Don’t neglect your neck. You wouldn’t head outdoors when it's cold without a hat, but your neck, mouth, and chin need protection too. A neck gaiter will keep that vulnerable area warm, protected from the sun and stop both the wind and bugs from getting to your exposed skin. Pulled up over your mouth, it will also help prevent the spread of germs and stop your chin freezing and your lips getting chapped.
A good neck gaiter is essential for many outdoor activities. Skiing and alpine sports are the most obvious examples but we would also including hiking, fishing, and hunting. Or if you are riding anything from a horse to a mountain bike where you are particularly exposed to the elements. When the weather’s colder, you want to wear one that’s made of warm fabric - either synthetic or wool - that will keep the weather out but is also breathable to cut down on sweat. Here are the best of these versatile items of outdoor clothing that we always pull over our heads before heading out.
Original Turtle Fur Fleece - The Turtle's Neck, Heavyweight Neck Warmer
The original neck gaiter
Turtle Fur has been making their neck gaiter - The Turtle’s Neck - since 1982. It remains as useful and comfortable as ever, made from soft, warm double-layer spun acrylic fleece that will keep out cold winds while trapping some of the heat you lose from around your neck. It’s made from a seamless piece of fabric which makes it more durable and easy to wear.
Heat Holders - Women's Thermal Winter Neck Warmer Gaiter
Silky and stylish scarf alternative
More versatile than a scarf, this attractive cable-knit gaiter is rated at 3.5 togs so could be warmer than one too. Made from 52% polyester and 48% acrylic, it’s soft and warm with a silky Heatweaver thermal lining to keep you cozy. The design is specially sculpted to contour around the neck, chest and chin to keep you warm in any weather.
MERIWOOL Neck Warmer Gaiter for Women and Men
Warm and breathable merino wool
Merino wool makes a lot of sense for a neck gaiter. It’s warm enough for icy winter winds but also highly breathable and odor resistant so perfect for energetic outdoor activities and alpine sports. There’s no itch factor either with the soft, supple 18.5-micron merino wool used. It makes for a versatile warmer that can protect your neck, mouth and nose and look stylish at the same time.
Bottom line
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We think a good neck gaiter is an essential item of outdoor clothing, especially when it’s cold. More practical and safer than a scarf for many activities, they can keep you warm, stop the wind and reduce the spread of germs if you cover your mouth. Our recommended pick is the Original Turtle Fur Fleece - The Turtle's Neck, Heavyweight Neck Warmer. It's soft, comfortable, warm, and my favorite part is it's seamless.
If you want to wear a natural fabric next to your skin, we would go for the MERIWOOL Neck Warmer Gaiter. Merino wool has the right qualities for this item of clothing to be warm and breathable. It also looks as good as a scarf while being much more versatile.
