Was just reading a lot of the comments on type of coat for travel this time of year. Reminded me that I have found that a simple neck gaiter like those Buff makes are a great way to up your comfort level on those cool spring days. Some come in pretty attractive colors and can double as a small neck scarf to a top up and work with a mid-level fleece or lightweight jacket to make them even more effective. Plus they take up practically not space in a suitcase or can even be stuffed in a pocket or bag to tote along in case the winds pick up somewhere.
Posted by
Central US
159 posts
I agree! I wear these all winter, even in my house.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
5913 posts
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 ?
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19354 posts
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.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
15194 posts
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.
Posted by
Southern California
461 posts
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.
Posted by
OP
Spokane
64 posts
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.