A sports mask is now an essential for athletes and fitness enthusiast who need to continue complying with stringent health and safety protocols to work out outdoors, even in the foreseeable future.

Under Armour is one of the sports brands that immediately shifted its R&D to producing the best mask that will cater to an athlete’s needs. 

True to hype, the masks were sold out upon its release in the United Kingdom, and it was finally made available here in the Philippines last December.  

Rappler managed to get a hold of the sports mask and tried it out for an outdoor workout to see its effectiveness.

The wear

The Under Armour sports mask is generally very comfortable as the insides are pillowy soft and the cloth is made out of a light jersey material. 

I felt that it also gave me some sort of a cooling sensation while wearing it, which would be beneficial when I start working out. 

Since it came in different sizes, I was able to choose which one would help me achieve a snug fit while working out. 

I was given this size chart and ended up getting a size small (SM/MD)

The mask also comes with a pouch that would make it easier for athletes to stow away their masks without contaminating other surfaces after use. 

The performance

Under Armour claimed that the sports mask offers maximum breathability and it did just that! 

Early in the pandemic when there were not many options for sports masks, I had to use a disposable mask or a relatively thick cloth mask to be able to run outside or work out in public spaces. 

I definitely felt a sharp tightness on my chest and it was uncomfortable to have sweat collecting on my disposable face mask. 

I also own a cloth mask that was breathable, but it was made out of thin fabric, which did not make me feel safe and protected when I go to crowd-dense places.

But with the Under Armour sports mask, it was almost as if I was working out without a mask, while being protected from the virus.

Despite the snug fit on the corners of the mask and Under Armour claiming triple-layer protection, the front of the mask was coned well to allow some air circulation underneath the protected layers. 

This allowed me to complete a one-hour boxing class without difficulty breathing. 

Sweat did not collect at the bottom of the mask either as it was a reusable, water-resistant face mask. 

Although it’s not completely sweat-wicking, I didn’t feel a lot of sweat build up around my cheeks after I removed my mask. 

While working out, the mask didn’t fall off at all despite having satin ear loops, which I thought may slip at one point of the workout. 

The mask is also secure enough and will not move around much, which will be great for those who work out with wired earphones. 

The verdict

The Under Armour sports mask is a game changer for me to finally have more reasons to work out outdoors. 

I felt that I didn’t have to compromise a lot to get a little bit of fresh air from time to time, especially after working out indoors since the lockdown started in March last year. 

It will also be perfect for athletes who need to train outdoors like cyclists and track athletes, as face masks are a requirement in public spaces. 

I would also prefer to wear this mask outside even when I’m not working out, but there is no guarantee that it has the same level of protection as disposable masks being used by healthcare workers and frontliners. 

The mask retails for P1,395 and is available only in select Under Armour stores:

• Under Armour Bonifacio High Street 
• Under Armour SM Mall of Asia 
• Under Armour Trinoma 
• Under Armour Megamall 
• Under Armour Greenbelt 3 
• Under Armour Robinson’s Magnolia

– Rappler.com