Light synthetic and merino buffs for sun protection too hot for warm weather? Best buff?

I used a synthetic buff all day, every day for 8 days in the high sierras in August. I was concerned about having sun protection for every angle. I didn't find it too warm, but definitely warmer than a wide brim hat with no buff at all.

For me a merino wool buff in any weight is way too warm for sun protection.

All the synthetic buff brands are basically the same; within each brand, however, some fabrics are a bit thicker (i.e., warmer) than others. Merino is another story (and I agree with Justin, too hot for sun protection).

My husband used his buff a lot in the Sierras last summer, across his face, bandito-style, both for sun protection, and dust-inhalation prevention. He thought it was great. I used mine mostly as a pillowcase, because for me everything is too hot on my face, even sunglasses!

Edited to fix my HTML mistake, grrrrrr

In the super humid hot summers in Kansai Japan, I train mostly twice a week running and doing intervals in the mountains close to my home. Walking already makes you sweat profusely, let alone powering uphill. Five minutes into it, it seems as if I just stepped out of the shower.

Trust me when I say the Outdoor Research Echo Ubertube (22 gram) is the thinnest neck gaiter I have come across.
http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/catalog/product/view/_ignore_category/1/id/41082/s/echo-ubertube/

It has a slight slight open weave, a little bit like an ultra thin powerdy, but not os open and way thinner of course – thinner than any other fabric I have come across. Breathes very well and felt the least tight when I put it around my head.

They have shirts in the same material in long and short sleeves and these too were way less clammy than for example capilene 1 and other thin summer base layers I have tried.

Your mileage might vary but perhaps worth a look. Made a significant difference to me.

I've done weeks at a time. Visor is best in Cali and take a hanky that you can wet down to put under it and stay cool. A buff can supplement this at times. But not great for sun especially.

The idea of wearing a buff of ANY sort in an Australian summer is … hilarious?

Large broad-brimmed hats are the go here.
It helps if they are tough enough to be used as armour for scrub-bashing too.

cheers

Buffs make good armor for scrub bashing too… for your face and neck. Most of our brush around is inconveniently located at face level.

Wide brim hats don't protect your neck and face when the sun is at a low angle. Even the hats with capes on the back don't protect your face.

I'm a fan of a mesh snapback hat with a bandana cape to protect my neck. The bandana is multi-use.

Or you could go full shemagh and frighten all the trail yuppies.

Has a seam, where Buffs do not. JSYK