100% agree the klim non-snorkel balaclava feel restrictive. Feel like they squish my nose and impede nose and mouth breathing with material. None of those issues with the klim snorkel versions for me. Other brand snorkel are likely similar.
I went through 10+ versions of balaclava from several brands over the years and even tried cutting/modifying. Finally gave the snorkel versions a try about 5 years ago and they have been perfect for me.
Everyone has different requirements so, as inneficient and costly as it is, buying-and-trying is the best way to find what works. May result in a lot of "for sale - balaclava - worn once" ads. Ha. Or gift them to family and friends to see if they work for them. For example, my wife and I are comfortable with very different balaclava. She likes the fit of "restrictive" non- snorkel ones.
