Buff have upgraded their selection with new Coolnet UV neckwear (snood) patterns & colours and a new NMAD bucket hat, writes Mike Gormley.
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I guess there are very few out there in the big wide world that don’t know of Buff and probably most of us have at least one of the original neckwear snoods. Few, on the other hand, will be able to covert this classic seamless fabric tube into all its headwear and neckwear options. It’s a skill and one I don’t have, even having seen the video a number of times.
However, a Buff is a very handy item of gear, particularly for the traveller or outdoors person, as it can be used in many ways though it is mostly used as a neck shield / face mask to protect against hot sun, dust and sand as well as wind, rain and snow. For such a simple item it is truly a very versatile garment. The Buff is made in Europe from 95% recycled polyester with 5% elastane to give it some stretch to form the seamless tube which, which in this case offers UPF 50 sun protection. It is also made with insect shield to help keep bugs away and the Buff also dries quickly so handy when given a quick refreshing wash or if it gets wet. This one is Solid Fawn but there is a huge range of different colours to chose from.
[Editor’s Comment: Over the last two decades or more I have worn Buffs on assignments to both Arctic and Desert locations, and am currently wearing a Buff daily to protect my neck from ultraviolet light following 60Gy of Radiotherapy treatment in that area.]
Changing tack, the NMAD Bucket Hat is a new one for us from Buff. When out in the hot sun we need a bit of head protection and this is designed to give just that. With an asymmetric shape, the brim is larger at the rear so to cover the back of your neck; an area often forgotten. The design includes a vent at either side and some very small vent holes at the top. I think these are more to allow air out when you put the hat on rather than offering additional airflow when in use. At the back of the hat, on the outside so easy to use, is a volume adjuster and there is a generous and adjustable chin and safety cord for under the chin which can be stowed away inside if not needed. This one is in Sand and there is also Black to choose from. A useful addition to the Buff range.
[images © Mike Gormley unless noted]
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