Accessories like buff and bandana are becoming popular among hikers and backpackers mainly for their multipurpose usage.
While bandana is quite well-known among the masses, some of you might be wondering what a buff is? Well, it’s a tubular cloth piece worn around the neck by pulling it over the head.
Both clothing pieces are essential accessory items required for hiking or backpacking.
Now, the question is- which is the best one for hiking? This article focuses on the differences between a bandana and a buff; and their pros and cons. So, without further ado, let’s get into it!
Here Is What You Should Know About A Bandana And Buff
I am sure most of you are aware of what a bandana is unless you’re living in a stone age! Regardless, it’s a square-shaped cloth piece in different patterns, materials, and sizes.
In contrast, a buff is a tubular-shaped cloth piece that is expandable. It’s mainly made of synthetic materials and is worn around the neck.
Bandana as a hiking accessory seems odd since it’s mostly worn as a fashion statement. However, there is more which I will discuss further in the article.
You might know what a buff is if you’re a hiker. This is like a variant of a bandana but in a different shape and style.
Now that I have given a brief idea of these clothing pieces, let us look at their usage.
What Are Buff And Bandana Used For?
A bandana is a multipurpose accessory perfect for hiking. It can be worn as a headband to remove sweats or as a facemask to protect from dirt or dust.
This cloth piece is light and absorbs sweat perfectly. It’s an excellent cloth piece to use during summer.
Pros
- It’s perfect to wear in a hot climate.
- It’s easy to wash and dry quickly.
- A cotton bandana absorbs sweat well.
- You can use it as a towel or as a tourniquet.
Cons
- It doesn’t have UV protection.
- It’s not suitable to wear in cold weather.
A Buff is a cylindrical-shaped clothing piece worn around the neck. You can also wear it as a headband, wristband, mask, cap, etc.
It’s a versatile accessory perfect for hiking, especially in a cold region. You can use it as a neck warmer or a pillowcase.
Pros
- It has UV protection.
- A buff is convenient and hassle-free.
- It gives warmth to your neck and face.
- It is expandable and perfect to wear during winter.
Cons
- It has limited usage, unlike the bandana.
Which One Is Better For Hiking: Buff or Bandana?
Now that you know the difference between a buff and a bandana let’s compare these to see which is better.
| Buff | Bandana |
|---|---|
| A buff has UV protection to protect from harmful sun rays. | Most of the bandanas don’t come with UV protection. |
| You can wear buff in twelve different ways, including balaclava, mask, hood, etc. | You can wear it as a face mask, headband, or wristband. |
| Buffs can be used as a sleep mask, neck warmer, and pillowcase. | Bandana has multiple usages, including coffee filter, cold compress, emergency signal, towel, trail marker, etc. |
| Buffs are easy to wear; you have to pull it over your head. | You need to tie the bandana if the knot gets loose constantly. |
| A buff is made of synthetic material and is expandable. | A bandana is mainly made of cotton material and cannot expand. |
As you can see, both have their good and bad aspects. Eventually, it depends on your needs and preferences.
In my personal opinion, both are good for hiking or backpacking. I’d recommend getting a buff and bandana if budget isn’t an issue for you.
Additionally, depending on the weather condition, you can choose a suitable accessory for hiking. If it’s warm, you can opt for a bandana; and buff in the colder region.
Both buff and bandana share an equal weightage of pros and cons. So, the choice is yours! I also suggest you consider multiple factors before you choose one.
That way, it will help you decide which one is better for your hiking trip. For example, a buff would be excellent if you prefer a hassle-free headband or mask.
So, choose one that will benefit you on your next hiking trip, or you can take both!
Recap – Bandana or Buff
A bandana and a buff share similar aspects with shape differences. Both make excellent accessories for hiking because of their multipurpose use.
You can choose any clothing piece for hiking or backpacking. It would be better to opt for an item after considering multiple factors.
Choose one that you’re comfortable with and blend with the weather conditions. Hopefully, this post was helpful and will help you decide on one for your next hiking trip!
References
Photo by Vinayak chowdhary on Unsplash