Let’s review Buff® Headwear, which fits in all three categories: hat, headband and mask.
I’ve been eyeing this product for awhile now, and finally got one for Christmas this year. I was excited! Even more excited when I found out it’s quite wind resistant. I’ve been trying it as a mask the past few days going for walks, and have been pleased.
How Does Buff Perform in a Minnesota Winter?
If you know anything about a Minnesota winter, you know the wind chills can drop the “feels like” temperature down 10, 20 even 30 degrees lower than the air temperature. Having wind-resistant or windproof layers is vital.
How well does the Buff cut the wind? The first time I used it was in the lower 30s, with a good breeze. I was plenty warm with it over my face (like above). It did a great job at that temperature with the wind. Today I tried it again, but it was only 14º and there was a pretty stiff wind, so it felt more like 0.
My Buff did great except where the wind was blowing strongly over our neighborhood ice-covered lake. At that point I had to add the hood of my down coat. But otherwise I was impressed. Not bad for a thin little layer!
Why I Love It
It’s so Cool!
Mine is kind of the bandana look. Not too crazy, but still fun. While not as warm as my Seirus Neofleece, it’s got more pizzazz. And Buff comes in dozens of different colors and patterns.
Multi-functional
I’ve used it as a mask so far, but also look forward to wearing it as a headband. Even better, it’ll work as a head covering over my canoe-trip-and-camping-hair if I don’t get around to washing it 🙂
Check out this video to see all the ways you can wear a Buff®.
Easy to care for
It’s hand or machine washable, and hang-dries quickly (I throw mine in the dryer, honestly).
What I Don’t Like
When the temps are colder—teens and lower—the condensation from breathing eventually freezes on the fabric. Then it’s not warm anymore! It’s better for warmer temps.
Where to Buy
You can purchase a Buff right from their website. Or find it at sporting goods stores like REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Gander Mountain. Duluth Trading Company sells them, too.
The original Buff (like mine) is $15. They go up from there with fancier patterns and more high-tech materials, even merino wool.
The Final Word
I’m glad I finally have one. I know I’ll get good use out of it, and have fun at the same time!
You’ll like these, too…
- Gear Review: Seirus Neofleece Combo Scarf (when Buff isn’t warm enough!)
- Gear Up for the Coming Cold Weather!
- Outdoor Winter Activities
Sharon is the founder and publisher of Active Outdoor Women. She loves getting outside in beautiful places to hike, paddle, camp, snowshoe, ski, ride—and encouraging others to come along! Besides maintaining AOW and her other website, Twin Cities Outdoors, Sharon writes and designs websites, newsletters, blogs, emails, books and other marketing tools for clients.