UV Buff headwear

Every once in a while, we come across a piece of gear that makes us laugh for its—well, let's call it—ingenuity. We've seen it all: a battery-operated, air-conditioned t-shirt, a fleece bra and underwear set, a snot wipe rag (not kidding). When a box of Buffs—tube-top-shaped headwear garments—arrived at our office, the initial reaction was a blend of skepticism and curiosity.

"Is that a mini skirt?" one intern asked me. "Or a baggy arm warmer?"

First, a description: A Buff is a tube of fabric about 20 inches long, eight inches wide, roughly the size of two license plates sewn together. It's

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headgear that can be worn in a whopping 12 different styles, from the traditional (beanie, scarf, head band, balaclava) to the creative (bonnet, pirate).

These crafty headpieces were first made in Barcelona over a decade ago, were imported to the US in 2003, and now sold in 40 different countries. If you've heard of them before, it's probably because you've seen contestants on Survivor wearing them in bright, tropical-inspired patterns. When I first saw the Buff, I immediately lumped it into the same category as the snot rag—an eccentric piece of gear that I'd never actually need.

Now, a true confession: Not only do I use the Buff on a semi-regular basis, but I actually like the Buff. I'd almost go as far to say that I am somewhat dependent on the Buff, or at least I rely on them the same way I rely on the socks I got for Christmas last year that have pockets for your toes.

On chilly morning runs, I wear the Buff (in the beanie or ear-muff style). It's made from a breathable, Coolmax fabric that blocks 95 percent of UV rays. Occasionally, I sport the Buff under my ski helmet (again, in the beanie style), and it keeps me warm without overheating. It also doubles as a goggle cleaner when stored in the pocket of your jacket, and, believe it or not, a machine washable, quick-drying hanky for blowing your nose.

The Buff isn't exactly a necessary item, but I dare you to bring it on your next long drive or camping trip and try to find at least five purposes for it. Whether you wear it as a bonnet or clean your windows or dishware with it, I guarantee you'll put it to use.

I even wore the Buff as a headband while cleaning my house, because I wanted to keep my hair out of my face. I haven't tried it in the pirate style yet, but maybe I'll wait for next Halloween to do that.

UV Buff, $20; Original Buff, $18.50; buff.us

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