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Australian Hiker Buff Review

And now for something a little bit different! Australian Hiker has teamed with BUFF^® and have produced the first of our custom buffs, using a uniquely Australian wattle image. The Australian Hiker Wattle Buff is the first in what is planned to be a biennial release and can be purchased through the Australian Hiker Shop. So what’s so special about Buffs?

There are two types of hikers in this world; those who wear buffs and those who don’t. I fall into the former category and unless it’s a short day hike I will carry two Buffs on every hike, one Merino Wool Buff and one Original Buff.

BUFF^®, is short for bufanda, which means ‘scarf’ in Spanish – who knew? This is one of those products that is manufactured by different companies and goes by a number of names but whoever produces it, people tend to default to the name ‘Buff’ which is produced by the company of that name.

My Buffs form a number of functions – this is not just a piece of clothing – and it has a variety of uses:

• As a sun hat
• As a scarf to protect my neck (from sun and frost)
• As a water filter to get rid of the chunky bits out of dirty water when there is no other option. The Buff Original is a better choice for this than the wool versions
• If I’m desperate, as a towel
• If I’m really desperate, to blow my nose – not at the same time as the above uses and I have to be really sick to do this!

My main use for the Buff Original is as a sun hat. I will use this through all but the coldest winters when I will change over to the Buff Merino Wool. During really hot conditions, I will often wear my Buff in conjunction with a peaked cap to provide that extra sun protection which is crucial to those of us who are ‘follicle-y’ challenged (i.e. bald). If you’re hiking in really dusty conditions, it also makes a great dust mask. If it is really hot, you can soak the Buff in water and it will help cool you down around your neck or over your head.

There is no end to the uses for this handy little item and for a total weight of 38 grams this is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment I own.

I am in the minority as a male Buff wearer, at least in Australia. While we who wear them on our heads exist, we are a rarity with most wearers using them as neck protection. I really don’t care what it looks like and will wear my Buff to work (it looks great with a suit). For me its all about function and the Buff has that in spades and at a relatively cheap price!

Australian Hiker Wattle Buff showing design image prior too printing. The wattle featured on this buff is Acacia kybeanensis, Kybeyan Wattle. Understandably the image isn’t as sharp when printed onto cloth

Tim wearing an Australian Hiker Wattle Buff front view

Tim wearing an Australian Hiker Wattle Buff side view

Australian Hiker Wattle Buff close up as printed

Tim with Australian Hiker Wattle Buff close up

How to Wear BUFF® Original Multifunctional Headwear

We Like

• 100% Polyester Microfibre which stays relatively dirt free. This is also a better option as a water filter
• Extremely versatile garment with a wide range of uses. Wear it to protect you from the sun and to keep you warm. Wet it to cool you down in hot conditions. Use it to keep the dust out of your mouth and nose. Use it as a water filter
• UV protection that keeps you protected from the sun
• Very durable and will last for years so you won’t need to replace it; unless you want a new colour
• Quick drying and will keep you warm when wet
• Uniquely Australian design

We Don't Like

• Not great when wearing earbuds as it can be a bit on the tight side around the ears if you have a large head
• Not as versatile as the merino wool version which is longer and a bit more flexible allowing you to be more creative in its use (see image below)
•  If you want to be really, really picky it can look at bit dorky at times

Best Uses

• One of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can carry that fulfils a number of jobs

Buy One

You can purchase the Australian Hiker Wattle Buff online from Australian Hiker

Investment

AUD $32.99 RRP

Disclaimer

This review was done with product manufactured on behalf of Australian Hiker

Last updated

25 April 2025

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