Buff DryFlx Neckwarmer
Disclaimer: I received a Buff DryFlx Neckwarmer to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
Last spring I signed up for my first marathon in part to help keep myself motivated to train through the bitter winter months. It's hard to run in the cold, there's no way around it, but there are certainly ways to help make it a little easier. Having the right motivation is one way to survive the winter, but even more important is making sure you have the right gear.
No matter how motivated you may be, if you don't have the proper clothes to keep you warm, running through the winter will be a miserable endeavor. That's where the new Buff DryFlx Neckwarmer comes in. I'm a HUGE fan of Buff's products as you might have seen from a few of my previous posts like this one, this one, or this one.
The new Neckwarmer is a huge improvement for my winter running though. Part of what I love about Buff is the versatility in their products which can often be worn for various purposes in hot or cold weather. As the temperature continues to dip, however, it's been really nice to have a product dedicated solely to keeping my face and neck warm.
The Fit
As with all of Buff's products, the Neckwarmer has a nice stretch to it so it fits comfortably over your neck and/or face. What I really like about the neckwarmer is the addition of a bit of extra elastic around the end that secures around your face. This makes sure that when you're using the neckwarmer to cover your face it fits securely without feeling tight or constricting. The front of the neckwarmer is also just slightly longer at the bottom to make sure you get full coverage of your neck and chest.
Comfort/Fabric
Building right off of the fit, the elasticity of the fabric makes it incredibly comfortable to wear. The new DryFlx fabric is not only warm but it's also moisture-wicking and quick-drying which is incredibly helpful in the winter when any moisture build-up may freeze against your face. The fabric is also just so soft. I don't know how they keep making their products softer but something about the added thickness of the fabric gives an almost cozy feeling.
Breathability
It's also important to point out that although the DryFlx fabric is a bit heavier than the traditional Buff fabric, that doesn't impede the breathability of the material at all. You do get some condensation build-up breathing into the neckwarmer but that moisture tends to dissipate pretty rapidly. With my older Buffs, the material would usually start to get pretty damp by the end of a long run and occasionally even freeze. I haven't had that issue at all with the new Neckwarmers.
Reflectivity
Another great addition to the DryFlx Neckwarmer is the reflective material woven into the fabric. There isn't much daylight these days so I'm often up and running long before the sunrise. Unfortunately, there are still plenty of crazy drivers out at that time so I'm always appreciative of any added visibility I can get on my runs. I got a matching hat with my neckwarmer and both products have the added reflective material which just helps me to feel a bit more comfortable running in the dark.
Final Thoughts
Buff has always made exceptional gear and is probably most known for its multifunctional headwear. Their products have so many uses but I'm also really digging this new neckwarmer that is solely dedicated to one thing.
Getting out the door in the early hours of a frigid winter morning can feel almost impossible but having something to shield the cold from your face makes a massive difference. I'm sure this thing will see plenty of use throughout all of marathon training this winter and am so glad to have added it to my winter wardrobe!
Cheers!