Avian Origins

A balaclava design became famous for appearing on SAS operator Christian Craighead, AKA "Obi Wan Nairobi" during a heroic counter-terror operation in Kenya. Some also know this balaclava for being persona-defining for Administrative Results on YouTube before he unmasked.

After Pictures of Craighead circled the internet like wildfire, it became the "it" item to have for many gear enthusiasts. Apparently, a certain company from Canada didn't understand that, because civilians cannot purchase one new anymore.

Civilians have long been upset with LEO/MIL Restricted product constraints, but how the heck can you justify restricting a piece of clothing?

Our Eighty-Four FR Balaclava was the result of our disdain with the state of military contract manufacturers giving the middle finger to us civilians. We've thrown down the gauntlet, sourced the same materials as the one that got famous, and made our own with improvements to boot.

Now, it's available in neck-gaiter form to wear in hotter months but still protect 'ya neck.

Watch The Full Lore

Materials Matter.

The body fabric is the most breathable Flame-Retardant material on the market we're aware of. It's the exact same stuff as the original, made in the USA. There's a difference between chemical treatments for FR and being inherently FR.

(Click to learn more)

No Short-Cuts or Cost Cuts.

Cool As A Cucumber.

Disclaimer & Safety Notice

Stay safe when dealing with anything that gives off sparks, open flames, or radiates a large amount of heat. While the FR Fabric is the same as the original and could theoretically be a last line of defense, the balaclava itself is not certified through any traditional testing. User discretion is advised.

For more information, consult Tencate's official spec sheet below.

Official Defender M Spec Sheet

A New Life For Classic Gear.

Modern materials, unmatched capability. Browse our product line that takes beloved gear of the past and brings it into the future.

One Step Further
average rating 4.9 out of 5
Based on 570 reviews
  • 5 Stars
    533 Reviews
  • 4 Stars
    31 Reviews
  • 3 Stars
    4 Reviews
  • 2 Stars
    2 Reviews
  • 1 Star
    0 Reviews
99% of reviewers would recommend this product to a friend
Build Quality
Rated 4 out of 5
Style
Rated 4 out of 5
Customer photos and videos
570 Reviews
Reviewed by Michael S., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Head Size (in)
24
How It FIts
Perfect
Hat Size (cm)
60
Standout Attributes
  • Breathability
  • Comfort
  • Packability
Condition
As Described
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Lightweight but Sturdy

This tiny operator is glad to have something to keep her safe and anonymous. She says it's lightweight and breathable, but that does not make her worry about tearing or fraying.

Loading...
Build Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Style
Rated 5 out of 5
Sizing
Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Runs Small, 0 is True to Size and 2 is Runs Big
Performance
Rated 5 out of 5
Was this helpful?
Reviewed by Steven T., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
How It FIts
Perfect
Hat Size (cm)
63
Standout Attributes
  • Breathability
  • Comfort
  • Packability
Condition
Better Than Described
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Big Surprise

These are some of the more expensive balaclavas our team has purchased. Personally I was skeptical. The quality, materials, and fit are excellent.

Something about the color in the fabric brings a rust green feel and certainly works in a huge variety of kit.

It’s comfy, looks cool and breaths well.

Loading...
Build Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Style
Rated 5 out of 5
Sizing
Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Runs Small, 0 is True to Size and 2 is Runs Big
Performance
Rated 5 out of 5
Was this helpful?
Reviewed by Ramesh B., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
How It FIts
Perfect
Hat Size (cm)
56
Standout Attributes
  • Breathability
  • Comfort
  • Packability
Condition
As Described
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Buy it!

Don we now our not gay apparel. This balaclava is fast to get on and off. It is more breathable than others I have tried and just sits naturally on the face. With other face coverings you are constantly tugging at it, making minor adjustments because they slip into the eyes, etc. I plan on purchasing more in the future.

The widest part of my skull falls between 21 to 22 inches if that helps you fellas out.

Loading...
Build Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Style
Rated 5 out of 5
Sizing
Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Runs Small, 0 is True to Size and 2 is Runs Big
Performance
Rated 5 out of 5
Was this helpful?
Reviewed by Ezekiel W., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
How It FIts
A little Big
Hat Size (cm)
57
Standout Attributes
  • Breathability
  • Comfort
Condition
As Described
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

As described

Fits well, doesn't itch, smells weird, akin to that one uncles sports duffle he hasn't cleaned since he got it in highschool. But after a quick wash that scent went away. Hit it with a propane torch to test the fire resistance, shrunk slightly and smelled bad for a little bit but otherwise was fine. Already used it while angle grinding and weed wacking and my face has remained unblemished despite getting pelted constantly. Also looks cool enough to get comments.

Loading...
Build Quality
Rated 4 out of 5
Style
Rated 5 out of 5
Sizing
Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Runs Small, 0 is True to Size and 2 is Runs Big
Performance
Rated 5 out of 5
Was this helpful?
Reviewed by Hayden T., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
How It FIts
Perfect
Hat Size (cm)
60
Standout Attributes
  • Breathability
  • Comfort
  • Packability
Condition
Better Than Described
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Better then I thought

Bought it to go with my multicam gear but the picture made it look a little lighter then I would've wanted but when it arrived it was a perfect color match, also I can now cosplay as administrative results!

Loading...
Build Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Style
Rated 5 out of 5
Sizing
Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Runs Small, 0 is True to Size and 2 is Runs Big
Performance
Rated 5 out of 5
Was this helpful?