Buff Original EcoStretch Neckwear review: the most versatile piece of outdoor gear, made from recycled plastic bottles

Buff Original EcoStretch Neckwear review: first impressions 

Buff founder Joan Rojas created the iconic tubular neckwear to keep himself warm on chilly motorcycle runs. It became a smash hit and now the Barcelona-based brand has built a reputation as a leader for neck and head gear, so we figured it was high time we test out one of its legendary neck gaiters.

The Buff EcoStretch Original Neckwear is deceptively simple. It looks just like a tube of fabric, but take it outdoors and you'll never run out of ways to use it. We took this it to the ski slopes of Chamonix this winter where it provided an excellent barrier against the cold in the gap between ski jacket and goggles, and also some much-needed sun protection.

Buttery soft, this neck feels great against the skin and even though it looks like it's a single layer of fabric, it's constructed with an inner band designed to wick moisture. That makes it much more technical than you might think and it's great for handling both sweat and moisture from your breath without feeling soggy at the end of the day.

For brighter days, it offers UPF 50 sun protection that meets the criteria set by the Skin Cancer Foundation so it's worth carrying on any hike or trail run in case you need an extra shield. Unrolled, it's nearly two feet long so you can wear it in any number of ways, from round your neck to a head wrap or a ski mask, but it's light enough that it's not annoying when you want to tuck it away.

Best of all, in our opinion anyway, this Buff is made using 95 percent recycled plastic bottles, so it's better for the planet as well as your adventures.

Buff Original EcoStretch Neckwear review: in the field 

I live in a household full of permanent neck gaiter-wearers so there's always one kicking around if I need it, but I never really had my own until a couple of years ago when I got a Helly Hansen Unisex merino neck gaiter for a ski trip to Verbier.

Being made from merino, it's really warm and excellent for skiing and winter hiking, but it's too warm for summer adventures, so I was curious about trying a synthetic one and I know Buff has the best reputation in the business for these tubes of endless protection.

I got the Original EcoStretch just in time for a ski trip to Chamonix where I wore it in whiteout conditions, bluebird days and even during some trail running.

Here's how it performed:

Size, fit and comfort

This is a one-size-fits-all piece of gear and while I haven't exactly walked around pulling it over people's heads, I'm pretty sure it's stretchy enough to work for anyone and it stays up if I want it to cover my face without slipping down or feeling tight.

It's quite big so it offers fantastic coverage, which is great for keeping a chill out, but it's also reinforced with UPF 50 sun protection. It rolls up small enough to carry in the palm of your hand, so it's really a great shield against most conditions and there's no reason not to bring it as part of your regular kit for any adventure.

Compared to some other neck gaiters I've worn, it's easily the most comfortable, with really soft fabric that just feels lovely against my skin.

Moisture management, breathability and protection

I wasn't sure how much I could write about a neck gaiter; after all, it's just a tube of fabric. But when I got to testing it and thinking about it, I realized how easily the wrong gaiter can ruin your day, especially for skiing.

I personally like to protect myself from the cold, preferring to leave no skin exposed as the frost has bitten me in the past, so for skiing, I pull this all the way up to my goggles. As I've learned in the past, if it's not breathable that's a problem as condensation starts building up and I end up skiing with a damp, or frozen, rag over my face. Not fun.

The fabric used for this gaiter seems really breathable and never gets soggy, plus I've worn it over my head for a couple of trail runs and I love how it keeps the chill off while still letting sweat escape so I don't overheat the way I often do with a hat or wool headband.

Versatility, durability and value

I think all neck gaiters are pretty versatile (in fact, we have a whole article on different uses for a neck gaiter), but it strikes me that to be really multi-functional, they need to be both stretchy enough and long enough. This one is nearly two feet long and has enough elastane that it probably works for all variations, though I basically just stick with round my neck, covering my face or a head wrap.

I haven't been wearing this one very long to test its durability, and I'm aware that neck gaiters can need a lot of washing, so time will tell if it holds up. I imagine the main issue will be the loss of stretch at some point, but it doesn't have an excessive amount so I'm hoping that's years in the future (and fortunately, there are plenty of ways to upcycle neck gaiters into household rags and goggle wipes).

I expected this to be on the pricey end since Buff has such a great name, but when I compared it against other neck gaiters at REI I was pleased to discover it's actually on the affordable end. Of course, it doesn't have thermal properties like a wool one, but I found it gave me enough protection even in a blizzard and it's more versatile.

Buff Original EcoStretch Neckwear: the bottom line 

Depending on your use, neck gaiters don't have to require in-depth comparisons, but if you're looking for something that's technical (meaning, it actually manages moisture), really soft and planet-friendly, you'll love this one. My only complaint is that my boyfriend has stolen it.

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