UV Full BUFF® – Product Review

Disclaimer: I received a UV Full BUFF® to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

My social media-savvy Dad saw one of my posts about the BUFF® a couple of weeks ago. He couldn’t quite understand what it was all about, so I explained a bit about the product. Then he asked me, “Why is it called that?” I didn’t know the answer. Now I do.

The BUFF® was actually invented in Spain. The name BUFF® comes from the Spanish bufanda, which means bandana – logical enough!

Before receiving the UV BUFF® via BibRave, I was lucky enough to get an event BUFF® as swag from the Overlander Sports Half Marathon (click for race report) in Yellowknife. So I had a chance to try it out before ‘offically’ trying it on for review!

What the heck IS a BUFF®?

In case you aren’t already familiar with the BUFF®, it’s basically a stretchy tube of material that can be worn in a variety of ways for different sporting activities. A few of the styles – like the balaclava – are more appropriate for folks using it for skiing or similar ‘helmet’ sports. Not quite my speed of things! Other styles are great for people with hair – again, not something that works for me.

The product is seamless, which amazes me – apparently using some tubular sewing technology. The UV BUFF® we got to test also blocks 95% of harmful UV rays. It’s moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and made of Coolmax Extreme fibre. It’s soft and breathable.

If you visit the Buff USA website (or the websites of BUFF® in other countries), you will find an dizzying array of colours, designs and products. Seriously, the selection is ridiculously amazing! And, like my event BUFF® mentioned above, custom styles are available.

My BUFF® Experience

Due to challenges with international shipping, a lot of other BibRavePro’s were getting their BUFF® products and showing them off online. But some very helpful folks tracked down my package, and I was pleased to see my new UV BUFF® in this amazing colour:

Upon receipt, I did my due diligence, and researched all the different ways to wear the UV BUFF®. I found it a bit overwhelming at first, but I figured once I got the hang of things, I’d learn my favourites and become an expert. There’s a catchy ‘music-video’-type how-to video on the BUFF® website, with both male and female models demonstrating. However, I find that having an explanation makes more sense for me, so here’s the video that helped me the most:

I took my UV BUFF® out for its first trial run in Stanley Park at lunchtime. I went with the Pirate configuration. It looks a bit sloppy, but it was great on a humid, overcast day for wicking sweat and keeping it from running into my eyes.

During a run around the Stanley Park Seawall, I decided to try the UV BUFF® under a hat. This time I use the Sahariane style, so I had the material hanging down and keeping the sun off my neck. The look is a bit too ‘layered’ for my taste, but it was effective.

These next two photos were from the same race – the Van Race 15K. I wore the UV BUFF® as a neck gator during the race. It wasn’t a cold day, but I liked the feeling of it – honestly, once I was on the run, I barely noticed it. After the race, I changed into a clean shirt, ditched my sopping wet hat, and pulled the dry BUFF® over my head to keep off the sun. Perfect!

And in the last week or so, the weather has cooled off. I have started wearing the BUFF® as a toque/cap – the first photo was during another lunch run, and the latter after finishing a very rainy Eastside 10K – again, stripping off my soggy racing gear and putting the BUFF® on as a warm recovery cap.

BUFF® is honestly my new favourite brand! I have been looking for excuses to wear it on runs even when I don’t really need it (i.e. a cap would do). I’ve even taken to bringing along two – one for during the race, and one for after! If you scroll through my blog, you’ll see other photos of me rocking the BUFF® in a variety of ways!

If you love BUFF® products like me – or want to try one for yourself –  you can use code “bibrave10” for 10% off your order until the end of September! Don’t wait!!

Are you a BUFF® fan? What’s your favourite way to wear BUFF® products?