The best buffs and neck gaiters for cycling and running

No matter whether you call them neck warmers, neck gaiters, or neck tubes, these tubular scarves for sports are incredibly versatile and handy pieces of gear to have in your arsenal, especially if you want to get out training this winter.

They help keep the sun, wind and cold at bay and can often be worn in a variety of different ways. When training in cold environments, the body has to work extra hard to warm up the cold air entering youther lungs. This can irritate the throat, especially for those with respiratory conditions like asthma.

The cold, dry air removes moisture from the throat lining, resulting in soreness which can manifest later on in that familiar ‘runner’s cough’. By covering your neck and mouth with a buff, you’re warming up the air before taking a breath. So if you want to get on your triathlon bike or lace up your run shoes this winter, you’d best prepare yourself with one of these running neck tubes.

Best neck tubes for sports and fitness

1. Buff Original EcoStretch

• £16.95

Buff is the original neckwear brand, so much so that it’s still the term that most people use to describe neck tubes or neck gaiters over 25 years since its birth. To this day, the brand continues to set the standard.

On test here is the Original EcoStretch. It’s made from 5% elastane and 95% polyester, which is obtained from plastic recycled bottles (it takes two bottles to make one Buff), giving the garment great sustainability credentials.

Comfort and performance are equally as impressive. The Original EcoStretch offers sun protection (UPF 50), wicks moisture away well, and I found that it retained its elasticity after multiple uses.

I also found it plenty warm enough for my bike and run sessions. It’s breathable, and there are a huge number of designs available to purchase.

2. Dhb Merino Neck Tube

• £20

You can always trust dhb to throw an option in the ring no matter what the type of product is. On test here is the brand’s Merino Neck Tube. As the name suggests, it’s made of 200gsm Merino wool, which delivers the most warmth out of everything on test.

That’s great if you’re looking for a neck tube that delivers when the mercury really drops or on those frosty morning rides, but I found it a bit warm on milder autumn runs. Being constructed of Merino wool, the product is naturally antibacterial and stays warm even when wet.

At times, I also found the Merino slightly itchy, as you sometimes do with such a material, meaning the option from Buff wins out in the comfort stakes. Breathability and wind protection is impressive, while elasticity also showed no signs of faltering.

3. Artilect Darkhorse Neck Tube

• £30

Artilect’s Darkhorse Neck Tube is made from a combination of nylon (10%) and Nuyarn Merino wool (90%). The latter is a fabric I’ve not had experience with before, but it’s claimed to dry five times faster than conventional wool, have 35% more elasticity, have 50% more tensile strength, and 35% more thermal retention.

Without running controlled scientific tests, I can’t verify all of these claims, but we can comment on how the fabric feels for the end user compared to other products on the market.

On that note, the Darkhorse Neck Tube is certainly comfortable to wear, with none of the itchiness you sometimes get with Merino. The presence of flatlock seams is also welcomed.

In terms of warmth and breathability, the Darkhorse Neck Tube performed exactly as I’d hoped. It ventilates well, too, thanks to special mesh panels that make it easier to breathe through. Like most Merino, it’s naturally odour-resistant, stays warm when wet and dries incredibly quickly.

Also consider…

4. Buff Merino Wool Functional Headwear

• £22

As we mentioned in our review of the Original EcoStretch, Buff likes to give consumers options. In addition to having dozens of colours or patterns available, the brand also has a huge range of nuanced products.

This Merino wool option is like many of the brand’s other neck tubes, except for the fact that it’s made of Merino wool. Knowing the material’s properties, this should mean greater warmth to weight, natural odour-resistance and the ability to stay warm when wet. Though, on the flip side, I’ve also found this to mean slower drying times.

Given the warmer material, we’d suggest Buff’s Merino options are better suited to activities in colder weather.

5. Mountain Warehouse Merino Neck Gaiter

• £29.99

Made from Merino wool, this neck gaiter from Mountain Warehouse is another option for those looking for the extra warmth on offer over synthetic materials. As we’ve mentioned several times in this article, Merino is naturally odour-resistant, stays warm when wet and offers great warmth for the weight.

This Merino Neck Gaiter is made from 80% Merino and 20% polyester, which may make for greater durability when compared to pure Merino options.

It has an RRP of £29.99, which would make it one of the most expensive options in this list, but it’s often in the sale and can occasionally be found cheaper.

6. GripGrab Reflective Hi-Vis Neck Warmer

• £27

If you’re looking for a neck tube that delivers both warmth and high visibility, then you may want to consider GripGrab’s high-vis option.

Made from 100% polyester, it doesn’t have the natural anti-odour or thermal properties of others on test. But it’s designed to provide an extra layer around the neck to help eliminate cold air sneaking in, and is made with UV protection.

There are also reflective strips along the tube for extra visibility.

7. Buff Coolnet UV Reflective Tubular

• £21.99/$12.99

Another option from Buff, this time a fluro version, this necktube is designed for hiking, running, and cycling. It’s made from a blend of 95% polyester and 5% elastane, plus has 50 UPF sun protection.

Made to provide both warmth and breathability, the Coolnet is designed to make you extra visible out on the roads.

Features to look out for in neck tubes

Design

Importantly, a neck tube has to be comfortable and soft against the skin. If it has seams, they need to be flat-locked, but the fewer the better. Elasticity is key, too, as you want something with enough purchase to stay in the position that you’ve moved it into.

Other design features to look out for include good shape retention, a seamless or tubular construction, and enough length to be worn in multiple configurations without feeling tight or restrictive.

Fabric

Materials also matter. You can get neck tubes in bamboo, Merino wool or synthetic fibres. Bamboo offers a luxurious amount of comfort, Merino wool is naturally odour-resistant and delivers exceptional warmth, and synthetic fibres can sometimes wick moisture better and last longer.

Blended fabrics like those on test can strike a balance between softness, durability, and performance, while easy-care and machine-washable materials are a bonus for regular use.

Breathability

With all that said, it’s important to find a garment that’s breathable, especially if you’ll be pulling it up over your face.
Lightweight fabrics, moisture-wicking properties, and quick-drying performance all help regulate temperature and prevent overheating during active use.

Warmth and insulation

Some neck tubes are designed for year-round use, while others prioritise warmth. Thicker fabrics, brushed linings, or Merino-rich blends offer better insulation for colder conditions without adding bulk.

Versatility

A good buff should work as more than just a neck warmer. Look for designs that can easily convert into a face covering, headband, balaclava, or beanie, making it a flexible piece of kit for changing conditions.

Durability

Finally, durability matters. High-quality stitching, abrasion-resistant fabrics, and colourfast materials will help ensure your neck gaiter holds up to frequent wear and washing.

For more winter kit options, check out our article on the best cycling kit for winter riding.