The balaclava is done in worsted weight on K2P2 ribbing on 92 sts on size 7 (US) dpns. I think it would work well also for a cowl if you wanted a thicker, warmer version. Just knit the ribbing in the round until it is 7" or so.
The orange cowl shown in my last post was a great success with DH - I used Knitpicks' Gloss fingering weight (although it seems a bit thicker than other fingering weight yarns) and 92 sts and size 5 (US) dpns. I was going for something light instead of warmth. The two below are knit in Knitpicks' Shine sport weight cotton also on size 5 (US) dpns and 92 sts. I worry though that the cotton will stretch out too much over time. I've decided for mine that I prefer them closer to 6 1/2" than 7" - that way they will come just up to my chin.