Buff or Bandana? Or both?!

I use one all of the time. In the summer, it’s mostly around my head like a sweat band or around my neck and face for bug protection. In the winter, head band mode to keep my ears warm. I just use the regular buff. I have a merino wool one, but haven’t used it yet.

I know those that prefer a bandana also use it for a pot grabber or to filter water. I haven’t tried a buff for either of those uses.

Related thread.

Buffs are nice, but I consider the bandana an essential. I take both at times.

I effectively take both – a regular buff for wearing and a Vileda cloth for wiping down the tent, water filtering for lumpy bits, kitchen duties and as a small towel etc.  The Vileda cloth is much more absorbent than a bandana, very cheap so it gets replace regularly.

I carry both, but do short trips.  I use the bandana a lot.  I’m not sure how well the buff would work as a pot holder and lid lifter.

I’m also a both. Lightload towels are my preference, though I have also done the bandana.

For buff, I prefer my merino neck gaiter, from Rapha, with one end more open, so that it can sit looser on the neck or chin or accross the forehead… (you flip to the other end if you want it snug in high wind). The merino part is just personal preference.