Neck gaiter or buff?

Sufler

Sufler

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The merino wool buff seems more versatile and year round useful. But, the neck gaiter is thicker for better protection around the neck.

Your opinion?

Thanks!

:thumbup:
 
Depends on where you live. In Seattle, I find my Buffs to be endlessly useful at all times of the year. I keep meaning to get a merino Buff, but even the normal synth ones serve me well for sweat in the summer and insulation in the winter. I can only imagine a wool version would be even better, especially when I get chilly in the winter.

That said, if you live somewhere actually cold, as I said, I do still get a little to chilly in the winter, so in event of snow or subzero temperatures I'd definitely go for something heavier. But why not get a wool buff and a nice midweight wool scarf? Then you'll be warm and fashionable and you can layer as appropriate.
 
I have q merino buff and wouldn't replace it with anything else, I've never used it in the summer though. It gets to -40 c here regularly and controlling your neck temperature is key to regulating your overall temp, if I need something in summer I reach for a cotton shemagh.
 
balderdash said:
Depends on where you live.
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I'm on the East coast so cold is an issue. I've never worn anything but scarfs around the neck so I do have wool ones. The buff interests me because I can raise it up to protect my face and make into a balaclava as a layer under my hat. And, I think the buff would be more compact than a bulky wool scarf when rolled up.
 
I love my wool buffs for sure and they are long enough to double up and still pull over your face. I do also have a storm buff which has windstopper for those seriously cold days.
 
I have the original and merino buffs. I like the regular one more in general but think the merino one is better for the neck because it stretches in radius both more and easier than the original. The extra length is nice for winter as well.
 
i use a buff year round, both of the ones i have are the regular ones. in the winter it keeps my face warm and hidden while duck hunting and in the summer it keeps me from getting sunburt while sight fishing. i can not use either as a balaclave tho. guess my heads too big
 
I switched to a merino buff, then promptly gave away my HH neck gaiter. much more comfy, no seam, and better ability to pull it up over my mouth and nose. I have a regular for average use, a UV for fishing, or if I forget my hat, and the merino for the supposed "cold" weather (never know, south Australia gets winter, and I might visit there again)
 
Had a green wool thing called a Headover that sounds like what you're on about, tube scarf that can be made into a hat. Went in the rag bag pretty quick. Been using a silk one ever since. Love it. It's comfy and bunches up so small in a pocket it's no inconvenience. In fact I've folded it and carried it in the lid of a hat many many times.
 
A knitted woolen scarf

Turn it half way in for a hat
Wrap it round your neck and fold it forward
Wrap it round your neck to seal the jacket
It can also keep your shoulders warm
 
Not sure what you're referring to as a neck gaiter, but I've been using Spec Ops Recon Wrap for a few years. Always have one with me. I don't like breathing smoke or dust and it filters these nicely, keeps my face and neck warmer in winter also. Just got an original Buff which is similar but gaudy. I'll save it for summertime.
 
I've got a Columbia fleece neck gator and a fleece balacava. The neck gator works well with a hat.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
Not sure what you're referring to as a neck gaiter, but I've been using Spec Ops Recon Wrap for a few years. Always have one with me. I don't like breathing smoke or dust and it filters these nicely, keeps my face and neck warmer in winter also. Just got an original Buff which is similar but gaudy. I'll save it for summertime.
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Would you mind expanding on the differences between them? Just googled the Recon Wrap, and it sounds a lot like the Buff, or at least I couldn't figure out how they differ.
 
Practically? Not by much. The Recon Wrap feels more fleecy than the Buff but it is much thinner than real fleece. Of course, I've been wearing these 2 RWs for years.

I also have a HiViz Orange RW and being the newer model it is really sturdier and longer. The Buffs come in different materials and thicknesses themselves.

It is the concept that is so valuable. It is a scarf that won't slip down or fall off, and configures to other headpieces easily.
 
I have loads of buffs of two different weights, and also what I'd call a neck gaiter (hopefully the same as what Sufler refers to). It's a tube of no-stretch mid-weight fleece, with shock-cord and a cord-lock at one end to make it more versatile. Personally I prefer the buff :)
 
The Army issued neck gaiter is a very thick, stiff polypro material; it's a good design executed poorly and I've never liked it. I've used the much thinner "Recon Wraps" that Esav mentioned and they are very similar to regular Buffs but I've seen several Buffs designed with thicker material. Jack Black is probably referring to a lot of the hunting gaiters that include the cord-lock and are often made of thicker fleece material.

I really like the simple, thin material choices. It does depend on your activity, but even in moderately freezing temperatures, it protects from exposure and really helps on your neck and ears. The thinner material ones like the Recon Wrap can be worn several different ways which I like. Also, the thinner ones are easier to pack into a cargo pocket, my HPG Kit Bag or even a small pocket on a pack. They are great at helping to regulate body temperature and I really like the simplicity of putting off/on.

All I can say is stay away from the Army issued neck gaiter...they are stiff, thick, uncomfortable and seem to retain nasty smells more than the commercial choices...

ROCK6
 
I've got a Buff and a Smartwool merino neck gaiter. Both are really nice, but the neck gaiter is much thicker. Great for truly cold weather. The Buf is better for milder conditions and higher output activities like skiing, snowshoeing, etc.
 
Sufler said:
The merino wool buff seems more versatile and year round useful. But, the neck gaiter is thicker for better protection around the neck.

Your opinion?

Thanks!

Buff is a brand name for a Neck Gaiter. They are the same thing!
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