Backcountry Cedars RWS Merino Lt-Wt Baselayer Balaclava Top - Women's

Stay warm, wick fast, and layer cleanly with the Cedars RWS Merino Balaclava Baselayer Top

What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:

"My strands and my braids are no hassle. In fact, this hood encourages me to wear them comfortably and confidently while I'm riding."

We dialed in the hood on our Backcountry Cedars RWS Merino Lightweight Balaclava Baselayer Top to create comfort with any hairstyle. The shape of the hood's opening mimics a cozy balaclava while leaving room for face-framing strands and pulled-through braids or ponytails. In addition to the unique hood, this stand-out style features Responsible Wool Standard-certified merino wool fibers for technical performance and thoughtful stewardship. The material manages moisture, resists odor buildup, and regulates body temperature, and its lightweight construction keeps skintrack trekkers and active park rats comfortable while on the move.

We built these baselayers to perform beneath competition layers, keeping Jamaica’s bobsleigh and skeleton athletes comfortable from warmup to finish.

Details

Cleverly designed lightweight baselayer top with a hairstyle-accommodating hood
Made with earth- and animal-conscious RWS-certified merino wool
Merino wool has natural anti-odor and thermoregulating properties
Nylon fibers increase durability and add wicking technology
Next-to-body fit with gusseted underarms for improved mobility
Thumbhole cuffs keep sleeves in place while layering and moving
Fabric is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Certified
Item #BCCZ31P

Responsible Collection: Responsibly Sourced, Recycled/Repurposed
Material: 81% RWS merino wool (TE-99952623 certified by IDFL) , 12% recycled nylon, 7% spandex
Insulation Weight: lightweight (180gsm)
Fit: slim
Center Back Length: 24in
Style: hoodie, balaclava hood
Hood: balaclava hood
Thumbholes: yes
Anti-Odor: natural attribute of merino wool
Activity: skiing, snowboarding
Manufacturer Warranty: limited lifetime

Jamaican bobsleigh team member on bobsleigh track with bobsleigh in the background.

Chosen By The 2026 Jamaica Bobsleigh Team

Worn by athletes and coaches from the Jamaican Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation, this gear supports cold-weather training, travel, and recovery in demanding winter conditions. Designed to balance warmth, mobility, and durability, these layers are built for long days outside—before and after time on the ice, and wherever winter takes the team next.

Shop the Jamaica Bobsleigh Team Kit

Responsible Wool Blend

The wool is RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) certified for peace of mind.
Bonus: recycled nylon blend adds a little extra toughness to the mix.

Lightweight Warmth

Merino wool is naturally warm, breathable, and smell-resistant so you stay fresh from first tracks to last chair.

Built-In Balaclava

Never forget your balaclava again, this baselayer has it built-in with a hairstyle-accommodating hood. Plus, thumbhole cuffs keep sleeves in place while layering and moving.

About The Backcountry Brand

Backcountry began in 1996 with two skiers, a stack of avalanche beacons, and a garage in Park City, Utah. Our roots were humble, and we've grown since then, but our vision is still clear: to sell the best outdoor gear—and to create gear that’s even better through our very own gear and apparel brand.

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Built By Gearheads

We live and breathe the outdoors, so every stitch of Backcountry gear is made with a mission in mind. Designed in Park City at the foot of Utah’s Wasatch mountains—and tested by our Gearhead® Experts who use it every day—Backcountry styles are built to perform wherever the snow lands, trail leads or adventure calls.