Skip to main content

New ThermoNet fabrics make the versatile Buff even better

Sometimes the simplest ideas can lead to the most useful products. Such is the case with the Buff, a versatile piece of equipment that has become a nearly essential piece of gear in the outdoor world. These tube-shaped pieces of cloth can be worn as bandannas, neckerchiefs, balaclavas, face masks, and more. They’ve proven themselves so handy in fact that many trail runners, skiers, hikers, and adventure travelers never leave home without one.

The original Buff has evolved greatly over the years, with new fabrics, and countless designs being added to the lineup. But in 2017, this humble product may gets its biggest update yet in the form of a new material called ThermoNet. To create this fabric, Buff sourced high-performance yarn from PrimaLoft, a company that specializes in making synthetic fabrics and insulation for use in outdoor gear.

Recommended Videos

Next, the designers at Buff applied their years of experience at knitting unique materials for use into their own products, and created a new fabric that is unlike any other. In fact, the company claims that ThermoNet provides both a high level of insulation and nearly unmatched breathability, making it perfect for use during highly aerobic activities in cold weather conditions.

Just how good is ThermoNet? Buff claims that it offers four time the performance of other insulating fabrics that it has used in the past. On top of that, PrimaLoft’s materials are also extremely efficient at wicking moisture away from the body, preventing sweat from soaking into the material, and avoiding potentially dangerous situations when used outside during the winter. And in keeping with the eco-friendly theme that has been sweeping the outdoor industry in recent years, ThermoNet is also made from 70-percent recycled materials.

Here at Digital Trends we’ve had a chance to test a pre-production version of a Buff made from ThermoNet fabrics, and it did not disappoint. One of the more common uses for the versatile headwear during the winter months is to pull it up around your face to help keep you warm and protect your skin from the wind. But in the past if you engaged in any kind of aerobic exercise that left you breathing hard while your mouth was covered, moisture from the air expelled from your lungs would collect on the fabric, and quickly freeze in place.

ThermoNet eliminates that issue altogether. The fabric’s extreme breathability, and quick-drying properties, result in no moisture collection at all. This will definitely come as welcome news for winter outdoor athletes.

Unfortunately we’ll have to wait a bit longer before we’ll be able to order Buffs made from ThermoNet. The new product line is expected to ship in fall 2017 and will be available in hats and multifunctional headwear for $27, and balaclavas for $37.

Visit buffusa.com for more info.

Kraig Becker
Kraig Becker is a freelance outdoor writer who loves to hike, camp, mountain bike, trail run, paddle, or just about any other…
Be ready for storm season: Dual fuel portable generator is $150 off today
Pulsar dual fuel portable generator with gas can in background

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that a ton of early Black Friday deals have dropped. There are the usual suspects like laptops, electronics, gaming gear, and beyond. But me, I prefer to pick up unusual items during the huge holiday sales. You know exactly what I mean, the kind of stuff that doesn't usually go on sale any other time. One of those items is a portable generator. Where I live it seems like they rarely go on sale, and when you need them most they're never in stock. People flock to the stores to buy them just before a big storm. Well, right now, Pulsar and Walmart have an incredible deal on a 12,000-watt dual-fuel generator. Normally $900 it's down to $749 which saves you $151. It can run for up to 12 hours on an 8-gallon fuel tank.

 
Why shop the Pulsar 12,000-watt dual-fuel portable generator for Black Friday?

Read more
The BLUETTI Handsfree 2 is a solar backpack and power station — It’s $200 off
BLUETTI Handsfree 2 solar backpack and power station -- black friday deal

While you're busy shopping through all of the Best Cyber Monday deals, here's a little something that might pique your interest. You'll be even more excited if you spend a lot of time outdoors or off-grid. You might want to wait on grabbing that Cyber Monday portable power station deal. Allow me to explain. The BLUETTI Handsfree 2 is a backpack, like any other outdoor pack you might encounter, except for one thing. It's also a power station and solar generator. Believe me when I say this thing is insane and super useful. But for Cyber Monday, there's a deal that includes the BLUETTI Handsfree 2 and a 100-watt solar panel to charge it on the go. Normally $799, it's yours for just $599, saving you $200. Wow. You have to read what it can all do, so don't leave just yet.

 
Why buy the BLUETTI Handsfree 2 solar backpack and power station?

Read more
Cyber Monday is here: Shop these snow blower deals while you can!
The Ego 24-inch Self-Propelled 2-Stage XP Snow Blower on a white background.

When you think of Cyber Monday, you might think of Cyber Monday TV deals, but now is also the time for more practical items like snow blowers. We’ve picked out all the best Cyber Monday snow blower deals with big savings on popular brands, and we’ve also taken the time to provide you with some buying advice so you know what to look for when buying one.

With so many different snow blowers out there, we’ve considered everything you need to know about and included different budgets in our decision-making process, too. Read on, and we’ll take you through all these great Cyber Monday deals. If you’re looking for something a little more fun (but still practical), we’ve picked out all the best Cyber Monday Apple Watch deals, too. Let’s take a look together.
Our top pick: Greenworks 40V 20-inch Brushless Cordless Snow Blower -- $247 $420 41% off

Read more