Buffs and balaclavas Fram Equipment

When traveling or engaging in outdoor activities, don't forget to protect your head and face. Quality headgear is important not only in winter but also in summer. Depending on the season, we should protect our skin from overheating, cooling, precipitation, and all year round - from sunlight and wind.

Headgear for travel should be lightweight, comfortable, and quick-drying. The advantage will be the multifunctionality of the model. After all, a versatile headband or balaclava hat replaces both a hat and a scarf, which is convenient and saves weight and space in the backpack.

What accessories to take for head protection on a hike?

1. Universal headbands (buffs). A buff is a long tube of elastic material that can be worn around the neck or head. The main feature of buffs is their multifunctionality - this accessory can be worn as a hat, headband, neck gaiter, balaclava, and more. There are over a dozen different ways to wear buffs.

Today, this is the most popular headgear in outdoor activities. Buying a buff is worth it not only for a professional athlete. This accessory has long been used not only during sports activities but has also become a part of everyday urban style.

Buffs are made from elastic synthetic materials such as polyester, microfiber, and fleece.

Depending on the season of use and the material, buffs can be divided into two groups:

• lightweight (summer) buffs - used in warm seasons; usually made from lightweight, breathable materials; their main function is to protect the skin from sunlight and wind, the head from overheating, and to absorb sweat during active movement.

If you are planning a summer hike, bike trip, or climb, we recommend buying two lightweight buffs. One is worn on the head for sun protection or as a neck gaiter, and the other on the neck, which can also cover the lower part of the face from wind and sun.

• warm (winter) buffs - made from materials that retain heat and dry quickly; such headbands effectively protect the head and neck in cold seasons.

If you are going on a winter hike or climb, skiing, it's worth buying a winter buff and additionally taking another lightweight one. You can combine them, swapping them around. Since wearing two warm buffs on the neck and head can be too hot. It's enough to buy a fleece buff and a polyester buff.

Winter buffs come in:

• fleece buffs - made entirely of thin fleece.
• buffs with fleece - have the lower part made of fleece and the upper part made of lightweight material sewn together.
• Powerstretch buffs - lightweight, soft, and better moisture-wicking.

Manufacturers offer a huge variety of buff designs to suit every taste. On our website, you can buy buffs in Ukraine with prints by Ukrainian designers.

2. Balaclavas

A balaclava mask is headgear that covers the neck and head, with openings for the eyes, nose, and mouth. Buying a balaclava is worth it for fans of active sports, as it is very convenient to wear under a helmet.

Balaclavas can also be divided depending on the season and materials:

• summer balaclavas - made from lightweight, breathable materials; protect against sun, wind, and dirt.
• winter balaclavas - made from warmer, yet breathable materials. The most popular are fleece balaclavas and Powerstretch balaclavas. Ski balaclavas belong to this type as well.