Buffs are well-known from that TV show, you know, the one that gets me scornful looks when I mention it. I want to talk about the Buff, and so I have to mention the show so they know what it is, so then they give me a look and say “you watch that show?” For the record, no, I do not watch that show, or any shows for that matter, or any television at all, mostly because I get really disgusted at the way television programs people to want stuff and buy stuff and act like the people on TV and look like the people on TV, etc. So it is a tad ironic that I’m a huge fan of the Buff which got its start on TV. Of course no one else watches that show either, so the Buff usually gets called a “do-rag” instead. Whatever. I think that TV show really gives the Buff a bad rap because I really love these things. They come in any conceivable color and pattern, and can be manipulated in any way you want. I usually wear them under my bike helmet to keep flyaway hairs in check and soak up all the sweat. They are perfect for this as they aren’t too tight or too heavy.

They also come in several different lengths and weights. You can use the winter wool weight as a balaclava, hat, neck gaiter, or anything else really. The lighter ones can be hats, hairbands, bandannas, bandeau tops, bracelets – there are infinite possibilities. I’m tossing out my old standard bandannas – there’s a new kid in town and it’s far and away a better option. The Buff isn’t just hype!

So, it snowed on the mountains above town today. July 23. Snow. Summer hasn’t even arrived yet around here, and now it’s over. Nothing to do but accept it, so let’s talk balaclavas. We’re going to need them soon.

The R1 balaclava is hands down the best balaclava I’ve ever worn. Ever! And I’ve worn a lot of…okay, that’s just ridiculous, I’ve only worn a few, but that’s plenty to tell me that normal balaclavas are kind of weird, usually too tight, not warm enough, and pretty much just feel like you dragged your brother’s old sock over your head and are peeking out the holes made by his nappy toenails. But enough about family – this ‘clava is so good that I just couldn’t understand why there are any others out there. It’s not even ridiculously expensive! Cheaper, in fact, than many other extremely inferior balaclavas, which is kind of weird considering that it’s made from Patagonia’s venerable R1 fabric, which is, in turn, not cheap. So, yay! Excellent, highly superior balaclava for normal, average balaclava price.

It’s soft, it’s warm, it’s maneuverable (you can wear it as a neck gaiter, a hat, or a balaclava – for real, not just “in theory” like other balaclavas). It’s light and compressible. The eye hole has a dashing “ninja” shape, so the R1 balaclava can double as part of your Halloween costume, or your day-to-day samurai outfit, if you’re into that. It’s toasty warm and somehow manages to not immediately develop an under-nose crust while you’re skiing. I’m not techy enough to figure out how the fabric holds the nose crust at bay, so I’ll just say it must be a miracle.

It’s hard to find in a size small, as most ladies would probably need, which is the one bummer about it. I’ve actually never seen it in a size smaller than a medium, and after turning to the All-Knowing Internet, I was unable to find a retailer who carries the R1 in anything but medium or large. The medium is a tad roomy on my wee pinhead, so I’ll be keeping an eye out for the size small, and report back if I find that they do, in fact, make it in a small. If they don’t, I’ll just grouse about things like “why call it a medium if there’s only two sizes” and “hello, not everyone has a melon for a head” and “my ’sexy ninja’ costume looks stupid with a slightly baggy balaclava.” But role-playing aside, at least I’ll be warm and comfy with the R1 protecting my face and head from the nasty elements (which will be here any day, if the snow is any indication).