Neck gaiters are made of wonderful. They're like little scarfs, with the ends sewn together, into O shapes. Since they use so much less fabric, they fold down to nothing - smaller than a wallet.

I ordered one last year, but it was a little tight, so I started wearing it as an open hat to stretch the wool out. Then I realized it was the best head-warmer I had, and got another one for my neck. The hat pulls down over my ears, wicks sweat from my brow, and keeps my head warm and comfy in the rain, but it lets enough out the back to keep me from overheating. And I can pull the other one up over my chin, or even my cheeks, if it's cold enough: two of them make a great balaclava. Once your body temp starts to climb from the exercise, it only takes a second to remove one, and two can easily stow in a saddle bag.

Anyway, I benefit from these guys, and I wonder if anybody else is already hip to this trick?

depending on how cold it is, I either wear a full balaclava or I use a head warmer that is too large and too thick for my head, as a neck gaiter.

Grew up using them as a skier and still have them. After wearing them for several hours in real cold, they get nice, frozen snotcicles if you have them pulled up over your nose . But seriously I love them and wear them in winter. I don't recall wearing them while on the bike. I have a partial facemask for that and will perhaps buy a balaclava this year, if only so I can wear it when I stop off at the bank to make a deposit.

I have a gaiter-like thing from Nashbar that I wear either as a gaiter or pull up the back partially over my head to cover my ears, and sometimes pull the front up and fold back to cover my mouth too. Those three take me to where it's cold enough to wear a balaclava. When it's REALLY DAMNED cold, I wear a neoprene face mask over the balaclava. Or under, I can't remember.

I have used a neck gaitor for the last two winters. It is a very important piece of my winter gear.

I pretty much go from skull-cap to balaclava. My coat will zip up high enough to keep my neck warm if I want it and I also have a couple of C9 base layers with high necks.

I have a fleece one from Columbia that is my most important piece of cold weather comfortwear. Early morning cold commutes start with it up on the back of my head and up to my nose. As I warm up, it inches its way down. By the time I get to my train platform, if I'm warmed up sufficiently,. I stow it. If not, I wear it as a hat, with the top folded over till I board the train. If it's überkalt out, I'll have a smartwool beanie on my head and use the gaiter as a handwarmer.

I had a wool/polypro one I won from a British soldier a long time ago. It was better kit, but it eventually fell apart. Having the back of my neck warm while riding is very important to being comfortable.

When it is extrememly cold I use one to supplement my balaclava. Most of the year it is too warm to use it.

For me, a balaclava is too warm for cycling; it's great for about the first ten minutes of a ride, but then I have to stop and pull the whole thing off. I find that on a cold day I can start off with about the same level of protection, but I can pull the neck one down to expose my cheeks once I start to warm up, adjust a little more after I climb some hills, and ultimately pull the neck part off but still have protection for my head.

I wouldnt go a winter without one, though i dont think mine is the actual brand as those but either way nice and warm fleece.

I love mine. Mine is a ski mask \ neck gaiter.

I have a few similar things, but the most used one is some sort of fleece thing that can be used as a neck gaiter, balaclava, mask, or cap-type thingy. I also have a Buff, which can do all that, but I just got it, so haven't used it yet.

I really like that they can be used in multiple configurations, depending on conditions, or changed as I warm up. I would say I probably use it most often as a neck gaiter though.

I used to use one in Wisconsin when I was commuting in sub-zero weather, but I haven't really felt the need since then. Mine is knit, but I like the fleece. I might get one

I have a buff and frequently steal my wife's buffs.
I want a wool one.

Yep, have a lightweight one and a heavy fleece one. Use them both for cycling and for motorcycling. Hugely important pieces of my winter ensemble.

for shizzz. homemade. wind/waterproof on the outside, down in the middle, fleece on the inside. mmmmm cozy.

Cozy as heck. I have a plain fleece one and another attached to a neoprene face mask for hideous commutes. Both are easily squished into a pocket when it warms up in the afternoon or on sunny days.

Don't fill me with impossible tales of wonder! We all know it doesn't get cold in Arkansas...!

Although I live where it is never cold and never hot, I still have two fleece neck gaiters that are a couple of decades old. When it drops below 20F (maybe ten nights a year here) I'll dig one out and wear it. The op is right on; they are easily stowed, can be made to be quite warm and are versatile enough for ever-changing conditions.

I use a gaiter, balaclava, face mask, or hat, in various combinations depending on the temperature. When it gets down toward freezing, I carry them all with me in case conditions change during the day.

I use a neck gaiter and a tuque. I don't wear a balaclava, because I wear glasses and covering my nose up completely often results in my glasses fogging up, and then the fog freezes... Easier to adjust the gaiter.

I wear one most of the winter, usually as a neck-warmer/collar seal. It has to be around freezing before I raise it over my ears.
Ive used the army style fleece headover version but Im now using a merino one which is smaller, lighter, warmer and better.

I wear a full hood during the winter. I ride every day, even in snow storms. I can't imagine not having this.

https://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/e...od/8000022-001

I've just gotten a Buff and I do like it. I only need the thin version and it was nice here on a cold morning to have my face and neck covered. Will soon use it for a head covering as it gets colder. I'm thinking of getting the coolmax Buff for hot weather head/neck covering.

I use them and find that they work much better than a scarf for riding. Combined with a face mask and wool hat, they keep my feet warm on winter commutes. (Cold feet? Cover your head.)