A simple essential.
Like Kleenex for tissue and Google for search, a lot of people refer to neck gaiters as ‘buffs’. Buff is a trademarked brand of this basic piece of cycling gear.
Tube shaped and stretchy enough to fit over your head, a gaiter has multiple uses. Like a traditional scarf, the most common usage is to warm the neck. Like the barrier socks we reviewed earlier, this small item can easily add several degrees of warmth. Keep it in a bunch, or pull it up over your mouth and cheeks as needed.
You can find gaiters made out of a variety of materials, but the lighter weights are the most versatile. We save the fleeced models for extreme weather.
Because of it’s shape, the gaiter can also function as a head covering. The thin models fit nicely under helmets and unlike most bandanas are almost always made from a technical wicking fabric. The stretchy fabric means there is no need to tie a knot to adjust the fit.
In changing conditions, the gaiter can be just the right amount of early ride comfort that can be removed and stuffed in a pocket as things heat up. With practice (and enough stretch) you can pull them over a helmet.
Former Pro road racer and now hip gravel dude, Laurens ten Dam, is an ambassador for Buff the brand. That’s a good endorsement.