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.

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average rating 4.9 out of 5
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99% of reviewers would recommend this product to a friend
Build Quality
Rated 4 out of 5
Style
Rated 4 out of 5
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560 Reviews
Reviewed by Derek H., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
How It FIts
Perfect
Hat Size (cm)
59
Standout Attributes
  • Breathability
  • Comfort
Condition
As Described
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Patrols

Bought the black and ranger green. Wore both on Partol in SW TX and they are the best ive used. Durable and breathable. I will be recommending to the rest of my guys.

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Build Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Style
Rated 5 out of 5
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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
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Reviewed by Peter M., 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
Better Than Described
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

The Dude Abides

Matches my bathrobe pretty well so I can larp in comfort. Well made, better than the OG with more flex points, just as durable. Haven't tested flame resistance. Will update if I become a burn victim.

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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
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Reviewed by Zach J., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Head Size (in)
25+
How It FIts
Perfect
Hat Size (cm)
63
Standout Attributes
  • Breathability
  • Comfort
Condition
As Described
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Best Balaclava I ever wore

I have a weird shaped head so pretty much any type of head gear I put on I have to face the risk of not fitting well. I’m here to tell you that this was not one of those situations.

This balaclava is comfy yet firm to your face and the material is great. This is no ordinary sporting goods store shiesty but a quality balaclava that I intended to buy more of.

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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
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Rated 5 out of 5
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Reviewed by Greg M.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
How It FIts
Perfect
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Just Like Wu Tang Said

It protects.

Also: Chris Craighead all the way.

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Build Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
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Rated 5 out of 5
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Reviewed by Brandon L., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
How It FIts
Perfect
Hat Size (cm)
61
Standout Attributes
  • Breathability
  • Comfort
  • Packability
Condition
Better Than Described
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Great!

My wife ordered this for me when the od one finally was back in stock. Fits good. I have a pretty big head and it fits me comfortably. If you’re sitting in front of a fan you can feel the air blowing straight through it so it’s very breathable.

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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
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