Kitshack Buff Review - A Year on...

I have always used buffs when walking, running and when cycling.

I was given this one by KITSHACK nearly a year ago to review.

Ok.. sorry added this later (It needed a bit of music)

Brian Tarquin - Black Rose

And back to the review

A review on a BUFF is not a big thing.
I mean there isn't a lot to go wrong is there, and they are not exactly a complicated bit of gear.
In fact, A TUBE for the most part.

But, I would say, that if you want a buff, they do have IMHO a very very extensive selection that pretty much caters for ALL requirements.


Prices appear reasonably competitive but not at the cheaper end.
I can't really comment on that.
The last 4 buffs I had before this came from the TGOC.

My one has the UV & bug coating, and as I was off on several walks, and also Australia, I thought I would take a while doing the review.
In fact it has been a year.
In that time I have used it on local walks, many in the Dales and Peaks, and also as I said in Australia.

Mine was the UV and Bug Proof Craig

The info off the site

My Review

This review is not about sartorial elegance, many would not wear the colour schemes I do.
Some say I shouldn't :-)

But that said, I was impressed with the variety and colour combinations available on the site.

When I got it

Functionality

Well, it's a BUFF.
Basically a Tube
What more do you need to know.

Mine was UV and bug proof.

It certainly seemed to work well.
In Australia I was not troubled with bugs, and I was up in the rain forest by rivers.
OK, it was their early spring.

When I first got it, I used it by the rivers in the Fens whilst dog walking, and it kept a majority away.
It was on my head, it isn't going to stop them flying in your eyes or mouth.

I have used it running and also quite a lot under my bike helmet when out cycling.
So, it has been out on and off every week since I got it.

The only time it failed big time, was in the Dales by a river on a hot stormy evening when the MIDGES were epidemic.

It doesn't look midgy here, but trust me, when they came at ya, they had intent....

TBH I doubt anything would have worked.
I had bug spray, the buff and a midge hat that evening, and when they came at ya, they came at ya.
I doubt a flame thrower would have kept them off.

Other than that it has worked well.

I have used it as a neck warmer, hat, bandanna, balaclava.

A year on it has maintained it's colour well (so far), and its stretch.

In fact I will be using it next weekend in Wales and the following weekend in the Lakes.

As to how much the UV and bug protection work I year on, I will have to test once the cold weather moves away and we get to the insect time again.
I suspect it is not as effective as it was.

I have noticed at the end of last year, that it no longer deterred them from nibbling the nape of the neck, but by then it had been used a lot. Maybe I can treat it in something.

Anyway......
Below are some pictures of it in use, in the Peaks, Dales and a couple from Australia, which also show where it was worn.

In Australia

Around the Peaks last year and recently.

Peaks Wild Camp, North Edge last year

As it is now just under a year on...

I cannot notice any fading yet of the colours from the original.
I think the UV and Bug protection in particular are not as functional though.
Maybe I am wrong, I am not sure what sort of longevity the treatments give.

It has kept its shape well and still fits as new in any worn variation, despite a lot of use and washing.

I will be using this more again this year.
It is currently my go to buff.

It is off to wales and then the Lakes a few times, before it heads across Scotland for 2 weeks in May.
It will continue it's travels that's for sure.

Value for Money

As I said, about the same.
You can shop around and get cheaper ones.
Maybe they will be as durable, I am not sure...

This one has been used a lot and is still going strong.

Personally, if I wanted another (which I don't at the moment),
I would have a look at the Kitshack site.
Especially because they have such an extensive and multi-functional range, and this one has not disappointed.

I will do an update at the end of this summer to see how it fairs.