At GearJunkie we’re big fans of the multi-use headwear known by the company name, Buff.
We even gave it a “best gear of 10 years” nod for its simple, utilitarian design. (Our founding editor seems to use a Buff every day of the year, winter to summer, in various configurations.)
New for 2014, the company has a balaclava. The X Tech balaclava is a neat-looking ninja style piece made for super cold days.
We saw it this week at the Snow Industries Association (SIA) show in Denver and understand why it was named “Best Headwear” at the ISPO show in Germany this month.
The Balaclava X Tech has Windstopper fabric at the forehead, mouth, chin and ears, but there’s breathable mesh at the top of the head to allow hot air to vent off and lessen sweat.
Polar fleece at the neck makes it soft against the skin.
It hits the market in August 2014 and will retail for $40. Expect to see more “Buff ninjas” on the slopes next year.
—Sean McCoy
