and press release.
thanks again!
Brian Davis
Founder
Sandra
September 18, 2017 at 7:43 AM
How did I miss that you are back! 🙂 I have so missed reading your posts!
All Seasons Cyclist
September 18, 2017 at 8:59 AM
Sandra, this is an article from 2016. Last year I was involved in an auto accident and have not written anything since then. I hope to get back to writing sometime next year.
Sandra
September 18, 2017 at 9:03 AM
D’oh! I saw February but assumed it was this year. Are you okay? I am so sorry to hear this. You have had a slew of difficulties the past year and a half. Just so you know, I do think about you every so often and wonder how you are doing. And how your son is doing. :-). Hugs to you.
All Seasons Cyclist
September 18, 2017 at 9:21 AM
I suffered a traumatic brain injury and an still in recovery mode.
Sandra
September 18, 2017 at 9:22 AM
Oh, I am SO SORRY! 😦 That is a terrible ordeal. I wish you safe healing, and wish you nothing but health and happiness–where ever you can find it! I suppose that means you cannot even ride now. 😦