For years, BUFF has been synonymous with one item: the famous neck gaiter. This iconic piece of gear is even a key part of the TV show Survivor. We’ve all heard Jeff Probst say, “Drop your BUFFS.” The respected brand, however, recently expanded into another key outdoor accessory: socks. I put BUFF’s socks to the test on multiple outdoor trips over the summer, and found a whole lot to love.
The Lineup
BUFF dropped three different models of socks for outdoor-minded folks. The roster includes:
- CoolNet: Lightweight and breathable running socks for warm weather.
- DryFlex: Running and hiking socks with added support and compression.
- Merino Lightweight: A classic merino wool sock for long days on trail.
I tried all of these models, but wore the CoolNet the most because it seemed like the most unique offering. Lightweight merino wool hiking socks are everywhere these days, but a few properties of the CoolNet stood out. BUFF says they’re made with “Smart Mint, a clever cooling technology that uses natural mint to maintain freshness.” In all my years trying socks from Darn Tough and Smartwool, I’ve never heard of a sock using mint before.
BUFF also boasts that the CoolNet socks are thin but still supportive, with “intelligent compression zones for better stability during high-intensity movement.”
Testing
I wore the CoolNet over several days on two big trips this summer. First, I hiked about 90 miles in Yosemite National Park in a week, and second, I backpacked 60 miles in the Black Forest in Germany.
On both trips, temperatures regularly exceeded 85 degrees, making this a good opportunity to see just how breathable these socks were. I also wore the socks multiple days in a row without washing them to assess how well the Smart Mint worked at keeping them from getting stinky.
Fit
I wear a 9.5–10 in women’s shoes, and wore a size medium in the socks, which was the right fit. They were snug without feeling constrictive, and with 22% elastane, they were plenty stretchy. The socks come in a quarter-length or crew-length height, and in sizes from S to XL.
I wish there were a length option that fell somewhere in the middle between the two. The quarter-length socks were too short, but the crew-length went above mid-calf, and I didn’t need that much coverage. The extra fabric just made my legs warmer. A sock length that hits just below where your calf muscle bulges if you flex it would’ve been ideal.
Breathability
I used to exclusively wear Darn Tough hiking socks, but have found them to be too thick and too hot for warm weather. I’ve been searching for a replacement, and was excited that the CoolNet did really excel on the breathability front. As I hiked uphill in direct sunlight in Germany in 90-degree–plus temps, my face, armpits, and back were pouring sweat, but my feet stayed dry. In several strategic locations, the socks have mesh to allow greater airflow.
With socks, there’s always a trade-off between support and breathability. A thicker sock with more cushion may offer better support, but that also means they tend to be less breathable, and vice versa. The CoolNets were some of the thinnest hiking socks I’ve tried, but I didn’t find them uncomfortable. I wore them on a 17-mile day with over 3,000 feet of ascent, and didn’t develop any hot spots or blisters.
Durability and Odor
I did not notice any holes, loose stitching, fraying, or any other wear and tear on the socks after multiple uses. The CoolNet is made from 25% recycled polyester and 52% polyamide (aka nylon), a more durable kind of synthetic fiber.
As far as how they fared smell-wise, let’s be honest. Any sock you wear for 10 hours straight on a backpacking trip is going to smell a little, and so did the CoolNet. However, I’ve had socks that have endured far less and smelled far worse.
I usually make it a rule on multiday backpacking trips to pack enough socks to have a fresh pair each day. I don’t mind carrying the extra weight — I just hate the feeling of putting on filthy socks on a high-mileage day. It’s a mental boost to have a nice, fresh, clean pair to start each morning.
The CoolNet, however, made wearing dirty socks a relatively passable experience. I obviously would’ve preferred a new pair, but the used CoolNet didn’t feel like they were caked in dirt and sweat the way other socks have in the past. I got away with wearing them for a second day without feeling gross.
A Note on Price
Depending on the length and model, BUFF’s socks range in price from $18 to $25. This is about average for hiking socks; our top picks for best hiking socks range from $19 to $26. It can be tough to swallow paying $20 for a single pair of socks, but that’s unfortunately the market these days. I’d argue that the CoolNet socks are a great value: They’re comfortable, durable, and versatile. I’d be just as likely to wear them on a run or in my winter boots as I would out on the trail.
