Is a fleece balaclava warm enough for temperatures below -20°C (-4°F)?

A standard midweight fleece balaclava alone may not be sufficient for temperatures below -20°C (-4°F), especially in windy conditions. For extreme cold, choose a heavyweight polar fleece balaclava with windproof panels, or layer a thin windproof shell over your fleece balaclava. Extended neck coverage that tucks deep into your base layers is also important to prevent cold air entry. In sustained extreme cold, consider a windstopper/softshell balaclava with a fleece backing for maximum protection.