The protective headwear and garment assembly/system facilitates the formation of a secure interface/connection/fit between the protective headwear system and (preferably) a gas mask that is intended to be worn with the garment assembly. The system includes a tensioner system that is configured to ensure a tight, secure fit between a (preferably) neoprene facial seal component of the protective headwear, and the gas mask. The system also includes a tightening element to securely fit the protective headwear to the neck and body of the user.

The protective headwear and garment assembly/system facilitates the formation of a secure interface/connection/fit between the protective headwear system and (preferably) a gas mask that is intended to be worn with the garment assembly. The system includes a tensioner system that is configured to ensure a tight, secure fit between a (preferably) neoprene facial seal component of the protective headwear, and the gas mask. The system also includes a tightening element to securely fit the protective headwear to the neck and body of the user.

An improved balaclava can include a head cover adapted to at least partially cover a user's head and an injection molded facepiece attached to the head cover, wherein the injection molded facepiece is adapted to at least partially cover a user's mouth and nose region. The injection molded facepiece has a sealing portion that is adapted to form a seal at least partially around the user's mouth and nose region. The injection molded facepiece defines one or more vents positioned below the sealing portion, wherein the one or more vents are arranged to direct exhaled air and moisture in a generally downward direction and away from the user's eyes when the balaclava is worn.

An improved balaclava can include a head cover adapted to at least partially cover a user's head and an injection molded facepiece attached to the head cover, wherein the injection molded facepiece is adapted to at least partially cover a user's mouth and nose region. The injection molded facepiece has a sealing portion that is adapted to form a seal at least partially around the user's mouth and nose region. The injection molded facepiece defines one or more vents positioned below the sealing portion, wherein the one or more vents are arranged to direct exhaled air and moisture in a generally downward direction and away from the user's eyes when the balaclava is worn.

A firefighter protective hood that protects the coat/helmet/self-contained breathing apparatus facepiece interface area of a user, and a firefighter protective glove that protects the hand and wrist of the user are provided. The firefighter protective hood and glove respectively include a hood-shaped structure and a glove-shape structure. The hood-shaped structure and the glove-shaped structures each include a body-contacting layer made of a fabric of flame-retardant regenerated cellulose fibers. The structure and composition of the body-contacting layer promote comfort of the user and evaporative cooling. Outer layer(s) extend outwardly over the body-contacting layer and act as thermal and mechanical barriers. The combination of such layers allows maintaining relatively high perspiration transmission and evaporation, and substantially good thermal and mechanical properties.

A firefighter protective hood that protects the coat/helmet/self-contained breathing apparatus facepiece interface area of a user, and a firefighter protective glove that protects the hand and wrist of the user are provided. The firefighter protective hood and glove respectively include a hood-shaped structure and a glove-shape structure. The hood-shaped structure and the glove-shaped structures each include a body-contacting layer made of a fabric of flame-retardant regenerated cellulose fibers. The structure and composition of the body-contacting layer promote comfort of the user and evaporative cooling. Outer layer(s) extend outwardly over the body-contacting layer and act as thermal and mechanical barriers. The combination of such layers allows maintaining relatively high perspiration transmission and evaporation, and substantially good thermal and mechanical properties.