18Review
By John Fenna

In the colder months, keeping your head warm can make all the difference between enjoying a day out and suffering through it.

Two of the latest products from Buff, the “Balaclava Wool Buff” and the “Hoodie Thermal Buff”, will do this job in an easy and very comfortable way.

The Balaclava Wool Buff is simply that – a

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woollen balaclava but made from the same luxuriously comfortable 100% Merino wool that is used in the “Wool Buff”. The face opening of the balaclava is bound with lycra, the top seam and ergonomically shaped hem are flatlock stitched for comfort and, that is that – a comfortable balaclava that can be worn as “full face”, “open face” or as a neck warmer.

The Merino wool has natural stretch for a cosy, but not restrictive fit, is odour resistant, somewhat water repellent, allows the passage of water vapour and is, above all supremely comfortable. OK, it is not my best look ever, but I would rather be warm than looking like a fashion model!

The Balaclava Wool Buff costs around £25 in plain Cedar (as photographed) and Black plus Bila and Ewe patterns. It is also available in a less costly microfibre version at around £20.

More stylish and very warm and practical is the Thermal Hoodie Buff, which not only looks great, but can easily be worn to upgrade a jacket without a hood, with a

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fleece or even as nightwear in a hammock!

The plain cut hood itself is made from soft and cosy 100% polyester Polartec Thermal Pro Fleece, but has a plain knitted outer face and a fleecy inner surface. The front hem has a soft tape drawcord with leather adjusters and cord ends. The fit of the hood is cosy and comfortable and the fleece both water and wind resistant to a degree.

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The lower hem of the polyester fleece hood is extended by a soft double layer Merino wool neck warmer to avoid any cold spots around the collar line and there is an internal Merino wool tube (single layer)that can be worn up for extra face, ear and back of the head protection, or rolled down out of the way for extra neck protection.

The Thermal Hoodie Buff is a versatile and very comfortable bit of kit and costs around £36 in colours Basalt-2/Basalt, Basalt/Basalt, Curacao/Curacao, Fossil/Fossil (as photocopied), Fusion Coral/Fusion Coral, or Lime/Lime.

These are two good ways to stay both warm and comfortable this winter, and just part of the excellent, versatile and practical Buff range.

For more information contact Buff
www.buffwear.co.uk
Tel 01707 852244