What is a buff?

I have a couple of buffs - one is made of polartec with a piece of thin fabric attached, and another one is just the same thin fabric. I've found the first one to be very useful in winter because:

• it is very easy to put on and off; on a hike you can put it off for while you're moving and take on for a stop; this also comes very handy on climbing routes where I don't like to mess with a traditional scarf - having a thing that could be applied/removed with one hand only is nice;
• this piece of thin fabric doesn't look serious, but it helps me a lot when my chin and nose become too frozen - I just pull this part of a buff on my face and it gets warm pretty fast;
• it is not as bulky as a scarf and if I want to put one more layer of clothing, I still be able to zip a collar;

As for that small thin buff, it is just nice to have it for chilly days.

posted almost 8 years ago

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Usurer‭

56 reputation 4 11 6 0

I know a few people who say they're useful - and they are certainly very versatile. There's nothing very complex about them, it's just a section of stretchy material that you can wear however you like.

They can be used wet for cooling, or dry underneath a hat for a bit of extra warmth, or as a scarf.

If you're on a gentle hike or a fun backpacking trip then there's no harm in having one, they're cheap and if nothing else a bit of fun! I wouldn't say they're an essential piece of serious gear though - kit dedicated to the task it's meant to do will almost always do a better job (a proper scarf will likely be a lot warmer than a buff as a scarf for instance.)

posted about 12 years ago

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berry120‭

626 reputation 52 134 77 0

The primary advantage of the buff (an continuous loop of fabric) is the versatility (and fashion ability) of the item over a standard scarf or hat.

Features In addition to the wearable methods it can also be used as

• Eye Mask
• Facecloth
• Microtowel
• Face mask when travelling, snowboarding, desert etc
• Self-securing bandage/pressure pad

All of which can be achieved without the need of a sling, complex knot or additional tying aid.

Benefits

• Less likely to be lost / stolen / dropped since fabric is physically around your body
• No need for knots causing discomfort/hot spots
• One item rather than two (scarf and hat/cap)
• Lightweight
• Far thinner material than a standard scarf or hat (particularly for males)
• Multi-activity use
• Reversible

posted almost 8 years ago

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Venture2099‭

71 reputation 17 9 11 0

To be honest I was dubious about getting something that I thought was gimmicky, but my son’s Scout troop was selling custom Buffs to raise group funds so I ended up buying one.

A Buff is just a tube of lightweight, stretchy material.

I’ve found them useful in three particular situations:

• They are thin, so can be worn like a hat under a bicycle helmet for extra warmth in the winter.
• Worn round the neck it provides a comfortable scarf that helps seal any gaps around my jacket collar.
• In summer, I dip it in a stream or river and wear it round my neck to help keep cool.

I think they are versatile and useful, but certainly not a full replacement for a scarf, hat, or whatever.

posted about 12 years ago

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Graham‭

151 reputation 0 35 15 0

I use Buffs a lot. If you are out on the water fishing, a buff worn like a bandit mask combined with a big hat will save you a sunburn. I wear a one as a headscarf during long hikes. It keeps the sweat out of my eyes and I soak it in organic bug repellent to keep the gnats away. For winter hikes, I again use as a bandit mask to keep my face warm and prevent windburn. The advantage is you can easily pull it up/down. To be honest, I never travel without it.

posted almost 8 years ago

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Rod‭

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