What's It For?
The classic polyester microfibre Buff has been around for years now, it's a simple polyester fibre tube that can be adapted into various headgear guises from a simple balaclava through neck warmer to face mask, right up to a proper comedy hat.
The Wool Buff is essentially the same thing, but made from 100 per-cent merino wool. Simple.
The Techy Bits
Chances are that you know a little about merino wool already, but to recap, it's a non-itchy fabric because the fibres are much finer than with normal wool. It has natural anti-pong properties so can be used repeatedly without washing. It can absorb a fair bit of moisture and still remain comfortable. It also feels warm in cold conditions but manages to feel cool and comfortable when things get warmer.
How It Performed
We generally have at least one Buff with us on the hill, it's just a really handy bit of kit - wear it under a bike helmet, as a scarf to stop water running down your neck, as a face mask in full-on driven rain. As a lightweight, not too sweaty, running hat.
The merino wool version does all that too and, because it's slightly longer than the standard Buff works better in some applications, as a balaclava for example. The main differences between wool and standard Buffs, not surprisingly, are down the the fabric.
The wool Buff is slightly less wind resistant than the standard one, has a slightly higher thermal value - we think - and is very slightly less stretchy. Where we did find it scored was in odour resistance. Standard Buffs now come treated with a silver-based treatment called Polygiene to fight bacteria and reduce smell, but the merino wool seems even more effective.
It also has a nice, soft, more natural feel against the skin - luxurious even - even when dampness sets in. One thing we did notice is that while original Buffs stay quite smooth, the wool one does get a bit wrinkled when packed away.
Initial Verdict
Just as versatile as a Buff albeit marginally less wind resistant, but with a soft, feel-good feel and very effective natural odour control and slightly higher insulation, we think. Plain colours only, so if you're an extrovert stick with the standard Buff.
Buy if you want a reasonably-priced, nice-feeling, lightweight, compact, fast-moving, multi-sport waterproof with good breathability.
