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These versatile fabric tubes keep you comfortable in all kinds of weather.
When it comes to running gear, the neck gaiter falls into one of two categories for most folks: nice to have but not essential, or a must-have accessory for every workout. Wherever you stand, there’s no arguing that this simple fabric tube is one of the most versatile pieces of running gear out there. In cold weather, it keeps your neck and face toasty, and it heats and humidifies dry winter air to prevent that unpleasant burning sensation in the throat and lungs. When pollen, dust, or smoky air conditions arise, it can filter some of the particulate matter as you run. Beating sun overhead? Opt for a UPF-rated gaiter to keep your skin safe from damaging rays. Many gaiters can be rolled or twisted to fit a variety of uses: headband, bandana, scrunchie, hat, and more. With so many possible functions, it makes more sense to bring a gaiter with you on your run and not need it than to leave yours behind and wish you hadn't.
Before choosing a neck gaiter, consider what you’ll be using it for. A thin, lightweight fabric offers warm-season functionality, including for sun protection, but may not be the best choice for keeping your face warm and protected in low temperatures or from bitter winds. A thicker gaiter is better suited to cold-weather use but is less likely to have multifunctional capabilities. Longer gaiters are better for full coverage but may feel bulky when not pulled up around the nose and mouth. Polyester fabrics are typically the lightest and feel softest on skin but may retain odors. Wool has great insulation properties and resists stink but may be too warm in hot weather.
Do you want to make a fashion statement with flashy graphics or keep it low-key with a basic design? Some brands offer neck gaiters in a wide variety of fabric colors and patterns, while others keep it simple with only a few hues. Gaiters are inexpensive, so you may choose to buy more than one for different uses, or as an expression of your own personal style.
As neck gaiters have become increasingly popular, brands are offering models with different features, like cooling textile technology or even pockets for ice, reflective elements for low-light visibility, and fabric treatments for odor management. Some also feature drawstrings at one end to convert the gaiter to a hat.
As someone who frequently wears neck gaiters when running in a variety of conditions, I know what to look for and what to avoid in this type of apparel. Is it warm enough? Does it stay securely over my face when I pull it up, or does it creep downward with each stride? Am I able to breathe easily through the fabric, or is it thick and suffocating? Personal experience informed many of these selections, but to supplement my own expertise, I consulted online customer reviews for best-selling neck gaiters.
Check out our top gear picks for rainy runs before the fall showers arrive.
If you prefer to have your neck gaiter be both functional and fashionable, you’ll have plenty of colorful options to choose from with the Buff Original Ecostretch. The artistic designs range from dreamy renderings of mountain peaks to abstract line art to bright tie-dye blooms. Customer reviews are consistently positive, praising the gaiter for its comfort and versatility—Buff boasts that this generously sized (20.5-inch long) model can be worn over 12 different ways.
It’s inevitable that you’re going to sweat when running with fabric wrapped around your neck, and that lingering dampness can be uncomfortable and distracting. The Under Armour Iso-Chill Shorebreak gaiter mitigates this with fast-drying material that wicks away sweat like nobody’s business. The fabric is also designed to disperse body heat, so you don’t feel hot under the collar when you run on balmy days. There’s also a solid-color option, sold here.
Most neck gaiters are designed as a straight tube, but this one actually forms to the contours of your body with a wide base to accommodate shoulders as well as tapering towards the chin to help keep air out. Made mostly from Merino wool, it is naturally moisture wicking and breathable, helping to regulate your body temperature and keep you warm when it's cold out and cool when it's warm.
This lightweight gaiter is great for the first chilly days of fall. It's made with a Merino/nylon blend, which makes it breathable, moisture wicking, and incredibly durable. It has an extra long design that allows it to easily cover your face or bunch cozily around your neck, helping to trap heat and keep you warm. It also comes in five colors, including some with funky patterns like cactuses.
For super cold days, you might want to opt for something heavier, like this polar fleece gaiter. It has a drawstring, which helps keep it in place on your neck or around your face, and it's made from a specialized polyester that's designed to wick away sweat instead of trapping moisture like some fleece can.
If you like to run before the sun rises—or after it dips below the horizon—brightly colored and reflective clothing is a must. Luckily, the REFLECT360 Neck Gaiter checks both boxes. It comes in several vivid color options for better conspicuity in low light and features strips of highly reflective material to heighten your visibility to drivers when it’s dark. Wear it several different ways: as a bandana or sun protector, a face mask to block wind or filter out dust, as a beanie, and more.