The easiest way to explain Buff USA is it’s a company that provides a product you had no idea you needed. But once you have it, you’re not sure how you went so long without it. Buff specializes in one thing: versatile headwear.

The tube-like design of the Buff resembles a more compact version of a scarf, and there are hundreds of options available. With the slogan, “the original multifunctional headwear,” it’s pretty obvious Buffs can be used for just about any activity. The idea for the product came to textile manufacturer Joan Rojas as he was riding his motorcycle through Spain in 1991. As someone who rode often since the 1970s, Rojas quickly discovered his neck and face needed more protection while on his bike.

“I was wearing some military briefs around my neck to protect me from the wind and cold and I got the idea to improve them because they were itchy and looked pretty ugly,” said Rojas, according to the Buff website.

He soon began working to find a solution.

It started with simple drawings, which led to testing thanks to his family’s textile factory. Eventually, a seamless, tubular microfiber garment was produced. Rojas spent a great deal of time ensuring the product was perfect before looking into mass production.

“At first I just gave them to my kids and to my friends,” he said.

From there, he marketed them to ski instructors and small stores. The first collection was officially launched in 1992. Now, the multifunctional headwear is a must-have item for any athlete facing the elements in a range of environments, whether hot or cold. Buff products are now sold in more than 70 countries, and that number continues to grow.

I was able to review a Wool Buff (Cru), which is made from 100 percent merino wool. I was planning a snowboarding trip and needed something to protect my face, but have never been a fan of full face and neck masks, especially since my tight helmet left little room for a hat. It’s factors such as this—borrowing a friend’s helmet that’s a bit too small—that makes the versatility of a Buff so helpful.

Because I was snowboarding on a fairly warm, sunny winter day in New Hampshire, I learned that just wearing my helmet provided enough warmth to my ears and head, making a hat unnecessary. Making sure my neck was protected was the problem. The area where many scarves and other neck coverings fail is by being far too bulky, at least for me. I wasn’t on an expedition where keeping my neck extremely warm was a life or death matter—I simply wanted to provide a bit of protection and ensure snow was kept out of my jacket.

I loosely wore the Buff around my neck, and it provided a far more comfortable option than zipping up my structured, collared fleece fully. It’s so lightweight, I forgot I was wearing it. There was one point in the day where I was sitting outside with my helmet off, and I finally began to notice the cold. This was the perfect time to pull the Buff over my head, ears, and nose. Being able to turn one product into another within a matter of seconds is where Buff excels.

Many products tout versatility but in many cases, more time was spent on creating something versatile than something that was actually a quality product. Additional benefits included odor resistance, UV protection, natural stretch, moisture management, and being water repellent.

Buff USA has now expanded to include products like scarves, headbands, and gloves, but it hasn’t moved too far away from its original purpose. Instead, the company has made sure it offers something for everyone when it comes to color, pattern, material, and use. While visiting the Buff USA booth at this year’s Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, I was able to see how extensive the line really is. The options were endless, and I was even able to find lightweight scarves I would wear on a daily basis. The Wool Buff retails for $29, but the cost varies depending on color, pattern, material, and so on. There are designs of skulls, trees, animals, flags, flowers, tie dye, sports teams—you name it, Buff probably has it.

For more information, check out the Buff USA website.

Image courtesy of Buff/Pale Morning Media