9 Best Neck Gaiters for Skiing & Snowboarding 2023 [+ Buying Guide]

There are a lot of neck gaiters on the market designed to keep your face and neck warm on those extra cold mornings and days when the temperature never gets above freezing.

Not all neck gaiters for snowboarding and skiing are created equal, and it’s hard to decide which one to try without some expert advice.

The good news is that we have personally tested these neck gaiters and many more that didn’t make the cut to see which ones are prepared to keep you warm and comfortable.

Best Overall Neck Gaiters for Skiing

• Overall Best Neck Gaiter for Skiing: Original Turtle Fur Fleece Neck Warmer
• Best Neck Warmer for Extreme Temperatures: Smartwool Neck Gaiter
• Best Neck Gaiter for Spring Skiing: Skida Tour Neckwarmer

9 Best Neck Gaiters for Skiing

The purpose of a neck gaiter is to keep you warm while you are out in the snow or even when the temperature drops. 

Another purpose is to prevent inhalation of snow, on those deep powder days.  

The best neck warmer for skiing is one made from breathable materials that are lightweight and have moisture-wicking properties. 

It needs to do all this without sacrificing comfort and insulation. 

Versatility is another significant factor when looking for the best neck gaiter for cold weather. 

There is no sense in spending good money on a piece of gear that can only be used in specific conditions.

1. Smartwool Merino 250 Neck Gaiter 

This Smartwool Neck Gaiter hit all the sweet spots for me. 

It is unbelievably soft because it is made from Merino wool while being just the right thickness to keep me warm. 

Another thing that I like about this neck gaiter is its versatility. 

I can use it as a neck warmer for skiing, and at the same time, I can use it as a scarf when the weather is chilly. 

This neck gaiter is a must-have for minimalist-minded people who want their gear to serve multiple purposes. 

The versatility of this product makes it stand up to its relatively high price point compared to others in the category. 

This easily takes the spot of the best wool neck gaiter for me as it is a thicker material than other lighter-weight Merino buffs, providing maximum protection from the elements.

Pros

• Soft and smooth to touch 
• Durable and does not stretch even after machine washing

Cons

• Tends to bunch up at the neck
• When it gets wet it loses it breathability

2. BUFF Original Multifunctional Headwear

My only problem with this product is that I can’t get enough of it. 

This Buff Headwear made it hard for me to choose just one way to use it, as it is incredibly versatile at providing several ways to keep me warm while also serving many other purposes. 

I used it as a bandana, a helmet liner, a scarf, and a hairband to keep my hair in place. 

This buff also comes in different colors and prints, which allowed me to match it with my snow gear. 

It also provided plenty of protection from the sun while efficiently managing moisture. 

Rarely does fashion come into play when functionality is the primary purpose, but it does with this Buff. 

The best feature of this headwear is that its microfiber material is made from recycled materials, including single-use plastics. 

This headwear will keep your neck and face warm while feeling good about buying this environmentally friendly product.

Pros

• Polyester microfiber made from recycled plastic
• It stretches easily but holds its shape
• Versatile

Cons

• Material is soft but thin 
• Quickly gets wet when snowboarding in slushy or rainy conditions

3. Original Turtle Fur Fleece Neck Warmer

This Turtle Fur Neck Warmer was a big surprise for me as it provided includible protection from the cold. 

I initially bought it with the idea that I could use it as an everyday neck warmer, but it proved wrong as it was too warm for moderately cold days on the slopes. 

It is extremely durable and warm enough for those days when the temperature drops way below freezing. 

I can confidently say this is the best fleece neck gaiter for cold weather that I’ve tried in this price range. 

Aside from its durability and the warmth it provides, you can just easily put it in your washing machine after using it. 

There are no detailed washing instructions, so it is fuss-free. 

Pros

• Super soft fleece material 
• Great at keeping you warm 

Cons

• It only comes in one size, so those with small heads might struggle with wearing it 

4. BUFF Lightweight Merino Wool Headwear

This BUFF Headwear truly delivered what it promised. 

It kept me warm while offering a high level of breathability. 

I can use it as a ski neck warmer or face covering when it gets cold, and I can also transform it into a bandana to protect me from the sun when the weather is warm. 

It is worth every penny I spent, even at this higher price point. 

Since it’s made of the finest Merino wool, it goes without saying that it has excellent moisture-wicking properties and odor resistance. 

The thickness of this buff is just enough to keep you warm on those moderately cold days on the slopes when you need some protection, especially in the chilly mornings before the sun starts to warm the mountain. 

It’s one of the best neck warmers for skiing that I recommend to every skier and snowboarder looking for face protection. 

Pros

• Great moisture-wicking properties
• Odor resistant

Cons

• The material is great, but the stitching can unravel
• Merino wool loses its breathability when it gets wet

5. BLACKSTRAP Hood Balaclava Face Mask

What makes this Blackstrap Balaclava great is its ergonomic and seamless design. 

I found it super easy to slip into this ski mask under my helmet, which made wearing it while snowboarding a lot more enjoyable. 

Balaclavas have a hooded design that stays in place and prevents having to pull the face mask up constantly. 

It also has 4-way stretch fabric with excellent moisture-wicking properties, so It kept my face and head dry even when I began to sweat on more challenging runs. 

It is also quick drying and machine wash friendly, which means that there are no long and intricate wash instructions that you usually find on high-quality fabrics. 

However, this is definitely the best neck balaclava for cold weather.

Pros

• Great moisture-wicking properties
• Provides amazing coverage

Cons

• If used as a half mask, it tends to slip off

6. Burton’s Hood

This hooded mask is the best purchase I’ve made for neck and face protection from the cold. 

This Burton Women’s Hood is made of the softest fleece and has chafe-free soft lock seams. 

This mask is made as much for comfort as it is for protection from the elements. 

Unlike most products in this category, you won’t want to take this one off the second you get off the slopes. 

It has a drawcord closure, which makes it easy to adjust the fit to almost any head or face size. 

This fleece hood is made with 100% recycled polyester, so it’s quick-drying and breathable.

This was a big win-win investment for me, and it’s the best neck gaiter with drawstring I’ve tried so far.

This is an excellent option if you’re looking for the best women’s neck gaiter for skiing.

Pros

• Drawstring closure makes it easy to adjust
• Breathable and super comfortable

Cons

• Can be a little bulky to fit under a ski helmet

7. Skida Tour Neckwarmer

The best thing about this neck warmer is it’s not too thick, which made it perfect to wear in the mornings on spring skiing days. 

This Skida Tour Neckwarmer is one of the best neck gaiters for snowboarding and skiing, and I found myself using it with me when went hiking and trail running on cold days. 

This versatility makes this neck cover a staple I take on all my outdoor adventures. 

This neck warmer can also be worn as a headband and headcover for warmer days when the temperature starts to rise. 

Its synthetic material has moisture-wicking properties and odor-resistant technology, which add to the value of this neck warmer. 

Pros

• Has moisture-wicking properties
• Odor resistant

Cons

• Not sufficient for extremely  cold temperatures

8. Burton CORA Neck Warmer for Women

This Burton Neck Warmer is made from 100% polyester, so it is breathable but still provides the warmth I needed for my skiing activities. 

Its soft lock seams are chafe-free, so despite wearing them for a long time during my last ski trip, they never caused hot spots or were ever abrasive on my face. 

I also found that this neck warmer is incredibly comfortable as it is made of a super plush fleece material made of 100% recycled polyester.

This fleece neck gaiter is not only odor resistant but also super easy to wash along with your regular clothes.

Pros

• Breathable but super warm
• It is a bit snug which helps it stay up on your face.

Cons

• It can be a little claustrophobic because of how it fits around the neck

9. Seirus Innovation Unisex Neofleece Combo Scarf

My favorite thing about Seirus Innovation Combo Scarf is it is both a face mask and neck warmer. 

It worked perfectly as a face covering while avoiding fogging my goggles when I wore it tight against my face. 

This was a huge lifesaver for me since we all know how hard it is to snowboard or ski with fogged-up goggles. 

This neofleece combo scarf is made of 100% polyester and has over 100 small holes, making this mask highly breathable.  

It even has a microfleece wicking lining that provides excellent insulation, which helps retain heat where it counts. 

But what sets it apart from other masks that I tried is that it fits easily with any hat, helmet, or headgear. 

This made it so I didn’t have to worry about buying different masks to cater to my different headgears.  

Pros

• Multipurpose and highly breathable 
• Can be easily stored

Cons

• This is not suitable for other activities like running or hiking
• Material is a little rough on the face

Things to Consider for Buying a Neck Gaiter for Skiing 

Material/Fabric 

There’s no hard and fast rule when choosing the best material or fabric for your neck gaiters.

There’s also no superior material that would fit everyone’s needs. 

What’s important is that you know your purpose and what you plan to use it for when its time to buy. 

If you plan to wear your neck gaiter for skiing or snowboarding, choose a material with good insulation and moisture-wicking properties such as merino wool. 

The fabric must not be too rigid as it should be stretchable but elastic enough to retain its shape.

For the environmentally conscious, there is the option of fleece, which is often made from recycled plastics. 

The key factors to consider when it comes to the fabric are breathability, lightweight, moisture-wicking, and warmth. 

If you’re sensitive to the cold, you can choose a double-layer gaiter instead of a single-layer one.

Style

What the product looks like might not be important for some, but colors, design, and style are part of the buying process for most. 

If you look good, you will also feel good, which for some means they with ski or ride better. 

Nowadays, there are a lot of choices on the market that offer high functionality and good style as well. 

Neck gaiters are used for warmth and comfort but it doesn’t hurt if it looks nice as well. 

Water Resistance

It goes without saying that water resistance is one of the most critical factors in choosing the best neck gaiters for skiing or snowboarding. 

You don’t want to be on the slopes having a hard time skiing because your neck gaiter is wet and not providing enough insulation for you. 

Many materials promise water resistance in their neck gaiters, but one cardinal rule to follow is always to avoid cotton.  

Versatility

Of course, we can’t leave this aspect out, especially when choosing neck gaiters. 

Versatility is an essential factor, and everyone loves a multi-functional clothing item, especially us outdoor gear geeks. 

The best neck gaiters are those that you can easily use for your skiing trip with friends, and at the same time, they can be used as good protection when you are out hiking in inclement conditions. 

Some neck gaiters can be used in different ways, such as a bandana, beanie, balaclava, and so much more. 

Fit 

For fit, find one that can be easily adjusted, like a neck gaiter with a drawstring. 

That way, you can easily tighten or loosen it so it stays on your face. The other option is to choose one that is made with spandex or any four-way stretch material.

Some neck gaiters only offer a one size fits all option.

Be sure to try it first since everyone has different head sizes, and it can be too tight or loose for you. 

Neck gaiters are usually eight to eleven inches in diameter, but this sizing is based on average head sizes. So, if you have a smaller head, find one that you can easily adjust.

• How do you keep your neck gaiter from falling down?
  To avoid a neck gaiter from constantly slipping, keep it stable by using a mask or cap. 

FAQs

Are neck gaiters good for skiing?

Yes, neck gaiters can keep you warm while skiing and add style to your skiing gear. Choose one that is designed for cold temperatures so that it fully serves its intended purpose. 

Some neck gaiters are made of thinner materials and meant to be used for hiking and running. 

How do I keep my neck warm while skiing?

You can keep your neck warm while skiing by adding a buff, neck warmer, neck gaiter, or a balaclava to your snow gear. 

The option you choose must be breathable, have moisture-wicking properties, and have enough protection to keep you warm. 

The material also plays a big factor in its functionality.

What is the best fabric for a neck gaiter?

Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, which is what fleece is made of, are a good option for skiing and snowboarding. 

Merino wool is the top choice for a natural fabric, but it is not a good option for wet conditions as it loses its breathability.

Wrap-Up: Best Neck Gaiters for Skiing 

We did the run-down for you in choosing the best neck gaiters for skiing. 

Choosing cold weather protection for your neck and face should not be a headache, so all you have to do is find one that perfectly fits your purpose and the material, fit, versatility, and style will just follow. 

We hope this list has helped you find the best neck gaiter for skiing or snowboarding. So it’s time to get out your ski gear and head to the slopes.

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