The Multifunctional Magic Towel That Lived In My Backpack (And My Heart)
How I Found It: During my first Appalachian Trail section hike, I watched a French thru-hiker use what looked like a rainbow-colored sausage casing to:
- Wipe sweat
- Filter morning coffee
- Fashion a makeshift dog collar for a stray puppy When I asked “Qu’est-ce que c’est?” through mouthfuls of freeze-dried chili, he simply said “Buff. You need.” Sold.
Why I Bought: Three words: REI garage sale. Found a $28 UV-protective Buff marked down to $9.35 because someone had apparently tested its durability by…chewing on it? The tooth marks washed out.
First Impressions: Unboxed what felt like seamless lycra condom (the Merino Wool version smells like a sheep’s hug). Immediately tried 12/22 documented uses from the pamphlet: ✅ Balaclava ✅ Wristband ❌ Emergency fishing net (caught zero fish, many leaves)
Real-World Testing: From CrossFit to COVID
Daily Driver Moments:
- 2020: Became my pandemic MVP (mask + ear saver combo)
- 2021: Survived Death Valley temps as neck cooler (soak, wring, wear)
- 2022: Doubled as a beer koozie at Oktoberfest (pro tip: dark colors hide stains)
Unexpected Wins:
- First Date Icebreaker: “This? Oh, it’s my portable privacy curtain for roadside pees” (married her)
- Baby Hack: Stuffed with dryer sheets = impromptu diaper pail odor blocker
- Tech Fail Save: Wrapped around overheating phone during 4K video shoot
The Good, The Bad, The Snaggy
Pros
- Moisture Wizardry: Wicks sweat better than my $50 gym shirts
- Compact AF: Fits in Altoids tin (with 3 mints)
- Style Chameleon: Wore same one as neck gaiter + headband to 5-day music fest
- Travel Savior: Blocked airplane AC drafts, hotel pillow skepticism, pickpocket attempts (maybe?)
Cons
- Sizing Roulette: Original fits my melon head; CoolNet UV+ version slips constantly
- Washing Machine Roulette: Lost 2 to rogue dryer vents
- Fashion Risk: Wore ‘Desert Camo’ pattern to actual desert - got mistaken for tumbleweed
Real Talk: Who Actually Needs This?
Perfect For:
- Overpackers needing 18-in-1 gear
- Bald guys battling sunburn topography
- Festival-goers who think bandanas are “too mainstream”
Skip If:
- You think $25 is too much for something that’s “just fabric” (it’s not just fabric)
- Your outdoor activities consist of Ubering to rooftop bars
Hacks That Made My Life Better:
- Freezer Trick: Wet + 20 mins in cooler = nature’s AC
- Coffee Filter 2.0: Makes cowboy coffee less…chunky
- Relationship Test: Sharing a sweaty Buff = true love
The Verdict: Buy It, But Get Weird With It
After 4 years and 3 continents, my Buffs have:
- Touched more national parks than Ken Burns
- Been confiscated by TSA twice (apparently looks explosive when balled up)
- Outlasted 3 relationships and 1 pandemic
Value Score: 9/10 - Would be 10 if they made one that folds laundry
Final Thought: It’s not a perfect product - it’s a perfect companion. Treat it like duct tape with social skills.
User Testimonials
References
[1] BUFF Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of …
[2] Read Customer Service Reviews of buff.game | 5 of 283 - Trustpilot
[3] BUFF Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of …
[4] Is Buff Legit Or A Scam? (My Honest 2025 Review)
[5] No, Buff GG is Not Ultimately Worth It for Most Gamers
[6] Read 22 BUFF Game Reviews (2025) | buff.game reviews
[7] Activities With BUFF, and User Experience (UX) - Medium
[8] 2019 Recap & 2020 Buff updates!. 2019 is over and …
[9] What is Buff’s business model? - Vizologi
[10] BUFF CHENNAI CAMPUS - Shaping UI/UX Design Innovators
[11] All Down to User Experiences - Buff - Medium
[12] Buff Wraps Up an Epic 2024 – What a Year! - portal.buff.game