Buff Wool Buff

Buff®, the original multifunctional headwear. Once upon a time there was a keen off-road trials motorcyclist from Spain, who realised there was a need for a multifunctional garment that could be worn on and around his head while out riding in any and all conditions. Having worked in the textile industry for over 25 years manufacturing knitted collars and cuffs for the most popular football shirt brands in Europe, Juan Rojas set about creating a functional garment that could be worn in all manner of ways, replacing the need for separate items of head and neck wear.


Experimenting with different designs and processes, Juan eventually found a high performance microfibre that was breathable, moisture wicking and wind resistant. Juan then set about designing a proprietary knitting process that could manufacture his product in such a way as to ensure enduring comfort and durability. This manufacturing process, which takes place on a specially developed tubular loom, achieves an unique seamless construction resulting in a particularly comfortable garment that is extremely durable. The use of a sublimation printing process to transfer designs onto the product also ensures that the material retains its soft feel without the colours fading when either exposed to the elements or during cleaning. Juan called his product Buff® as a derivation of the Spanish word ‘bufanda’ meaning scarf.


Then, in 1998, Buff® entered a team into the Eco-Challenge adventure race and by the end of the event most of the participants had either requested or were wearing an Original Buff® and were totally "Buffed up." Since then, Buff® headwear has become a standard accessory for all adventure racers and athletes, and has been worn by contestants on the CBS Survivor series, Raid Gaulouises and Southern Traverse events. Adventure Racer Louise Cooper says: "I can't imagine being without my Buff. It's without a doubt the most versatile accessory anyone can wear."


Buff® headwear and has since become popular with millions of outdoor enthusiasts who benefit from its versatility: the garment has multiple uses and can be worn as a scarf, bandanna, headband, hat, facemask or wristband. Put simply: Buff® headwear is uniquely versatile, designed to achieve a high level of comfort and protection from the elements, WITH FUN!

If you’re not familiar with the concept of the Buff, then you’re missing out on what is a supremely useful and versatile piece of kit. Named by the manufacturer as ‘Multi-Function Headwear’ the original Buff is essentially a lightweight seamless microfibre tube that can be used as a throat warmer, bandana, beanie, or any other variation you can come up with.

The Wool Buff is a new member of the rapidly expanding stable of Buffs, and is remarkably similar to the original except for a few differences.

First off, it’s made from 100% merino wool rather than microfibre. Merino is far less scratchy to wear than normal wool, having much finer fibres, yet it shares wool’s ability to retain heat even when wet and is great at maintaining a comfortable temperature. The main bonus of merino, however, for most active users, is its ability to resist odours. With natural anti-microbial properties, merino doesn’t smell bad even if you wear it constantly for weeks at a time without washing it, so it’s great for long tours or just for those of us who forget to take it out of a pocket, bag or pannier.

The other main difference, and one which I’m not so sure about, is the length of the merino version. It’s much longer than the original and as such is quite a generous amount of fabric to have coiled around your neck if you’re using it as a scarf. The additional length does make it better for use as a beanie or balaclava though. This extra length, and the merino fabric mean this is best suited to colder conditions.

In use it’s cosy and comfortable for long periods of time, keeping drafts out nicely, and it doesn’t take up much space or weight while making a big difference in temperature.

Not only is this a handy extra for cyclists, but is also just as useful to walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts, making it a great gift idea. If the worst came to the worst, you could even use it in a first aid scenario, it’s that versatile.

Comes in eight plain colours.

Verdict

The Merino Buff feels luxurious, weighs little and will probably last for years if cared for properly. It warms you up nicely and won't smell if you forget to wash it for a while.

It's a versatile and useful piece of kit to take along on any ride. Best suited to the cold.