A balaclava isn't a delicious honey and pistachio confectionery hailing from Greece but rather a knitted face and neck mask designed to protect the head from wind and extreme weather conditions. Providing warmth and insulation, balaclava's are popular with snow sports enthusiasts as well as motorcyclists, racing car drivers, special armed forces and yes, bank robbers! Originally designed for use by soldiers battling severe weather conditions in the Crimean War back in 1854, what was a knitted woolen cap has since been transformed into what we today call the balaclava.\r