Do you remember when snowboarders used bandanas for face masks? Sure, not all of us were guilty of participating in this paisley-patterned trend, but I’ll be the first to admit that I was on the bandana bandwagon in the early 2000s. Back then, that fashion was all the rage, yet the functionality left everything to be desired. It’d only take two runs before my bandana was frozen solid and my goggles were foggles. Fortunately, face masks have come a long way. Perhaps none have come further than Anon’s, specifically those that feature their Magnetic Face Mask Integration system, better known as Anon MFI Face Masks.
Anon M5 Goggles on an Anon Logan Wavecel Snowboard Helmet with the Anon MFI Lightweight Neck Warmer. The MFI Face Mask combined with MFI compatible goggles allows the wearer to attach the top the face mask to the bottom of the goggles.
Like the name implies, Anon MFI Face Masks incorporate magnets directly into their design. In an Anon MFI Face Mask, the magnet sits directly above the bridge of the wearers nose. Combined with MFI compatible goggles, an MFI Face Mask seamlessly attaches to the underside of the goggles’ frame. This creates comfortable coverage across the wearer’s entire face while effectively eliminating the need to tuck the mask under the goggles to achieve this seamless look.
Recently, I started using Anon M5 Goggles paired with an MFI Lightweight Neck Warmer. The MFI system makes covering and uncovering my face faster and simpler than ever before—even if I’ve forgotten to situate my mask at the beginning of a run. For instance, the other day I pulled my face mask away from my goggles while on the lift. Upon offloading and strapping in, I quickly dropped in, before a biting wind reminded me that I’d left my face uncovered. Even in motion, and with mittens on, I was able to snag a bit of the mask’s material, raise it into position, and—*snap*— back into the business of gapless face coverage, without so much as a speed check to make it happen.
A quick demonstration to illustrate how convenient it is to detach and reattach the Anon MFI Face Mask from compatible Anon goggles. I let out a big breath through the face mask's thoughtfully placed vent to show that, even when the face mask is fully attached, these goggles won't easily fog.
For the past several seasons I’ve generally used neck tubes or balaclavas made of polyester and spandex, without any sort of magnetic integration system. I would often leave my nose exposed to avoid figuring out the perfect tuck underneath the goggles. If I started breathing heavily, I’d pull my face covering down further to prevent the steam from fogging up my goggles. These were relatively minor issues in the grand scheme of a day at the mountain but having them eliminated entirely really does make things that much more comfortable.
Regarding fogging, one aspect of the Anon MFI Lightweight Neck Warmer that I really appreciate is the mesh panel at the center of the face mask. This part of the mask covers the wearer’s mouth and is designed specifically as a vent for steamy breath. This feature significantly reduces the chances that your lenses will fog up, even when you’re huffing and puffing in full incognito mode.
The MFI Lightweight Neck Warmer is Anon’s jack-of-all-trades face mask, one that’s suitable for a variety of cool and cold conditions. But it’s worth noting that this is only one of many options for Anon MFI face masks. The company also offers the Midweight Neck Warmer for folks who need something a bit burlier than what I’ve been running. Conversely, there’s the even lighter-weight Mesh Face Mask for spring and summer shredding. Then there’s the Hellbrook Balaclava, the Tech Balaclava, the Wool Neck Warmer, and more, all MFI compatible. They’ve even got an MFI Fleece Helmet Hood, and a Hooded Balaclava Face Mask just for kids. Conveniently, when it comes time to wash an MFI Face Mask (or on days when sunglasses are in order) the magnet within the mask can be removed.
A few of many available MFI Face Masks, as seen on Anon's website.
Face masks without a fancy magnetic integration system can absolutely get the job done, but if I were to grade the differences, those basic masks garner a 90, while Anon MFI Face Masks keep it 100.
Only a few weeks into wearing my Anon M5 Goggles paired with the MFI Face Mask, I view this as a perfect example of a product that never seemed entirely necessary to have before, but now that I’m growing used to it, I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Photo: Lakshmann Reddy
Anon M5 Goggles + Bonus Lens + MFI Face Mask retails for $314.95.
The full collection of MFI Face Masks can be found on Anon’s website.
ABOUT THE TESTER
Age: 33
Years snowboarding: 25
Home Mountain: Planet Earth
Riding Style: Freestyle-focused, all-terrain jibber