Outdoor Blog
10 Useful Ways to Wear a Buff
Most campers can relate to the feeling of being completely addicted to buying new gear. With so many cool camping gadgets and gizmos on the market, all promising to offer convenient and ingenious solutions for all your needs, avoiding new purchases is difficult. While some items may seem a little unnecessary, there are a number of camping staples you absolutely must-have. Certain pieces of gear can completely revolutionize your camping experience, and one of these is the buff.
If you’ve never heard of a buff, prepare to have your mind blown. In this article we’re going to explain why every camper, adventurer, and outdoor person loves the buff, and why you need one in your backpack. We’ll share 10 different uses for this single item, each one comes in incredibly handy on a backcountry adventure. Read on to discover all the wonderful ways to wear a buff.
What is a buff?
A buff is a piece of multifunctional headwear, also called a neck gaiter. While the term “buff” is now a catch-all for any tubular headgear, this is actually the name of a brand found at buffusa.com. Plenty of different outerwear companies now produce their own version of this multifunctional clothing, but Buff Headwear remains the most popular as the original. A huge range of different buffs now exists on the market, including merino wool and microfiber options, UV protective and windproof buffs, and more. There’s even an Insect Shield buff which is embedded with mosquito-repelling materials.
Buffs have several properties that make them ideal for a whole host of outdoor purposes. They have moisture-wicking properties, so they can help remove sweat and help you control your body temperature. The seamless tube-shaped design means they’re comfortable to wear under helmets or other gear, while the microfiber material won’t itch or irritate your skin. Wearing a buff will help protect you from cold and heat, wind, rain, and sun, and all in a tiny packable package. This lightweight headwear is an amazing thing to have on hand in so many outdoor situations.
10 useful ways to use your buff
The entire premise of a buff is to serve as multifunctional headwear. That means no matter the season or activity you’re enjoying, a buff can probably help. Whether it’s the coldest or hottest day of the year, no matter if you’re hiking up Mount Marcy (the highest peak in New York) or settling down for a night of peaceful sleep, the useful ways you can use your buff are astounding. Without further introduction, let’s explore 10 of the best ways you can put your buff to good use.
1. Neck Warmer
The most straightforward way to wear a buff is as a neck scarf. This can either help keep out the cold chill or protect the back of your neck from sunburn. Wearing a buff as a neck gaiter is far better than a traditional scarf, especially for camping purposes. There’s no extra tail ends flapping around, which not only can get in the way but could actually be quite dangerous if they become entangled in something.
Unlike a normal scarf, a buff won’t start to itch your neck and become uncomfortable after a short period of wear. It’s breathable while still keeping out most of the cold, and the tubular shape means there’s no chance of unraveling or loosening and letting in a chill. To wear your buff as a neck scarf, pull it over your head and tuck in the lower end inside your coat or other clothing. This will help create a seal so the wind can’t enter, and will also protect your neck from potential chafing or irritation from the collar of your jacket.
2. Beanie
Another classic function of the buff is as a beanie, or cap hat. To turn your buff into a beanie, first, reverse your headwear so it’s inside out. Then, twist the buff in the center several times, before pulling one side over the other to create a hat. You’d be surprised at the warmth two thin layers of buff material can provide. The double lining of this buff beanie style offers good insulation without too much thickness, so it can easily fit under a helmet or hood.
A second way to wear your buff as a beanie involves turning it into a bobble hat. This creates headwear with only one layer of material, ideal for slightly warmer days. To create a bobble hat, pull the buff the correct way around onto your head as a hat, leaving the additional material to hand down the back. Then, simply tie a knot in the excess to create a stylish and convenient bobble hat. Because this style features a knot at the back, you can’t wear it comfortably under any additional gear.
3. Face Mask
A buff makes the ideal face mask or face covering because the thin and breathable material won’t collect too much moisture from your breath. Outdoor activities are just as fun in the winter as in the summer, but your extremities including your nose and mouth can catch a chill easily. As well as being a staple on the ski slopes, using your buff as a face mask is also fantastic for biking and generally stepping outside. Your buff face mask helps protect against the elements including the cold, wind, and rain, but also from dust storms and smog.
Wearing your buff as a face mask is simple. Firstly put it on in the neck gaiter style, then pull it up to cover your nose and mouth. You could also pull this multifunctional headwear further up the back of your head, so your ears are also protected from the cold. Keep the lower end of your buff tucked into your clothing to keep the chill out. Alternatively, you can achieve more protection and better air filtration by doubling over your buff and wearing two layers over the lower half of your face.
4. Balaclava
For the highest level of facial protection that a single buff can offer, wear it as a balaclava. The highly elastic and lightweight material is perfect for this comprehensive face covering, leaving only your eyes unprotected. We highly recommend this option for any outdoor activity in the cold, particularly winter sports or mountain biking. You’ll likely wear a pair of goggles that will cover the remaining exposed skin, creating a fully protective layer on your face.
Firstly, don your buff in the face mask style we explained previously. Then, take the bottom part of the buff which will be at the base of your neck, and pull it over your head like a hood. In this style, either the face mask or hood part of the buff will be reversed, so decide which part you want to feature its design. While it’s only a thin layer of protection, all the most sensitive parts of your head will be shielded from the wind in this style. As always, it’s ideal for wear under a helmet, hat, or hood, as the comfortable material is free of seams or labels.
5. Headband
Given its tubular shape, the buff makes a perfect headband. You could also call this style a bandana, and it’s the ideal sweatband too. Use it to keep your hair out of your face when completing outdoor activities, and prevent sweat from dripping into your eyes. Depending on personal preference, you can scrunch up the buff, placing it around your neck and then simply pushing it up until it reaches the ideal position on your head.
Alternatively, you can fold the buff over on itself, to create a neater multi-layered headband. Fold it over two or four times to create a bandana, or eight times to make the perfect sweatband. The absorbent material will prevent any sweat from making its way down your face and can be easily unfolded and left to dry quickly. You can also pull the buff on over your head rather than starting from the neck position to create an ear warmer.
6. Scrunchie
Forgotten to bring along a hair band on your adventure? Don’t worry, your buff can serve as a stylish scrunchie! The elastic material works perfectly as a loose hair tie, securing your ‘do in place without pulling too tightly on your scalp. To make a scrunchie from your buff, start out with it around the wrist. Gather your hair as you usually would, and pull it through the buff. You’ll need to keep doubling the buff around your hair until it feels comfortable and secure.
7. Sleep Mask
Buffs are something of a travel staple, so remember to bring yours along next time you catch a plane or take a long bus ride. When it’s time to take a nap, your buff can help block out light and make it easier to fall asleep. The soft material and tubular shape of the buff mean it’s an incredibly comfortable sleep mask; it won’t itch or irritate the sensitive skin on your eyes, nor come loose, as it’s secured around the back of your head.
To wear your buff as a sleep mask, we recommend folding it over four or eight times. Buff material is thin and won’t block out 100% of light, but doubling the material will make it much more effective. As a bonus, the wrap-around effect can help keep earbuds secure too, so your sleep can go as undisturbed as possible. Any potential bad smells can also be reduced by pulling the mask down over your nose.
8. Sun Protection
Wearing a buff isn’t always to keep you warm; this lightweight material is also ideal for keeping harmful UV rays off your skin. Buff Headwear even makes special buffs that have anti-UV properties, offering even better sun protection. To protect yourself using this multifunctional headwear, pull on the buff over your head and down to your eyebrows. This will protect your exposed forehead. Then, let the rest of the buff material hang loose down the back to shield your neck on hot days.
You can take it one step further and wear your buff legionnaire or saharaine style. To wear your buff this way, firstly turn the headwear inside out. Lay the buff flat on your head, so one opening is just above your eyebrows. Then, put your hand inside the tube to hold one layer of the buff against your head. Use the other hand to pull back the top layer of the tube around the back of your head to create a cap. The additional material will cover the back of your neck in a more secure manner than the option we mentioned above.
9. Headscarf
Wearing your buff in the headscarf or hood style is great for cold days when you want to warm your ears without covering your mouth. You can do this style starting from the headband position, but this may push your hair into your face. We prefer starting with the buff off the head and then pulling it on carefully. Put the buff around your whole head so that the material covers your face. Then, pull down the front side of the buff leaving the back part as a hood on top of your head. Tuck the front of the buff under your chin, and adjust the material so it covers your ears and the edges of your face.
You can wear a hat over this buff style easily for additional warmth, ensuring your ears stay warm. This is also an ideal form of helmet protection as it covers all the most sensitive areas of the head. The headscarf style of buff is also effective at blocking the sun in the summer, but we prefer legionnaire style for this purpose as your neck will be allowed to breathe. For warmth purposes, where’s no better option as covering your head, neck, and the sides of your face is highly effective.
10. Wristband
Wearing your buff doesn’t need to be limited to your head. As a comfortable and absorbent material, your buff can serve nicely as a wristband. It’s perfect for wiping sweat away when you don’t want added warmth around your head during exercise. For transportation, you can keep your buff stored on your wrist and it’s easily accessible whenever you need it. Just remove it and twist it into a cap, headband, headscarf, or whatever you need.
On a hot day, you can even twist an ice cube into the buff so it’s held against your wrist. This is very effective at helping you cool down, by holding the cold cube against your pulse point. You can achieve the same effect by soaking your buff in cold water. There are so many ways that a buff can be one of the most useful things you bring on an outdoor excursion, and keeping it on your wrist is an unobtrusive way to always have it when you need it.
Other fantastic uses for your buff
You don’t need to be wearing your buff for it to be useful. As an elastic material, there is all manner of different purposes that can put your buff to good use. For example, a single buff is large enough to serve as a makeshift sling for children. Simply place it around the child’s neck and slide in the injured arm, pulling the material around the elbow for additional support. Adults will need two buffs to create a sling, but if you’re hiking with friends then it’s likely someone else is carrying their own buff too. You can interlink the two buffs, placing one around the neck and the other around the injured arm.
Any open wounds and injuries need to have pressure applied, to stop the bleeding as soon as possible. Your buff can be used easily as a makeshift tourniquet, where this multifunctional headwear could literally save your life. Put the buff around the injured limb just above the wound, and then use a stick to twist it tighter until the blood supply is partially cut off. Sprains and twisted joints can also benefit from a buff; tie it or twist it around the injured area to limit mobility and provide support.
A buff can serve as a carry strap to attach additional gear to your backpack, or a makeshift armband to hold your mobile phone. You can even put a knot in one end of the headwear creating a bag that can be used to carry small items. There are endless possibilities for this truly multifunctional piece of gear, which is why so many avid outdoors-people never leave home without one.
Final Verdict:
The buff is arguably one of the best additions to general backpacking gear this century. There’s nothing more valuable than a single piece of equipment to keep your head warm in cold weather and provide UV protection in the sun. Hikers, bikers, and winter sports fans definitely need a buff in their gear, as this truly multifunctional headwear comes in useful in more ways than we can count. Next time you head out on a camping trip or set off to do some snowboarding, bring along your buff. It’ll keep the worst of the weather out, and make the rest of your gear more comfortable as well!
Bonus tip: Check out this video to see more ways you could wear a buff!
Outdoor Blog
Gear You Should Snag for the Great Outdoors This Season
Outdoor enthusiasts know that having the right gear can make all the difference. Whether you’re hiking, camping, hunting, or engaging in any other outdoor activity, quality equipment ensures not only safety but also a better overall experience. As we head into a new season, it’s time to refresh your gear collection with essential items that will enhance your adventures. In this article, we’ll explore five pieces of must-have outdoor gear, focusing on both practicality and comfort.
Shooting Glasses Are Essential for Outdoor Adventures
If you’re heading out for a shooting range session or a hunting trip, investing in a quality pair of shooting glasses is non-negotiable. Eye protection is critical when engaging in any activity involving firearms, and shooting glasses are designed to keep your eyes safe from potential hazards like debris, shell casings, and even harmful UV rays.
Shooting glasses are a key safety measure that helps shield your eyes from impact and glare. The lenses are typically made from high-impact resistant materials that can endure tough conditions, making them a must-have for hunters, target shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Beyond safety, these glasses often come with polarized lenses to improve visibility in various lighting conditions. By incorporating shooting glasses into your outdoor gear, you’re ensuring not only better safety but also improved performance during your time in the wilderness.
What Should You Look For During Black Friday Hunting Gear Deals?
One of the best times to stock up on essential outdoor gear is during Black Friday. Black Friday hunting gear deals provide an opportunity for hunters to snag high-quality items at significantly reduced prices. Whether you’re after apparel, backpacks, or specialized equipment, Black Friday sales often feature steep discounts on top brands that every outdoor enthusiast should take advantage of.
This sale season is ideal for upgrading your hunting wardrobe and stocking up on essential gear that may normally be out of your price range. From weather-resistant jackets to durable boots and base layers, hunting gear can be pricey, and Black Friday is the perfect time to invest in the best equipment. By keeping an eye out for deals during this shopping period, you can save money while ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next big adventure.
Multi-Tools Are a Must-Have
Want to know the most versatile pieces of gear you can carry? It is a multi-tool. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or hunting, having a tool that can serve multiple functions is a game-changer. Multi-tools come equipped with a variety of features such as knives, screwdrivers, pliers, and scissors, all compactly housed in a single device that easily fits in your pocket or pack.
The practicality of a multi-tool is hard to beat. It allows you to tackle unexpected tasks, from cutting rope to repairing gear, all without needing to carry a full toolbox. When you’re out in the wild, you want to be prepared for anything, and a multi-tool ensures you’re ready to handle small emergencies or make quick fixes with ease.
Insulated Water Bottles Can Improve Your Outdoor Experience
Staying hydrated is one of the most important aspects of any outdoor activity. Whether you’re embarking on a long hike or spending hours in a hunting blind, having an insulated water bottle can make a difference. Insulated bottles have features that help to keep your drinks at the desired temperature for a long time, which is especially useful during extreme weather conditions.
These bottles maintain the temperature of your beverage—whether cold or hot—so you can enjoy refreshing water in the summer or a warm drink during chilly morning hunts. Insulated water bottles are also typically made from durable materials, meaning they can withstand the rigors of outdoor use without breaking or leaking. Investing in a high-quality insulated bottle ensures that you stay hydrated and comfortable throughout your outdoor excursions.
Durable Backpacks Can Enhance Your Outdoor Experience
A good backpack is the cornerstone of any successful outdoor trip. When you’re out in nature, you need a reliable, durable pack to carry all of your gear comfortably. Look for backpacks that are built to withstand harsh conditions, provide ample storage, and have ergonomic designs that distribute weight evenly to prevent strain on your back and shoulders.
Modern outdoor backpacks come equipped with multiple compartments to help you stay organized, as well as specialized features like hydration bladder compatibility, rain covers, and reinforced straps. By investing in a durable, well-designed backpack, you’ll have the capacity to carry everything you need—whether it’s extra clothing, food, or hunting gear—while maintaining comfort during long treks.
Outdoor Blog
Are You Ready for Autumn Adventures? How to Prep for an Unforgettable Outdoor Fall Guys Trip
As autumn rolls in, the great outdoors beckons with its crisp air and colorful foliage. For those gearing up for an adventurous Fall Guys trip—think hiking, camping, and maybe some deer hunting—the preparation is half the fun and all the necessity. With a myriad of activities to choose from, how do you ensure your fall excursion is not only exhilarating but also safe and comfortable? Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the most of your outdoor escapades this fall.
Choosing Your Adventure
First things first: deciding what type of fall outdoor activity tickles your fancy. Are you looking to conquer trails with breathtaking autumn views, or are you gearing up for a weekend of tranquil camping beside a glistening lake? Perhaps, the thrill of tracking and observing wildlife is what you’re after.
Each activity demands a different approach and preparation method. Start by defining what your fall guys trip looks like. Is it a quiet escape into the wilderness, a challenging hike, or a dedicated hunting expedition? Once you’ve nailed down the type of trip, you can start tailoring your prep list to match the demands of the activities you’ve chosen.
Plan a Camping Trip
If camping is on your agenda, meticulous planning is essential to enjoy both the spontaneity and serenity of nature without a hitch. When you plan a camping trip, think beyond just a tent and a sleeping bag. Consider the overall length of your trip, the climate of your chosen destination, and the size of your group. Are you venturing into bear country? If so, bear-proof containers for your food and trash are a must.
What’s the weather forecast? Ensure your gear is appropriate for colder nights and unpredictable weather patterns. A well-planned camping experience means securing the right campsite, bringing sufficient food and water supplies, and ensuring you have the necessary permits. Also, be aware of the leave-no-trace principles to keep your environmental impact to a minimum. Planning with precision ensures you’re free to relax and revel in the beauty of the season without unnecessary interruptions.
Gear Up for Deer Hunting
For many outdoor enthusiasts, fall is synonymous with deer hunting season. If this is the core of your guys trip, gearing up appropriately cannot be overstressed. Your deer hunting gear is your ticket to not only success but also safety. Start with the basics: a reliable hunting rifle or bow, suitable ammunition, and a quality scope or binoculars for spotting your target.
Clothing is next on the list; opt for layers that can easily adjust to changing temperatures and are also camouflaged to blend in with the fall environment. Don’t skimp on a good pair of boots—comfort, warmth, and durability are key when you’re on the move. Also, essential gear like a hunting license, deer tags, a first-aid kit, and even a GPS or compass should be non-negotiable items in your pack. Remember, the right gear not only enhances your chances of a fruitful hunt but ensures you can do so safely and responsibly within the ecological balance.
Map Your Route
Mapping your route is crucial whether you’re hiking, camping, or hunting. This involves more than just selecting a trail or a campsite; it means understanding the terrain, noting water sources, identifying potential shelter spots, and being aware of exit points in case of emergencies. Topographic maps, GPS devices, and even mobile apps can be incredibly useful tools for this.
Spend time familiarizing yourself with the area through these resources, and always carry a physical map and compass—you never know when technology might let you down. It’s also a good idea to inform someone about where you plan to go and expected return time is a safety must. Properly mapping your route not only helps in avoiding getting lost but also maximizes your interaction with nature, letting you find those hidden spots that make a trip memorable.
Prepare Physically and Mentally
The physical demands of outdoor activities, especially in the unpredictable weather of fall, should not be underestimated. Start conditioning your body weeks in advance, particularly if your trip involves strenuous activities like long hikes or hunting. Cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and hikes with a loaded backpack can prepare your body for the exertion to come.
Equally important is mental preparation. Familiarize yourself with survival skills, such as how to start a fire, basic first aid, and how to stay calm in unexpected situations. A physically and mentally prepared adventurer is more likely to enjoy the trip and handle potential challenges effectively.
Pack Smart
The final step in preparing for your outdoor trip this fall is packing. Since fall weather can be highly variable, layering is key. Include a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Besides clothing, pack essential gear tailored to your activities—this could include a sleeping bag rated for colder temperatures, waterproof bags to keep gear dry, cooking equipment, food supplies, and safety items like a whistle, flashlight, and multi-tool. Be mindful of the weight and volume of your pack; every item should justify its place in your backpack by being essential or serving multiple purposes.
Outdoor Blog
BougeRV Showcases Sustainable Innovations at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024
BougeRV is thrilled to participate in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024, scheduled from June 17-19 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. As North America’s premier outdoor industry trade show, the event is a convergence of top brands, retailers, and industry professionals showcasing the latest in outdoor gear and innovations. BougeRV’s participation is a perfect example of their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly outdoor living solutions.
At the head of BougeRV’s exhibit is the Rocky Portable Fridge, a robust and versatile cooling solution designed to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts. This innovative fridge features dual-zone capability, allowing it to function simultaneously as a refrigerator and a freezer. Built with heavy-duty materials, the Rocky Portable Fridge is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, including shockproof capabilities up to 40°. The fridge’s efficient energy consumption, coupled with a battery protection system, makes it perfect for off-grid adventures, aligning perfectly with the sustainable ethos of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.
The Rocky Portable Fridge also shows off an impressive temperature range from -4°F to 68°F, allowing for precise temperature control. Its smart storage solutions, including a removable divider and basket, ensure that items remain organized and easily accessible. The fridge can be powered by a 12V/24V DC car port, a 100-240V AC wall outlet, or an optional portable power station, providing unparalleled versatility. This adaptability is crucial for modern adventurers who require reliable and efficient cooling solutions on the go.
In addition to the Rocky Portable Fridge, BougeRV is showing several other cutting-edge products designed to enhance outdoor experiences. The CRPRO 30, a compact and high-performance fridge, is perfect for campers and RV enthusiasts. Its advanced cooling technology and robust build make it a reliable companion for any journey. Similarly, the 4000BTU Portable Air Conditioner is tailored for overlanding and camping, offering powerful cooling with user-friendly features such as dual adjustable air outlets and an IPX4 water-resistant design. These products are expected to attract overlanding enthusiasts eager to explore the latest innovations in outdoor living.
BougeRV’s participation in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is really and truly about connecting with other industry leaders, exploring emerging trends, and demonstrating their commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. By attending this prestigious and engaging event, BougeRV aims to highlight their dedication to providing high-quality products that cater to the needs of modern outdoor enthusiasts.
For more details about BougeRV and their innovative products, visit the BougeRV website. BougeRV’s involvement in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024 highlights their dedication to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, positioning them as a leading brand in the outdoor industry ready to make a significant impact at this breakout event.
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