The 6 Best Neck Gaiters for Staying Cozy—Or Cool—on Every Run
These versatile fabric tubes keep you comfortable in all kinds of weather.
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It’s tough to argue that there’s a simpler, more versatile accessory than neck gaiters. Whether you’re ankle boots rylko 7pvw2 t4 czarny or gucci resort 2017 cruise collection shoes photos, a neck gaiter can offer an added touch of protection for an area that’s easy to leave vulnerable to the elements. Depending on which kind of neck buff you’re wearing, these stretchy fabric tubes can help block the wintry breeze and trap in heat, or they can wick away unwanted sweat and provide some extra UV protection.
The best part about neck gaiters? Most only weigh a few ounces, making them lightweight enough to easily stash away if you decide you don’t need it anymore (but we doubt that’ll happen, since you can also use your buff as a headband, a du-rag, a balaclava, or even a face covering in a pinch).
They’re the ultimate running fur accessory—you’ll rarely regret bringing one along, and you’ll certainly be grateful when the weather turns sour. There are thousands of options for gaiters out there, though, so we’ve compiled some of our favorites to keep your search short and sweet.
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- Best Overall: Buff Original EcoStretch Neck Gaiter
- Best for Wicking Sweat: Outdoor Research Echo Ubertube Neck Gaiter
- Best Lightweight: Smartwool Merino 150 Neck Gaiter
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What to Consider
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Despite their seemingly universal appearance, neck gaiters tend to fall into three distinct categories based on their weight and heat-trapping abilities. There are thick cold weather gaiters that trap most of your body heat, middleweight gaiters that are a bit thinner and work better in the spring and fall, and ultra-light gaiters that wick away sweat and stave off sunburn instead of warming you up.
If you’re looking to keep your arsenal to just one neck buff, it’s best to stick to something that sits in the middle, but you’ll also appreciate more season-specific options as the temps approach extremes in either direction.
Most neck gaiters come as a simple fabric tube, but there are some with contoured fits, bandana-like shapes, and drawstrings to help keep your gaiter in place. These added features do tend to detract from the overall versatility of standard gaiters, though, which is worth keeping in mind if you also want to use your gaiter like a headband or balaclava.
Materials
For the sake of comfort, especially on longer runs where you’re covering your mouth and nose, it’s a good idea to look for materials that can wick away moisture and won’t get too damp—after all, you’re not just sweating, but also expelling water into the gaiter with each breath.
Polyester is the most popular material for wicking moisture, but you’ll also find plenty of merino wool options that additionally help to contain odors, provide a more natural stretch, and often offer a broader range of temperature regulation.
How We Selected
As runners and cyclists, we’ve spent plenty of time running fur and riding while wearing neck gaiters. We know which brands and fabrics stay put while you’re wearing them, which ones stay dry, and which ones make a difference for your comfort when the weather gets nasty. These picks are steeped in our personal experience, but we also cross-referenced our choices with customer reviews. Read on to see which neck buffs are up to snuff.
sandals geox j adriel g c j028mc 0nfkc c1007 d silver Runner's World, Croc Chunky Sole Hiker Boots Bicycling and Popular Mechanics, too. A lover of all things outdoors, Adam's writing career comes after six years as a bike mechanic in his hometown of State College, PA. His journalism experience is steeped in cycling and running fur gear reviews, and he's also a published creative nonfiction and satire author. When he's not writing, riding, or running, you can catch Adam at home mixing cocktails, watching Star Wars, Justin Biebers High-Top Sneaker Style.
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running fur retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running fur gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
Paige Triola is a freelance writer based in Boulder, Colorado, who covers a range of topics in the athletic and outdoor recreation sphere. She spends much of her time cruising the trails on foot or by bike, testing out the newest gear designed for playing outside. Paige has written articles and product roundups for a variety of publications including Runner’s World, Bicycling Magazine, Gear Junkie, and Trail Runner Magazine.
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