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!

I have to grit my teeth and force myself to post this review, because as far as I know I’m the only person in town with the Natasha hat and I really would love to keep it that way. It’s so unique and adorable that I want it for my One Hat (my precious!). But it’s my job to share the joy, so here goes.

Not only is this a super cute and original way to block out the elements, but it is also one of the warmest hats I’ve ever tried. Wait, now that I am really thinking about it, it really is THE warmest hat I’ve ever tried. I was close to devastated when I couldn’t find it the other day and was facing a 12 hour day working outside in zero degree weather with no Natasha hat (luckily I did find it, so everyone breathe a sigh of relief). It’s really thick and plush, and has magical wicking powers! OK, not magical, but pretty darn good. It’s hard not to sweat in this hat since it’s so warm, but at least it does its part to keep me dry with that wickishness. It’s long enough to cover my ears and roomy enough to accommodate a high ponytail without getting all lumpy and weird. It stays super soft no matter what you do to it (within reason, people) and is undeniably perfect for the frozen north with that Eurasian flair. It even got the thumbs-up from my college-age students, which unfortunately makes me worry that I’m doing that age-inappropriate clothing thing (shout-out to my friend Kristen, who says “you know, if you have to ask….?”). As long as the age-inappropriate clothing doesn’t involve showing too much skin, though, I’ll take my chances and keep my Natasha hat. Once word gets out about this hat, it won’t be one of a kind anymore, but go on, go
buy it if you must.

Not strictly a women’s product, this little hat is one of our exceptions because we love it so much. Adorable, warm, and soft, we squabbled over this thing like seagulls over a slice of bread. Those unlucky geargals who didn’t get the sample hat all went out and bought their own, though, so now everyone’s smug, happy, warm and cute in the Bones beanie.