I started backpacking in Wisconsin as a youth, being involved in the Boy Scouts programs. As a young adult, I worked at a summer camp leading backpacking, canoeing and mountain biking trips. I now generally take short weekend or day trips in rough, mountainous terrain, although I have extensive experience in the upper Midwest as well. I take one or two longer trips each year, where I typically carry about 40 lb (18 kg). I prefer to be prepared and comfortable, but I have taken lightweight trips as well.

INITIAL REPORT

PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Original Buff, S.A.
Year of Manufacture: 2009
Manufacturer's Website: www.buff.eu
MSRP: NA
Listed Weight: NA
Measured Weight: 2.5 oz (71 g)
Color Tested: Black
Colors Available: Cru, Stone, Camel, Kaky, Grana, Navy, Grey, Black

Other details provided by Manufacturer:

Moisture Management

Odour Resistant

UV Protection

Natural Stretch

Flame Retardant

Water Repellent

100% natural soft Merino Wool

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

The Buff Natural Wool Headwear, henceforth referred to as "Buff," comes attached to a cardboard cutout (pictured above) with two hangtags. It is a simple piece of headwear that can function as a neck gaiter, scarf, balaclava and even a beanie hat. The construction is a simple tubular shape that measures 29 in (74 cm) long. When I lay it down flat, the width measures 9.5 in (24 cm). There is a small grey Buff logo screen printed on one end as well.

The Buff is made from 100% Merino wool. Merino wool is, in my opinion, a softer wool that does not irritate my skin as other wools do. While the shape and design may be simple, the execution is flawless. The seams are flat which should alleviate any pressure points when wearing the Buff. There are no seams that run the length of the Buff either.

The fabric certainly feels soft to my touch. It is also stretchy so that I don't feel confined while wearing it as well. The buff is easy to use, even without directions, most configurations are pretty intuitive.

Based on the information available on the website and from other reviews I have read, the Buff is pretty much exactly what I expected. The fabric is softer than I expected, but otherwise it meets and exceeds my own expectations!

READING THE INSTRUCTIONS

According to the manufacturer's website, there are 12 different configurations for the Buff: cap, scarf, balaclava, pirate style, Saharan, bandanna, hair band, foulard, helmet liner, dust mask are specifically listed. According to the products packaging, the Buff is machine washable and includes a list on universal washing symbols. These symbols translate to wash in cold water, and don't use bleach, the dryer, iron or dry cleaning. Simple, huh?

TRYING IT OUT

I couldn't wait to play around with the Buff! I have seen it elsewhere but I have never owned one before. I did have to work at figuring out the cap (beanie) version. For reference, if you twist the middle of the Buff, you create two separate chambers. To make the beanie, fold one side over the other.

We had a significant snowfall here recently; about 5 in (13 cm). I took the opportunity to walk my dog with the Buff as a cap. For the short while I was out there, the Buff did the job.

SUMMARY

I am really excited to test the Buff over the next four months. When I sleep in the backcountry, I generally wear a fleece cap, but they tend to fall off during the night. I hope that the Buff will be able to serve multiple purposes and keep me warm at night! So far I really like the feel and functionality of the Buff. I have no gripes out of the box either! I plan to use the Buff backpacking, snowshoeing, snowboarding and around town as well.

I would like to thank the Original Buff and the folks at BackpackGearTest.org for the opportunity to be a part of this test series. Please check back in approximately two months for the next installment of this test series.

Test Report by Brett Haydin

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