Updated November 19, 2022
Something that weighs very little, takes up hardly any space, and has a multitude of uses is a serious contender for a spot on a packing list. Enter the Buff for the packing light traveller, an essential travel accessory.
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What is a Buff?
For those unfamiliar with these handy little clothing accessories, a Buff® is a tubular scarf capable of performing many functions in different climates and weather conditions. Also called a head sock or neck gaiter, these versatile products come in a variety of fabrics, functions, colours, and styles.
They can be used as a scarf, cowl, neck warmer, cap, sleep mask, scrunchie, hairband, sweatband, ear warmer, wristband, emergency sling, balaclava, mask, helmet liner, swim cap, or bandana.
Buff for the packing light traveller
After each trip, I’ve fallen into the habit of choosing the most appreciated item packed for the journey. For a trip to Cambodia, the Buff won hands down. Part of the trip involved a 300-kilometre cycling tour so I packed a Buff UV Headband in a high UV protection fabric. One of my travelling companions found a Buff-like product in Australia, the Cell Bufanda and bought one for each of the nine members of our group.
The versatility of both the Buff and the Bufanda was unparalleled. Both could be worn in a different way to serve a different purpose.
1. Balaclava
One of my travelling companions wore my Buff as a balaclava under his helmet to protect exposed parts of his scalp from the unrelenting sun.
2. Cooling scarf
At rest stops, we dipped them in the icy water of the icebox carried in the support van. It was not only refreshing, but helped lower our body temperatures.
3. Mask
Occasionally, I wore mine as a mask for protection against the dust and harmful rays of the sun.
4. Swimwear
When we reached the Gulf of Thailand, swimsuits would have been handy. No swimsuits? No problem. Our Bufandas were pressed into service.
5. Ice pack
It made a perfect ice pack for a splitting headache.
6. Fashion accessory
It could also be worn as a fashion accessory at the end of a cycling day. In fact, it’s capable of accessorizing a limited travel wardrobe to help create a variety of outfits. As part of a layering system, it’s small enough to stash into a pocket or day bag for layering up or down as the weather or activity level dictates.
7. Bathing cap
Its quick-drying properties make it a perfect swimming cap for keeping hair tamed, or for a quick fix on bad-hair days.
Four Buffs and counting
There are many types of Buff headwear on the market. I’m now up to four Buffs.
1. Reversible Buff
When planning a visit to another city or country, an online search for the names and locations of travel and outdoor stores can lead to the discovery of new products, or those not available at home. Or those you may be unaware are available at home. This is how I found myself at Bever Outdoor World in Amsterdam several years ago, admiring a display rack of Buffs. I was so impressed, my new purchase became my constant companion for the rest of the trip. I chose a two-colour reversible Buff made of 100% merino in pink and purple to complement the rest of my travel capsule wardrobe.
2. Polar Buff
My second Buff was purchased for winter travel. The Polar Buff is warm and long, and works nicely as both a neck gaiter and headgear, alleviating the need to pack a woollen hat and scarf. Or in very cold conditions, it sits comfortably as a second layer under a woollen hat. Its versatility knows few boundaries, as shown in this video.
3. UV Buff
The Buff UV Headband boasts at least 93% UV protection and excellent wicking performance, ideal qualities for the tropical conditions of Cambodia and other hot climates.
4. Insect-shield Buff
My fourth Buff was inspired by my friend Kris’s trip to outback Australia where flies were a major problem on the Oodnadatta Track. Kris used her head sock as an anti-fly mask so I went looking for a Buff with insect-repellent properties. Buff’s insect shield version offers 95% ultraviolet protection and repels mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, fleas, chiggers, and midges. Impregnated with a long-lasting odourless form of insect repellent, its insect repelling qualities are effective for at least 50 washes. Paul Everitt makes a compelling case for this particular Buff in his review at Going Solo Adventures.
Buffs are available worldwide. My friend Lynn purchased hers in Nepal and wore it on a trip to Antarctica.
They make great travelling companions in all countries and all climates.
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Amazing post! Amazing photos! I have just found your blog. Thank you for sharing such an interesting information.I have Buff , too. It saved my life several times. 🙂 In Egypt I had to use it for my head or I would sun burn. Greets!
A buff is simple and small but truly cannot overlook it. Because you can use it in various ways, to protect the face from the dirt, heavy sunlight, to absorb the sweat and even to be a part of your swimsuit. So surprising!