Commuting - "Buff", neck/head/face covering for commuting use? Anyone use one?

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thenomad
07-27-10, 07:16 PM
I'm looking at these items (http://www.buff.com.au/cycling/most-popular/)for commuting this year, as the weather will turn cold soon enough. I'd like my mouth/face covered for cold dark mornings. I tried a bandanna styled face wrap and didn't like it due to the odd head/neck position when riding. I did feel the benefit of a neck covering though.
So I see these items (http://www.buff.com.au/cycling/most-popular/) online and decided I'd try one out.
Anyone use it?
How is a thin weight one for all around versatility? Breathable enough for summer head/neck covering, thick enough for a face covering in colder use? 40's is really all it'll get to here but windchill makes it face-numbing.
I've used a Buff for two winters now -- temps see single digits in Jan/Feb; The Buff works VERY well, from there on up. I even use it during the hot times, because it does so well at keeping the sweat out of my eyes.
When the temps go below 50F, I'll put a microfiber balaclava over the Buff, and that works down to about 25F. After that, it's a knit cap instead pf the bala. But the Buff gets just about year-round use.
The manufacturer claims a variety of ways to wear it, and I've tried a few -- face mask, bandanna, skullcap -- and I want more of them!
Chain Reaction Cycles is the only place I've seen them, and I generally only deal with them during tax season (free shipping for larger purchases).
thenomad
07-27-10, 08:38 PM
I got one from PBK and am eager to get my Irish flag version and see how well it performs.
The Aardvarks
07-27-10, 09:02 PM
I received one for a Christmas gift last year and I love it. I have a couple of home made ones also. They work well, but are not near as nice as the Buff. The home made ones have a seam on them and don't feel as nice on the skin. The Buff ones are soft and have no seem. They are great for all weather. They keep your ears, face and neck warm in the winter and they keep the sweat out of your eyes when its hot. I can't wait to get a couple more.
Use it regularly fall through spring. Recommended.
longbeachgary
07-27-10, 09:23 PM
I have used one for the last several years. Works great either over the face or under the helmet to keep the wind off the bald spot. I've also used them on the motorcycle.
whatsmyname
07-28-10, 05:37 AM
I like 'em, and not only because my uncle's event is sponsored by them!
demoncyclist
07-28-10, 08:50 AM
I have several of them. Wear them instead of a bandanna under my helmet in the summer- in really sunny conditions, you can let it drape down over your neck to keep it covered. In cooler weather, keeps your ears warm. If you go to www.buffwear.com you will see the dozens of stock designs. They ship incredibly quickly as well.
CitiZen
07-28-10, 09:32 AM
I own a regular Buff and a microfleece one for scootering. I've since discovered that the thin, regular one is all I need for chilly days on the bicycle. I ordered both of them from the Buff website.
thenomad
07-28-10, 05:18 PM
good to hear all!
thorsteno
07-29-10, 12:04 PM
I wear this in the winter when it gets below 30F.
http://www.rei.com/product/725708
I grew up in the IE nomad. How's the commuting scene there now?
Seattle Forrest
07-29-10, 12:23 PM
I use a merino (wool) neck gaiter; when it's really cold I'll pull it up over my face, but generally it's like a compact scarf. I find it keeps me downright cozy in a pretty wide range of temperatures / weather. And it doubles as an open hat. :D
thenomad
07-29-10, 12:27 PM
I grew up in the IE nomad. How's the commuting scene there now?
Well, it's only me and the homeless on bikes where I ride.
Freakin'Chickin
07-29-10, 12:42 PM
I love it for any use I can make of it while biking/running/canoeing... but my favorite use of a Buff is underneath my hard shell safety helmet when I work in forest operations: it takes the sweat away, if I unroll it on my ears it keeps bugs out of them, when it get cold outside, it's a nice thin toque....
I love my Buffs! :thumb:
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