Australian Hiker

Rating

Buff Adult Filter Mask Review

Not really a piece of hiking equipment and in all honesty getting out bush is the ultimate social distancing. As a producer of one of my favourite pieces of hiking equipment Buff has now produced a face mask that in this current pandemic is either compulsory or just a good idea. But why would you choose this mask over the almost unlimited choices that have flooded the market?

Buff’s main product is Buff headwear and I own a number of these versatile accessories which are far more than just a fashion statement. Buff headwear is so versatile it remains the highest scoring piece of equipment that I have reviewed since starting Australian Hiker in 2016.

I purchased our masks from Buff direct seeing where this pandemic was likely to head before we got through it and before they became available in Australia. While its still possible to buy from overseas, buying from an Australian store is much easier and cheaper than what we paid. I got to see our masks and filters travel half way around the world before getting here whereas buying in Australia ensures they get to you within a matter of a few days and at a cheaper price.

So how did we find the masks in the three weeks (now many months) that we have been using them? As always let’s start with the negatives and from our perspective there are three. First up this is one of the dearer face masks on the Australian market at $54.90 RRP. Secondly putting the mask on is not as easy as the ear loop style, particularly if you have long loose hair. Last but not least fitting the filter paper is a learning experience that take a few times to get it right. Buff has realised these are issues and has produced two videos on fitting the mask and the filter which makes it much easier than trying to muddle through. If you are purchasing these masks, watching the videos is definitely the way to go.

Now for the positives. The earlobe style masks which are either the disposable paper masks or the the majority of cloth style masks currently on the Australian market aren’t the most comfortable things – I find the earlobe hooks become downright annoying and even painful if worn for long periods. Buff’s strap style system has one strap around the neck and one around the top of the head. I find this style more comfortable although if I had the option I’d still prefer not to wear a mask at all.

Secondly price and value for money aren’t the same thing. Yes this mask isn’t cheap but given that it looks good, is reusable, fits well, has a disposable paper filter, and has straps that are as comfortable as is possible to get negates the expense for the most part. The mask itself is really a system that includes a fabric outer shell with a second layer of fabric over the mouth and nose area. The paper filter adds the additional third layer. This filter is essentially a disposable paper filter and is designed to be replaced on a daily basis. The replacement price really isn’t that expensive either. In addition to replacing the filter, you also need to regularly wash the mask itself – this is made easy due to the lightweight microfibre fabric which also means it dries quickly.

As always Buff makes its products look good and there is a large range of colours to choose from to showcase your personality. As much as I usually like to go lairy in my colour choices on my clothing, I need to wear this at work so I chose a more muted black and grey colour pattern.

What it really comes down to is if you are only going to wear a mask for a few days then this probably isn’t the choice for you. If however you live in an area that requires you to wear masks for a period of weeks then a longer term option like the Buff face mask is going g to be a good choice. But how to choose the colour? That’s the difficult choice.

Buff Filter Mask front view – believe it or not, Tim is smiling!

Buff Filter Mask side view

Buff Filter Mask rear view

Buff filters pack. The mask comes with 5 filter pads which will last 5 days. You can purchase packs of 30 replacement filters

Buff mask filter – single

Putting on the Buff Face Mask

Fitting the filter to the Buff Face Mask

We Like

• As about as comfortable that a face mask can get. Earloop alternatives are uncomfortable and even painful after long periods
• Reusable
• Three layer construction (two outer material layers and one internal paper filter)
• Lots of colours to express your personality
• Replaceable filters available

We Don't Like

• Not the cheapest option, but you get what you pay for
• Can be fiddly to fit if you have long loose hair – watch the videos for tips on how to fit
• Filter paper can be fiddly to fit – again watch the video for tips on how

Best Uses

For when you can’t social distance

Buy One

You can purchase the Buff Adult Filter Mask online from Wildfire Sports and also the replacement filter pads from Wildfire Sports

Disclosure: Some of the above links are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our reviews. If we don’t like a product, you’ll hear about it from us!

If you have used the Buff Adult Filter Mask or if you have questions, we’d like to hear from you. Post your comment or question below

Investment

• $54.90 AUD RRP for the mask with 5 filters
• $49.90 AUD RRP for a pack of 30

Disclaimer

This review was done with product purchased from a retail store by Australian Hiker

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