The Original Buff. Lots of imitations-no comparisons. This might be one of my favorite pieces of outdoor gear I own. Its also one of just a few things I can easily say “you can’t have too many!”

The Original Buff pretty much gets every job done; sun protection, cold protection, bug, wind, dust and smell protection (tell me you have’t needed to pull your Buff over your nose for something smelly right?). It also doubles as tent mop when we’ve set up in a downpour and a dish towel when air drying just won’t do.

They are possibly the most comfortable piece of headwear, never too tight and super adjustable. I end up wearing them at my full time gig to keep my hair from looking wild, and with some magnetic buttons-they give my ears a break from wearing a mask! Added bonus? They look fantastic!

With a huge selection of colors, patterns and special designs to express your style, I have a hard time believing there isn’t a Buff for everyone. Since they wash easy, and dry in a flash the care is basically a no brainer. The other deal maker? The Buff retails for right around $20. When I worked the sales floor in the outdoor industry, the Buff was always my suggestion to start for gift ideas. Not super into winter? Fine, use it at the gym. Not good with sunscreen-Buff has you covered….get pretty nappy after a few days on trail? No worries! The Buff has you!

I love wearing a standard Buff in winter, because it doesn’t get gross like a traditional fleece neck gator once you’ve been breathing into it for hours. So when the temps plummet and the wind rips-I can protect my face without having a soggy muppet freeze to my chin. They are small, lightweight and affordable, so bringing two isn’t an issue. I can dry one in my pocket and put on a fresh one anytime I want.

In the summer months, bugs in the northern part of the midwest take their job pretty seriously. A Buff either impregnated with permethrin (meaning you bought it that way) or just sprayed at home can change your entire trip! Need something to keep the sweat out of your eyes and your hair out of the clips when you’re wearing a helmet without the added bulk? Look no further than the half Buff (the smaller cousin).

Aaaaannnd because I love to be extra cozy-the wool Buff really tops it off for me!

It may seem silly, but this tiny piece of fabric can really make a day outside more comfortable in so many ways. And while I have a few in my quiver-I’ve had the purple one (3rd photo down) for nearly 15 years and it looks the same as when I bought it.

I could go on-but I’ll restrain myself. Thanks for reading-Happy Days Off!