They’re not just for fighting a wicked winter face freeze. Face coverings have always been summer staples too. Whether you call them gaiters, tubes, or buffs, here’s a quick rundown of what we’re wearing for comfort and safety.
It’s never been out of the ordinary for skiers and snowboarders to cover their faces.But suddenly, with new CDC recommendations to battle the coronavirus, we’re seeing more folks wearing face masks for warm-weather activities.
For cyclists, runners, and even people just walking around the block or going to the grocery store, neck gaiters (colloquially dubbed “buffs” or “tubes”) have become mandatory gear.
And although a bandana may work in a pinch, most outdoor athletes know the benefits of the purpose-built neck gaiter. They come in a wide array of performance materials, there are no pesky knots to tie, and they’re more versatile from season to season.
In short, we love them. And in the age of COVID-19, we’re using them as a matter of necessity. These are our favorite neck gaiters right now.
Which BUFF Should I Buy?
A quick note on nomenclature: BUFF is essentially the Xerox of neck gaiters. Though it’s trademarked brand name, it’s become synonymous with the product itself. But that’s not without reason; BUFF makes great neck gaiters — and a wide variety to boot.
This is one of the best we’ve found for summer and winter comfort. It’s super breathable but also stretchy enough to stay in place (a big plus). But the real magic is in the merino itself — this natural fiber is not only super soft against the skin, but it also boasts antimicrobial properties. So you can sweat in it and not worry about any funky odors.
Shop Lightweight Merino BUFF
For Sun Protection: CoolNet UV+ ($24)
BUFF’s CoolNet UV+ line advertises UPF 50+ sun protection. Being a synthetic material, it also incorporates a number of other performance technologies: Polygiene for odor control, REPREVE microfiber to reach 95% recycled material content, and HeiQ to help keep the wearer cool.
If long hours in the sun are likely, this option could be for you.
Shop CoolNet UV+ BUFF
Finally, for anyone in buggy conditions — think on the lake, or in hot, humid environs — BUFF Insect Shield purports to repel gnats, mosquitos, and other pesky insects. It’s not a perfect solution, and we’ve seen mixed reviews on its efficacy.
However, any covering is better than no covering to keep bugs at bay. Plus, this option work in tandem with BUFF’s CoolNet UV+ technology.
Shop Insect Shield BUFF
Neck Gaiters to Cover Your Face
BUFF may have the inside track when it comes to the name, but a lot of brands offer great neck gaiters. Here’s a few of our favorites, along with what some brands are doing to help the pandemic response.
Snowboarding brand BlackStrap has a couple cool things going for it. First, price. It comes in cheaper than a lot of the competition and still maintains features like four-way stretch and UPF 50+ protection. Second, it’s all USA-made.
The Daily Tube UV Sun Mask offers those benefits in just about every color and design you can imagine.
Shop BlackStrap Daily Tube UV Sun Mask
While we haven’t tried this, the Civil Mask looks like an easy and affordable option to help keep yourself and others safe during the pandemic. Plus, the Civil Mask uses at least 90% recycled scrap material in its construction. Best of all, for every Civil Mask sold, BlackStrap will donate a mask to communities and individuals in need.
Shop BlackStrap Civil Mask
Turtle Fur sticks with the “neck tube” designation with its Totally Tubular line. Like the others on this list, it’s stretchy and blocks up to 97% of UV rays. What makes Turtle Fur unique here is that it’s also instructing buyers on how to turn its products into actual facemasks.
So you can grab a three-pack, turn two into masks, and have one leftover as a neck tube. Plus, Turtle Fur will donate $1 from each sale to theCoronavirus Emergency Response Fund.
Shop Turtle Fur Totally Tubular
Columbia developed this gaiter with fishers in mind. But it works great for anyone active in summer months. The brand claims its Omni-Freeze ZERO tech actually gets cooler as you sweat.
We’ve worn them and do think they do a great job of preventing the clammy feeling that comes with wearing a mask in the sun. They’re also plenty breathable and UV-protective. And the laser-cut shoulder curves prevent the baggy bundles that plague other gaiters.
The only downsides are price ($30) and a more synthetic feel than other options.
Shop Columbia Freezer Zero II Neck Gaiter
PhunkshunPhoundation Neck Tubes
Made in Colorado, Phunkshun makes popular masks and neck tubes for skiers, snowboarders, and anglers. The brand has built a solid following in the Mountain West, and itsPhoundation Neck Tubes are a great place to start. It makes excellent gaiters in single, double, and triple fabric thicknesses.
We’ve used them in a variety of cool and warm activities and like the fit and, well, “phunkshun” quite well. For summer, the Single Neck Tube is a light, versatile option available in myriad patterns.
Shop Phunkshun Poundation Single Neck Tube
And last week, the brand launched its Personal Hygiene masks($20). Also sewn in Colorado, these masks use materials similar to those in neck tubes but are designed for wear in everyday situations where you need a mask for safety.
They are a simple face covering and not certified for virus protection but offer benefits similar to those of homemade masks. And the brand will donate a face mask to someone in need for each mask purchased.
Best Neck Gaiters
Looking for another roundup of the best options out there? Check out “10 Best Neck Gaiters in 2020.”
FAQs
A Neck Gaiter is a closed tube of fabric also called a buff. It's an article of clothing worn to cool or warm the neck and head area, and is useful for covering the Ears/ Face/ Nose/ Throat and head.
Is Buff a good brand? ›
In feel, it's close to athletic quick-dry clothing but has more of a fabric quality to it as opposed to synthetic polyester. You'll find that the BUFFs is extremely comfortable and much of that is because of the quality of the material but also how easily it stretches in all directions.
What is the best material for neck tubes? ›
While many people assume fleece neck gaiters will be good, I believe merino wool is the best fabric for neck gaiters for cold weather for a number of reasons. It contains lanolin, a natural water repellent, so is good for inclement weather.
Are buff neck warmers good? ›
A polar sports scarf or a Buff® neck gaiter is an excellent go-to neckwarmer to keep you warm playing your favourite sports during the winter. The best neck gaiter is warm, yet lightweight, quick drying, and one designed for a high thermal insulation while being highly breathable.
How do I choose a neck gaiter? ›
Neck Gaiters
Be sure to look for a gaiter that has a longer front than back, because this will provide the most coverage and still fit better around your neck and inside your jacket. Some models also offer a cinch cord to make the gaiter especially tight around the neck, keeping heat in.
What is the generic name for a BUFF? ›
It goes under a couple of different names—neck gaiter, neckwarmer, or perhaps “multifunctional headwear.” You may even hear references to trademarked products made by Original Buff SA, one of the main brands that makes these articles of clothing.
What is the downside of BUFF? ›
Some users report earning rewards from Buff, but many report it taking forever to cash out or rewards always being out of stock on the website. It looks like the platform works for some gamers but is very slow to earn with, so have realistic expectations.
Who is BUFF competitor? ›
game's top 5 competitors in April 2023 are: womplay.io, crypto.com, pocket7games.com, buysellvouchers.com, and more.
Who owns BUFF brand? ›
Joan Rojas passion was the seed for our legendary multifunctional seamless tubular more than 25 years ago. He was looking for a warmer, more protective solution to the sun, wind, and cold while touring the country roads of Catalonia on his motorcycle.
What material is used to make a neck gaiter? ›
I recommend using a light- to medium-weight knit fabric with a content of 95% Cotton, 5% Lycra/Spandex or 95% Rayon, 5% Spandex. Having at least 5% Lycra or Spandex allows the fabric to have elasticity and bounce back to its original shape without getting stretched out over time.
A neck gaiter is best descried as a tube of fabric meant to protect your neck and face from the sun or from cold conditions. On warm, sunny days, they protect the user from getting sunburned without the use of sunscreen. In winter, they protect the user's neck and face from getting cold and wind burned.
What is the best material for a neck warmer? ›
The Material
The most popular material for most neck warmers is Polyester. It is excellent at keeping out the wind and is fast drying. These are both essential functions for a neck warmer.
How do you use a BUFF gaiter? ›
Wear your BUFF® headwear around your neck to stay warm while you're outdoors. Tuck the bottom of the BUFF® headwear inside your shirt or jacket collar to keep it in place. You can also use the BUFF® headwear to protect the back of your neck from burning by wearing it as a scarf.
How do you wear BUFF in cold weather? ›
The most popular way to wear a Polar Buff® is as scarf / chin-warmer / face-mask combination. Of course there are other ways you can wear it so here they are. The idea is to put the fleece where you want the warmth.
What is the best fabric for gaiter? ›
A neck gaiter is typically made from a stretchy, breathable fabric such as spandex or polyester. A buff is usually made from a thicker, more durable material such as wool or fleece.
Why does Disney not allow neck gaiters? ›
Neck gaiters and open-chin triangle bandanas were discouraged as acceptable face coverings by health authorities. Both neck gaiters and triangle bandans are NOW appropriate facial covering options in the Disney Parks, while neck gaiters may be more comfortable for longer visits.
How do I keep my neck gaiter from falling down? ›
To lock it into place, put on a baseball cap or any other hat and be sure it fits snugly over the neck gaiter fabric to prevent slipping.
What material is original buff? ›
ORIGINAL BUFF®
Material: 100% Polyester Microfiber - with Polygiene Technology.
What is buff slang for girl? ›
🌐 Buff - attractive, used to describe a male or female. This word is usually earnest and said in awe, from girls to other girls ('you're so buff'), but it is also casual and not too flattering.
What is slang for buff? ›
Yes Buff is a slang expression mainly used to describe a person who is extremely muscular.
Buff itself wont slow your PC down over time, but keeping it on, and letting it get warmer certainly will! If you're doing long hours of PC Gaming, be sure to switch your PC off during the night!
Does Buff support fall guys? ›
Since Buff integrated with Fall Guys this year in 2022, it's never been easier to earn real-life rewards by playing this brightly colored title with your mates online.
Why should I use Buff? ›
Designed by gamers for gamers, Buff lets you play the games you love and earn Buffs while at it. When you have enough Buffs, you can redeem them for Items at the Marketplace.
Is Buff a Chinese company? ›
The BUFF marketplace is owned by Chinese Internet technology company NetEase.
What is Buff market ranking? ›
market Ranking. Website ranking helps evaluate the value of a business. Over the last three months, buff.
Is Buff USA only? ›
Available to US residents only. Applicants must submit proper documentation and meet our guidelines to become a BUFF® Pro. Products ordered through the program are for personal use only.
Where is BUFF manufactured? ›
Our commitment to sustainability led us to produce 90% of our products at our in-home factory in Barcelona.
Where is original buff headquarters? ›
Buff, Inc. is headquartered in Santa Rosa, CA, and the company's products are sold through online and retail store operations.
Where are BUFF made? ›
I was invited to BUFF HQ for its 30th anniversary and discovered that the brand proudly manufactures 90% of its products (and all BUFFs) in the Catalonian town of Igualada, Spain.
What is another name for a gaiter mask? ›
Balaclavas can be worn as full mask, half mask, or as a neck gaiter.
A neck gaiter is not ideal as a pandemic face mask, but it's better than nothing at all. The World Health Organization recommends cloth face masks be three layers thick to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but neck gaiters are only one or two layers thick.
What is neck tube called? ›
A tracheostomy is an opening created at the front of the neck so a tube can be inserted into the windpipe (trachea) to help you breathe. If necessary, the tube can be connected to an oxygen supply and a breathing machine called a ventilator.
What tube is in your neck? ›
Esophagus. The tube that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. Trachea. The tube that carries air between the throat and the lungs.
What is the correct way to wear a snood? ›
Pull the top of the snood up over your nose. Adjust the back to the base of your crown and above your earlobes. (Wearing your snood at mid-ear gives you the best fit.) Pull it down so it sits around your neck.
How wide should a neck warmer be? ›
Since neck gaiters are multifunctional and can be worn in a variety of ways, they tend to have some stretch to them which makes a single size possible. Typically they are between 8” wide and 10” wide, so they easily fit over your head and stay snug on your face when pulled up over your nose.
Does a neck gaiter keep you warm? ›
Wearing a gaiter around your neck can even provide more warmth than loose-fitting scarves. Plus, they're easy to pull up around your face, so you can quickly protect your cheeks and nose from those frigid winter winds. Use a neck gaiter is perfect for any of these cold-weather activities: Skiing.
Is a snood the same as a neck warmer? ›
The snood style has changed since then and has even taken on a few extra names: neck warmer, gaiter, and snood scarf. This tubular scarf can be worn as a neck warmer or pulled up to protect the face, neck, and ears from cold weather, wind, and rain.
How do you clean a BUFF gaiter? ›
For most BUFF® products, we recommend handwashing in warm water with mild soap. Due to its quick-drying fabric, it can simply air dry. Do not use fabric softener as it clogs the fabric pores.
What is another name for a BUFF scarf? ›
For cyclists, runners, and even people just walking around the block or going to the grocery store, neck gaiters (colloquially dubbed “buffs” or “tubes”) have become mandatory gear. And although a bandana may work in a pinch, most outdoor athletes know the benefits of the purpose-built neck gaiter.
Can you wear a buff for hot weather? ›
The High-UV Buff® in a Nutshell
The High Buff® was designed for high-impact activity in the heat and sun. So running or cycling in the summer heat for example. It's also became really popular as a cooling face mask with fishing pro's.
Yes Buff is a slang expression mainly used to describe a person who is extremely muscular.
What is a car gaiter for? ›
On a vehicle, a gaiter or boot refers to a protective flexible sleeve covering a moving part, intended to keep the part clean.
What is the purpose of a gaiter? ›
Most often, gaiters will be used as a shield against moisture – this can be rain or if you're hiking through snow. They stop your feet, ankles, and lower leg from being vulnerable. Aside from protection against moisture, gaiters can also stop mud and debris, such as stones, thorns, or branches from entering your boots.
Why do they call them gaiters? ›
"leather cover for the ankle," 1775, from French guêtre "belonging to peasant attire," of uncertain origin; probably ultimately from Frankish *wrist "instep," or a similar Germanic source, from Proto-Germanic *wirstiz (source also of German Rist "instep," English wrist), from *wreik- "to turn," from PIE root *wer- (2) ...
What does it mean when a woman is buff? ›
This is an adjective which, in youth slang, means attractive or well-toned. Somebody who is buff has an attractive body, they look 'fit'.
What material are buffs made from? ›
Materials. The most common materials used to manufacture buffs include wool, cotton, polyester and fleece.
What are the disadvantages of gaiters? ›
Gaiters Cons
- They are a hassle and time consuming to put on and take off- This is my biggest complaint. ...
- Hot and sweaty- Gaiters trap heat in your shoes which makes your feet sweat more. ...
- They trap moisture in your shoes- Gaiters keep moisture out but they also keep moisture in.
Balaclavas can be worn as full mask, half mask, or as a neck gaiter.
What is the difference between Gator and gaiter? ›
The word gaiter is derived from mid-eighteenth century French word guêtre, which is a word that is connected to the German word for wrist. Gator is an American colloquialism for the word alligator. An alligator is a member of the crocodile family and is only found in North America and China.
Why do the Navy wear gaiters? ›
Gaiters strap over the hiking boot and around the person's leg to provide protection from branches and thorns and to prevent mud, snow, etc. from entering the top of the boot. Gaiters may also be worn as protection against snake bites. Gaiters fill the same function as puttees, a part of numerous military uniforms.
If you're hiking, trekking or on an exercise anywhere that you'll encounter snow, dense undergrowth or water, whether that's rain, streams, rivers, you should wear a pair of gaiters. This will prevent water from getting into your hiking or military boots, which can cause discomfort and soreness.
What is another name for a buff scarf? ›
For cyclists, runners, and even people just walking around the block or going to the grocery store, neck gaiters (colloquially dubbed “buffs” or “tubes”) have become mandatory gear. And although a bandana may work in a pinch, most outdoor athletes know the benefits of the purpose-built neck gaiter.
Why did ww2 soldiers wear gaiters? ›
Gaiters, formally called “anklets”, were part of a Canadian soldier's uniform during the Second World War. Made of heavy cotton, they held the bottom of the trouser legs in place against the top of the boots. They also helped keep out dirt and water.
Do gaiters go over or under pants? ›
The answer is that they should go underneath waterproofs, but over your non-waterproof walking trousers which are underneath the waterproofs. If a gaiter is over your waterproofs, rain will run down your trousers and into the top of the gaiter (no matter how tight you pull the draw-string, it's not a watertight seal).
Why doesn t Disney allow gaiters? ›
Even while neck gaiters may be extended to cover the mouth and nose, the cloth does not stay close to the face as it would with a standard face mask, allowing for more inhalation and exhalation of ambient air. Disney World certainly didn't want to take any chances with the spread of germs or diseases.
