The value of a neck gaiter

I agree! I wear these all winter, even in my house.

Don't they wreck your hair do putting it on and taking it off? How is that better than a scarf? Of course that likely isn't a factor for men, but for ladies ?

Wow! Even though I live in Colorado, I haven't used a neck gaiter since I skied in PA in the 70s. I really don't think it's cold enough in Europe (I was in German Dec 2002 and Jan 2003) to need one.

Number 59 in the top 100 ways to overpack.

Thanks Judy! I, too, use them all the time.

I have winter ones but also summer ones with UV block that I wear daily on my trips to Yellowstone as well as hiking/walking around here. It provides coverage where my sunshirt does not. They are on my packing list for my return trip to Orkney/Shetland in July.

I just weighed 2 of my UV blocker gaiters and they weigh 1 3/8 oz. I do weigh everything that goes in my suitcase and this is a go for me.

As to hair…I keep mine pretty short so pulling the gaiter on and off requires only a quick fluff.

If you haven't used a neck gaiter since the 70's then you're not thinking of the same thing Judy is talking about. Mine doesn't even take up the same amount of space as a single glove, and can be used as not only something to warm the neck, but as a hairband, and other things, too. I keep one in my tiny hiking bag. I guess how much it messes up your hair would depend on your hairstyle. I wear a fairly simple looking "bob" and I just have to run a comb through my hair after pulling the Buff on or off.

Yes, I was not talking about neck gaiters from the 70's - I remember them - bulky. These modern ones easily stretch over your hair - I have curly longish hair - I do like to take my glasses off to put one on.

That is a good question about them versus scarves. For travel, the pro of the gaiters is that you don't have to worry about wrinkles and they don't take up much room - I always want to fold scarves nicely. Also, I confess that I am not very talented with tying scarves. Plus these gaiters, depending on the design you get, work easily well both dressing up and just using for a hike. The con would be if you are used to using a scarf as a partial shawl, then you want a scarf, not a gaiter.

I would suggest just checking them out. You can usually find some on Postmark and there is an excellent selection to look at REI usually.

Hey, an ounce here, an ounce there, pretty soon you're talking about real weight (paraphrased from Everett Dirksen).

If you take care of the ounces, the pounds will take care of themselves (don't know who said that. Oh, I just did.).

I bought a Buff for a trip to the Dolomites and took it for a spin on a recent trip to Chicago.

I was impressed. It kept me warmer around my neck (and I like the look) and when the wind howled off Lake Michigan I put it up over my head.

It did smash my hair but no more than a hat would. The only thing that does so less are ear muffs and they are considerably bulkier. I also know from experience that I am prone to losing them.

It is lighter and less bulky than any hat I have seen. I am pleased with my purchase.

A buff is the cats meow. Stupid not to have one as they are cheap. light, very packable. They take up that open space between your jacket collar and your neck. They are a warmth multiplier.

Pam is quite aware of how ounces add up. She is quite disciplined at keeping the weight of her bags down.

A traveler does have to bring some items with him/herself, and she has obviously decided that is a worthwhile way to “spend” a tiny amount of her carrying weight.

Thanks Judy, good reminder. I find a neck gaiter warmer than a scarf, especially when cycling. Love the fleecy one from REI, but looks like it's out of stock. I'm also taking a Smartwool ear-band, wow it's great for keeping the wind off my ears (and fits under a bike helmet.) Neither takes up much room or weight.

And yep, Pam you are one of the very successful light packers I follow!

I don’t like anything touching the front of my neck which is why I tie my scarves in a braid that lies below my neck, or I drape the scarf to not touch it. But, I have seen some ladies wear the lightweight gaiters to bring a little color pattern to a plain-colored shirt on tours. I didn’t realize they were also being careful of UV, also.

Someone might want to slip one on their neck, too, if the breeze in the cabin on the flight over is bothering their sleep!

I'm glad I saw this. I was hiking with friends about a month ago and the air seemed to catch in the space between my jacket and my neck. A friend was wearing a gaiter and I envied her and was determined to get one, but life got in the way and I forgot about it. Guess this is the reminder I needed.

I will add that a neck gaiter can be nice in very warm weather as well. When we visited Egypt, I wore one around my neck and whenever I had the opportunity, I would get it wet and that helped to keep me a bit cooler (at least for awhile). Does anyone have a link for some pretty ones?

I'm with Jean as I don't like things touching my neck. I can't even wear a mock turtleneck.

Having said that, I do think the buffs/gaiters are an excellent idea and as everyone up there (except Lee) has pointed out, they are a far cry from the long-ago gaiters/dickies people used to wear. My daughter has a number of them and they are incredibly lightweight. And if they can save you from bringing a sweater or light jacket, then it's actually a good way to lighten your luggage.

Thanks, Judy!

@Tammy - I like Buff.com for pretty ones. Here's a link to their National Parks collection. I've gotten 2 in Yellowstone that are different than the one they show here. Both are 50 UV rated as well.

https://www.buff.com/us/collections/national-parks.html

I also like the Eco-stretch collection, especially the Sea Turquoise color.

https://www.buff.com/us/neckwear/multifunctional-tubulars-and-snoods/ecostretch-multifunctional.html?page=2

Right now some stores/websites may be between seasons, transitioning out of the polar fleece line of gaiters to the Summer UV protection ones.

Does anyone have a link for some pretty ones?

Try Rip Skirt Hawaii sun scarves. They look a little less constricting.

I carry a Buff on every trip. They add some warmth and the light weight ones are great for keeping sun off your neck and you can wet them to cool off.

I should also add that if you sew (or know someone who does), they are quite easy to make from a rectangle of knit fabric. I've made my daughter and grandkids several of them and they are really fun to make if you have some cool fabric. :-)

They add some warmth and the light weight ones are great for keeping sun off your neck and you can wet them to cool off.

This is what I do with a scarf. Without having to get it over my head / hair !

I picked up a thin fleece one in Edinburgh, only because my husband wanted to buy a hat, and the store was offering a buy one, get one half off deal on their winter accessories. A few days later we were on the 3-island tour out of Oban, and I was SO thankful I had bought it! With temps in the upper 40s and a strong wind out on the open sea, it really came in handy. I don't know that I'll necessarily pack it on the next trip, but I have used it here in Colorado when we've had a week of sub-zero temperatures, so I think I got my money's worth out of it. I do usually pack a thin pair of fleece gloves and a fleece headband from 32 Degrees, just in case. They weigh next to nothing and don't take up much space.

Huh, a sun scarf, what a great idea! I don't really enjoy tying scarves (despite watching numerous videos) so this looks like a great alternative, thanks. Here's my fav so far - https://ripskirthawaii.com/products/maui-moonlight-sun-scarf