Camino Packing List – Camino Buff
The quest of picking one item per Camino Packing List Category that I couldn’t do without on my Camino continues. While it was somewhat difficult in the previous category (General Gear), today it’s going to be a lot easier. So much, that the item I picked is already in the title of this post: my Camino Buff.
Let’s start with the name, because ‘Buff’ is used nowadays to indicate any of the available seamless, tubular garments. Yes, a simple tubular garment can be obtained at a very low cost. However, they aren’t all seamless and their fabric and the way they are produced are the reason why they are cheap. Do they work as well as the original Buff? No. We tested it.
Joan Rojas, the mastermind behind this original Buff trademark really nailed it.
The High UV Protected Buff® is a multi-functional, tubular accessory providing over 95% UV protection. The fake ‘buffs’ don’t usually provide UV protection, so this is a huge plus for us: we like to walk our Caminos in late Spring until early fall so we really need that protection and cooling. The Coolmax® Extreme fabric is seamless and stretchy. It’s an essential accessory when you are undertaking outdoor activities in warm and hot weather conditions.
Another huge difference with the fake ones is how it deals with excessive sweating. We tried a fake one, happy back then to be able to buy one for just 8 Euros. I remember always having a wet neck which in the wind always led to neck cramps after a while. Ever since I use the Original Buff with 100% Coolmax Extreme fiber, I never had the same problem again.
It was designed to wick moisture (sweat) away from you skin faster than any other fabric. It makes sure you stay dry and cool. The lightweight and breathing microfiber fabric is very comfortable and has no irritating seams or hems. A big plus again for the original Buff.
Multi-functional head ware
What I like about the Camino Buffs is obviously their design, but more importantly, the multi-functionality. The Original Buff can be worn as neckerchief, headband, wristband, mask, hairband, balaclava, scarf, scrunchie, saharaine, pirate cap, beanie or bandana! You should really take a look at the video to see how it’s done, it’s amazing!
Of course you can do all this also with a fake one, but you’ll have to take my word for it: it feels and fits differently.
The Buff is machine washable and will keep its colors and elastic properties. That’s what they say. Since it has been treated with Polygiëne® (the silver ions prevent bacteria building up in the fabric, which keeps the Buff odor-free) I only washed it about 3 or 4 times since I bought it in March 2016. So far so good: no changes at all. I remember needing to wash the fake one after every outdoor activity because of the smell.
On the Camino
I would not do my Camino without my Camino Buff. In the mornings, it keeps my neck warm. When my shadow gets shorter and temperatures start to rise, I use it as a bandana to keep my head protected and cool. When I’m walking in summer and the temperature is really killing me, I simply soak my Buff in cold spring water and use it to cover my head and my neck like shown on the video.
That’s why we have them in our collection. We love Buff!
Now that the cold winds are blowing and the first snow will soon be upon us, Buff keeps you warm in Camino Style: check out our new Polar Buff!
Buen Camino!
