By Tim H. Martin
Photo: Buff USA’s Polar Buff is one of many tube-style headwear garments available to hunters today. This model, which acts as a head cover and neck gaiter, is actually a one-piece tube.
During a Texas pronghorn hunt in 2007, I received severe sun damage to one side of my neck from hours of driving an ATV across the desert. I’d forgotten my sunscreen, and the only neck gaiter I owned was made for Saskatchewan in the winter.
At the time, there weren’t many choices for head and neck protection — mostly heavyweight neck gaiters. Today, tube-style garments have improved vastly, with multiple hunting scenarios in mind.
ScentLok, Buff, Nomad and Huk now produce head-and-neck gear in Realtree, Mossy Oak and reversible safety orange-camouflage. They also created models that are scent-resistant, wick moisture, keep insects from gnawing on you, block wind and filter UV rays.
Where thick polyester once reigned, today’s hunting choices range from lightweight bow season models with UV protection and Insect Shield, to materials with WINDSTOPPER for deep winter’s windy conditions.
Buff USA makes a versatile piece of tube-wear that can be used either as a beanie, neck gaiter, dust mask, do-rag or balaclava face-protector, among other things.
Hunters may not be familiar with Buff USA products, once known to cater to hikers, fishermen and cyclists. In 2010, they added camo licensing to their lineup, along with deer skull motifs and more wild patterns than you can imagine.
I learned a valuable lesson on that pronghorn hunt long ago. Nowadays, I’m prepared for any condition by keeping an array of tubes in my backpack. Had today’s options been available then, I wouldn’t have permanent scarring on my neck today.
Editor’s Note: For more on tubular headgear, visit these websites:
ScentLok
Buff hunting models
Huk gaitors
Nomad