The 10 Best Neck Gaiters of 2023

For a hand-dandy, all-purpose neck gaiter, you can’t go wrong with Buff’s original product. Made of 95 percent recycled polyester and 5 percent elastane — with a UPF 50 sun protection rating, we might add — this is a super stretchy, lightweight neck gaiter that fits comfortably around the neck, yet is tight enough to stay put when you pull it up over your nose.

Plus, this neck gaiter is designed to be multifunctional and worn in various ways from neck protection to headbands.The one important thing to note is that it doesn’t provide much in the way of insulation for extremely cold temperatures, as the  material is fairly thin. So it’s best used in temperatures above freezing — or in colder temperatures if you run particularly hot, say if you’re skiing or snowboarding. It does, however, provide solid wind protection, which can have a warming effect.

Price at time of publish: $20

The Details: Microfiber | One size

Best Wool

Icebreaker Unisex Merino Flexi Chute

The idea of a wool neck gaiter might make some shudder, thinking of itchy turtlenecks. Fortunately, we have merino wool, which is a much softer, but just as warm material. Icebreaker’s Merino Flexi Chute is a versatile neck gaiter made of 100 percent merino wool so you can keep warm without the itch.

This particular model is lightweight — 200 grams per square meter — which makes it best for cold, but not frigid temperatures. Still, merino does a wonderful job regulating your body temperature, so it’ll certainly keep you warm in most conditions. We also love merino wool for its natural odor-resistance, which makes the Flexi Chute a great gaiter to pack for a ski or camping trip.

Price at time of publish: $30

The Details: Merino wool jersey | One size

Best Fleece

Stoic Polar Fleece Neck Gaiter

Fleece is a go-to material for cold-weather adventures, so it makes sense that you might want a fleece neck gaiter to feel extra warm. Fleece definitely has a thickness and coziness that you might not find with a more lightweight wool.This fleece neck gaiter by stoic comes in various colors to match your personal style, and it has moisture-wicking properties to prevent any sweat from freezing. Our favorite feature of this neck gaiter is its tightening cord, which allows you to adjust the opening on one side of the gaiter — this will help it stay in place over your face whether you’re running, sleding, or going for a walk.

Price at time of publish: $29

The Details: Polyester | One size

Best Long

Arc’teryx Rho Neck Gaiter Long

If you find most neck gaiters to be too short, this is the model for you. Arc’teryx makes its Rho Lightweight Wool Neck Gaiter in a long version, so you don’t need to worry about accidentally exposing your neck to the elements.

The gaiter is Fair Trade Certified and made of microfleece, a stretchy and warm synthetic material that has excellent moisture-wicking abilities, as well as odor resistance. That microfleece is also brushed to create an ultra-soft finish, which is very comfortable to wear against the skin. The neck gaiter also has flatlock seam construction, which means you won’t feel a pesky seam running up your neck.

Price at time of publish: $40

The Details: Polyester, elastane | One size

Best for Running

Outdoor Research Echo Ubertube

When you’re running in variable conditions, you want to don a neck gaiter that works in all types of weather — it’s an essential piece of winter running gear. Outdoor Research’s Echo Ubertube works in all temperatures so you can stay comfortable all-year. When it’s warmer outside, it provides sun protection and moisture-wicking via the AirVent technology to keep you cool. But if it’s a little colder, it still provides a layer of light insulation.

Keep in mind that this neck gaiter comes in two sizes, so be sure to check the size chart to figure out which one will best fit you. It tends to run a little tight, so if you’d prefer a looser fit, we recommend sizing up.

Price at time of publish: $20

The Details: Polyester | Medium/Large, Extra Large Wide

Best for Winter Sports

Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Neck Gaiter

When considering a neck gaiter for winter sports, you’ll probably want something that’s extra breathable — this one by Smartwool has mesh ventilation to help you breathe more easily when exerting yourself. It also has two slits along the bottom seam to allow for more freedom of movement.

The neck gaiter has the thermal insulating (and moisture-wicking and odor-resistance) properties of merino wool so you can definitely keep warm while on the slopes or out cross-country skiing, but just be aware that it’s a mid-weight wool at 200 grams per square meter. That weight is generally better for less extreme temperatures or people who run hot when active.

Price at time of publish: $50

The Details: Merino wool, polyester, elastane | One size

Best Balaclava

Seirus Magnemask Combo Hinged Headliner

A balaclava is a neck gaiter–adjacent cold-weather accessory that typically includes a hood and a face covering, only leaving your eyes open to the elements. (When used in winter sports, you’d usually wear goggles to protect your eyes). This balaclava by Seirus is expertly designed with a neoprene panel that creates a perfect seal with most ski and snowboard goggles while directing your breath downward to prevent fogging. Plus, the mouth covering is connected to the hood with magnets, so it’s removable when you want to free your face. This special collaboration balaclava features a design created by artist Lamont Joseph White to bring inclusivity and representation to winter sports.

Price at time of publish: $43

The Details: Neofleece, neoprene | Small/Medium, Large/Extra Large

Best Waterproof

Sealskinz Beetley Waterproof All Weather Head Gaitor

While most neck gaiters are made of moisture-wicking materials, this one by Sealskinz repels water from the other direction. Its three-layer construction includes the brand’s proprietary Aquasealz waterproof membrane, shielding you from rain or snow. But it doesn’t feel stifling like some rain jackets — it’s still quite breathable and lightweight, all while providing insulation from the cold thanks to a microfleece lining.

Besides the waterproofing, a highlight of this neck gaiter is that it’s convertible into a balaclava. You can pull the hood over your head, cinching it with a tightening cord for a perfect fit that won’t slide. It also comes in two sizes for a more precise fit before you cinch, too.

Price at time of publish: $40

The Details: Polyester, elastane | Small/Medium, Large/Extra Large

Best for Warm Weather

Buff CoolNet UV+ Solid Buff

Neck gaiters aren’t only for keeping warm. In fact, they can also be used for the exact opposite purpose. This warm-weather neck gaiter by Buff has technology that wicks moisture off your neck, not only to keep you dry, but also to cool you down. So if you’re out kayaking, on a summer hike, or out fishing, don this buff to stay comfortable. It also provides UPF 50+ sun protection, which is key for warm-weather activities. While the synthetic material isn’t naturally odor-resistant, this gaiter has received a special anti-odor treatment called HeiQ (it’s also easy to wash and dries quickly).

Price at time of publish: $24

The Details: Repreve polyester, elastane | One size