Gear of the Week | How to Buff

When I had my first Buff, it was primarily intended for skiing: pull it over your head and wear it around your neck like a tube scarf. But it wasn't long before I got to know a wide variety of uses, including my new standard, which I call the "double buff".

The headband - the classic

Old but gold: simply gather it up and pull it over your ears. Keeps the wind out, your ears warm and the sweat out of your eyes.

The "Deep Sleep" mask

A variation of the headband that I love, especially on ferry trips or in the winter room. I simply pull the Buff down from my forehead over my eyes. Zack, the ultra-light sleeping mask is ready, which also holds the Oropax in place so that they don't get lost at night. This ensures a good night's sleep, no matter how much your camp mates snore or twinkle their headlamps.

The "double buff" - DIY balaclava

My absolute favorite when skiing, if you wear a helmet without the entire inner lining:

1. Pull the first Buff over your head as normal so that it fits loosely around your neck.

2. Fold the lower third of the second Buff inwards. Put this double-layered side on as a headband (ears covered, open at the top).

3. Now pull the scarf up from the back, place it over the headband and pull it over the chin (or nose) at the front. As the fabrics adhere perfectly to each other, nothing slips. This creates a modular balaclava that protects the ears from the cold in three layers, but still lets enough sound through.

The "commuter wrap"

A classic for the commute to university or work. When it's fresh in the morning, simply put the buff on with your normal hat. As with the double buff, you pull it up over the back of your head from behind. This protects your neck completely, keeps your ears twice as warm and ensures that your beanie doesn't slip.

The "park advice"

For the right style in the park: Lay the Buff flat over your head from front to back (front edge at the forehead). Then simply fold the top layer over to the back. Adjust it briefly and the headgear is ready, with the end hanging out of the back of the helmet.

The mummy (sun protection boss)

When the sun is beating down relentlessly on the glacier and sun cream alone is not enough to keep sunburn at bay, the "mummy" comes into play. All you need for this is a buff that you put around your neck. Pull the front part just under your eyes and the back part over the entire back of your head and forehead. Looks like a ninja and saves your skin.

Multitool

A buff can of course also be used as an improvised hair tie or sweatband.

Conclusion

A Buff is much more than just a tube scarf, it is the most flexible piece of equipment in your backpack. Whether you need warmth, sun protection or comfort: with the right folding technique, you are equipped for anything.

Do you have any other creative uses? How do you prefer to use your buffs? Let us know in the comments!