Buff Polar

The clever folk at Buff have taken their already brilliant garment and added a thermal polyester fleece section keeping, heads, necks and other body parts warm, yet relatively odour free. In many regards it’s such a versatile garment that comes in handy whatever riding you do. However, those with a good head of hair might find the Polar too warm beneath a helmet.

While I'm not overly taken with the Union flag design, there are six others to choose from. It can be worn to suit different situations: as a simple means of hiding helmet hair and protecting the neck area from chill right through to full headscarf, a godsend for touring in more exotic locations where climate and custom can change very quickly. In bracing Blighty, the fleece banishes painful ice-cream headaches and proves more effective than a sweatband for turbo training. However, it does tend to saturate before the wicking effect kicks in.

Polyester’s ability to absorb sweat and other moisture can mean nasty niffs but the Polar is impregnated with a seemingly effective antibacterial. In any case, it can be freely tossed in with the regular wash without fear of it emerging small enough for next door’s cat, although I would be inclined to give it a quick hand washing at the end of a day’s riding. Available in youth and children’s sizes, our one-size-fits all adult model was easily transformed to fit my six year old who complained of wind-chill aboard the tagalong. Gore Tex covers giving breathable protection in prolonged exposure to wet or chill might better serve helmet devotees but there’s a place for the buff in every cycling wardrobe.

Verdict

Simple, effective do anything headwear.