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
Based on 612 reviews
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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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612 Reviews
Reviewed by Caden N., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
How It FIts
Perfect
Hat Size (cm)
60
Standout Attributes
  • Breathability
  • Comfort
Condition
Better Than Described
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Nairobi balaclava

Works very well at keeping your face clear while driving, and also wicking away sweat when it’s hot and keeping it warm when cool, all around really good, and how it looks kinda depends on the day

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Build Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Style
Rated 4 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 J P., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
How It FIts
Perfect
Hat Size (cm)
60
Standout Attributes
  • Comfort
  • Breathability
Condition
Better Than Described
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

A balaclava made by KS? MY BRAND!

As you can see from the photo, I have special eyes, and I could immediately see that the quality in this balaclava was going to be top-notch, and boy did KS deliver. Finally, a bala that doesn't feel like I'm wearing pantyhose on my head (not that I would know what that feels like). It's sturdily built but also very breathable. I could do yard work wearing this thing (the neighbors might not like that though). Def worth every penny.

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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 Charles S., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Head Size (in)
23
How It FIts
Perfect
Hat Size (cm)
59
Standout Attributes
  • Comfort
  • Packability
  • Breathability
Condition
As Described
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Sneeki

Fits like a glove! Or, Balaclava. It works

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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 Kevin D., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
How It FIts
Perfect
Hat Size (cm)
55
Standout Attributes
  • Comfort
Condition
Better Than Described
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Amazing super cool balaclava

Fits really well. The material feels nice against the skin. Now I can really larp obi wan nairobi

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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 Carlos C.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
How It FIts
A little Small
Standout Attributes
  • Packability
  • Comfort
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Great for yard work

Even better for clearing rooms and the streets of Mozambique.

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Build Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Style
Rated 5 out of 5
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