Article by Dominique and Sam Winebaum
Buff Thermonet® Neckwear ($27), Merino Lightweight Balaclava ($36), Merino Lightweight Beanie ($30) and Lightweight Merino Print Buff ($30)
I have been wearing Buff products for hiking, walking, and running over the years, however, when it comes to downhill skiing, I typically would wear a colorful neckwear from Skida for protection against the elements. This February, after receiving several items from Buff to review, I made the transition of wearing two Buff products instead of my neckwear from Skida when downhill skiing.
All Buff products are made in Barcelona, Spain. Buff is a Certified B Corp.I tested the Balaclava and Thermonet Neckwear and Sam tested the Beanie.
Buff Merino Lightweight Balaclava ($36)
The Merino Lightweight Balaclava has been a great addition as in the past I would not wear anything under my ski helmet. The Balaclava is lightweight and fits comfortably under my helmet. It encircles my face and depending on the weather conditions, I pull up the face mask over my nose or tuck it down under my chin. A key layer under my helmet to prevent “brain freeze” and over my face to protect me against windburn in blustery winter conditions.
Made with 100% ethically-sourced merino and with the lightest Merino wool - 125 grams per meter square - the Balaclava feels extremely soft against the skin and protective.
The face mask features a Vapor Grid™ over the mouth to increase breathability and prevent goggle and glasses fog.
In short, it is now part of my new routine when layering for the cold weather heading to the slopes.
Buff Thermonet® Neckwear ($27)
In comparison to my Skida neckwear, the Buff Thermonet neckwear is less bulky, is twice as long, has incredible 4 way stretch, and is more breathable. It is made with Thermonet®, which is a “lightweight insulating fabric made with recycled material and PrimaLoft yarns.” In terms of warmth Buff says: Thermonet® “is four times warmer than standard microfiber.”
I tuck my Buff Thermonex Neckwear under my ski jacket and over the bottom part of my Balaclava and the layering provides great protection and is very comfortable.
At $27, the Buff Thermonet neckwear is a great accessory that will last you several seasons without having to buy a new print each year.
Buff Merino Lightweight Beanie ($30)
Sam: Made of 125 g/m² Merino, Buff’s lightest, the Lightweight Beanie is thin, super soft and seamless. The merino wool is ethically-sourced and naturally odor and temperature-regulating.
I have worn it for multiple runs, hikes and nordic skis from the lower teens Farenheit up to freezing. Given its thin thin construction I never overheated during hard efforts yet stayed warm.
It is clearly a hat for high output endurance activities in winter and less so for standing around watching an outdoor hockey game or ski race in the cold. It is also makes for a great “base layer” hat under a hooded puffy
Given it is so light, it is also great hat to always have in your pack or pocket even outside of full winter for unexpected changes in the weather on the trails or anywhere.
It pairs perfectly with the 125g meter square Lightweight Merino Prints ($30) classic Buff, available in many prints.
Wear the classic Buff around your neck, over your face or over the top of the Beanie and your face for extra warmth.
Everything Buff
Buff Amazon Store
Dominique has run for over 45 years, consistently about 25 miles per week at paces between 11 and 12 minute miles and once a week down in the mid 9 minute miles. She races rarely, but always surprises more hard core runners in her age group when she does. She has a 1985 marathon PR of 3:16 in her second marathon which at the time put her on the top 10 Swiss women’s lists. An avid hiker and trekker, she has been around Mont Blanc 3 times, hiked Chamonix to Zermatt, and completed the 48 New Hampshire 4000 footers. She is the mother of two grown children, both runners post college, and also enjoys nordic and alpine skiing, tennis, and gardening.
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is in his 60’s with 2024 Sam’s 52th year of running roads and trails. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:40 range if he gets very, very lucky. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, hiking or on nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s.
Europe only: use RTR code RTR5ALL for 5% off all products, even sale products
No comments:
Post a Comment