Airhole

Overview

Airhole is a Canadian brand specializing in technical face masks designed for snowboarding and harsh weather conditions. It is known for its patented Airhole Breath Hole, which facilitates breathing during intense activities in extreme environments like backcountry snowboarding.¹²

History

Airhole was founded in 2006 or 2007 by professional snowboarders Chris Brown and Kale Stephens in Canada, originating from the need for better face protection while riding powder in the backcountry.¹² They prototyped masks using discarded outerwear on a sewing machine, leading to ergonomically shaped designs with technical fabrics and a patented single breath hole.² The brand focuses on performance-driven face protection for heavy breathing activities.¹

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are made from technical fabrics like 10K-rated softshell, with early prototypes sewn in-house using repurposed materials; current manufacturing details are not specified in available sources.²⁵

Notable Products

• Original Airhole Facemask - Patented single breath hole in ergonomic shape for snowboarding.
• Laser Airholes Facemask - Multiple laser-cut holes for stealth aesthetic and breathability.
• 10K Softshell Facemask - Water-repellent, wind-resistant fabric that sheds snow and moisture.

Reputation

Airhole is regarded by snowboarders for its innovative breath hole design addressing wet masks in extreme conditions.¹² Enthusiasts value its practical use in backcountry and heavy breathing scenarios, though some sources list varying founding dates and locations.¹⁴ It maintains a niche presence in snowboarding without widespread criticisms noted.