You may have noticed that we list Hoorag® Neck Gaiters on our list of all-around essential gear for everyday adventures. For the uninitiated who might view neck gaiters as either glorified scarves or a substitution for a face mask during the pandemic, this might seem strange. After all, why would anyone need a neck warmer during the summer?
The fact is, neck gaiters are a versatile article of clothing that’s incredibly useful for a variety of activities across all four seasons. Below, we explain what exactly a gaiter is, how a Hoorag® Neck Gaiter or Half Gaiter can benefit you in many ways, and the different ways they can be worn.
What is a Neck Gaiter?
A neck gaiter is a closed fabric tube designed to cover the wearer’s face and neck. Wyldr Hoorag® Gaiters are made of lightweight, recycled materials that are soft, breathable, and feel cool against your skin. They’re fast-drying and help wick moisture away from your flesh.
The Original Hoorag® Neck Gaiter is about 20 inches long and 9¼ inches wide, while the Hoorag® Half Gaiter is about 9¼ inches long and 9¼ inches wide. Both can be worn in a wide variety of ways.
What is the Purpose of a Neck Gaiter?
On seeing a neck gaiter, one’s first thought might be that they’re for keeping the neck warm. It’s true that even neck gaiters made of lightweight, breathable materials (such as the Hoorag®) can be hugely helpful in protecting the wearer from extreme cold. Hunters and fishermen will be the first to tout how much they appreciate being able to pull their neck gaiters over their noses and mouths on dark, chilly mornings. But neck gaiters have other benefits, too:
- As sun protection. The drawback to spending a lot of time outdoors (whether you’re gardening, hiking, golfing, fishing, etc.) is UV exposure. Sunscreen is essential in guarding your skin against harmful rays, but reapplying it continually can be a chore.
Wyldr’s Full and Half-Neck Hoorag® Gaiters are available in two fabrics, both of which offer built-in UV protection for additional coverage for your face and neck. The Original 2-Way Strech fabric is rated UPF30+ and blocks 96.6% of ultraviolet rays, while the Ultra-Life 4-Way Stretch fabric is rated UPF50+ and blocks 98% of UV rays.
- For comfort in different weather conditions. We already mentioned that neck gaiters can make you feel warmer, but they also provide a protective barrier between your skin and sharp winds that can leave your skin red and chapped. And while it may seem counterintuitive to put on an extra layer (however light) when it’s hot, keeping the sun off your skin is not only better for it, but can also help you to feel cooler. Plus, gaiters can be used to wick away perspiration, as well as rain and snow.
- As protection from bugs. Gaiters make it easier to go chemical-free when guarding against flying and crawling pests. Instead of applying an oily or smelly repellant, you can use your gaiter to protect your neck, face and scalp from mosquitoes, ticks, stinging insects and other creepy crawlies. (This is especially useful for gardeners.)
- As a helmet liner or hat holder. Gaiters make it easy to hold onto your hat! You won’t have to leave your cap behind on bright, windy days at the beach, in the mountains, or on the lake…simply pull your gaiter up over the hat to keep it in place. Also, when it comes to a hard bicycle or horseback riding helmet, gaiters worn underneath can add a layer of comfort and protection from irritating sweat.
- To increase visibility. On humid or foggy days, gaiters are a boon to glasses-wearers. The moisture-wicking fabric helps keep your skin dry so your specs don’t get steamy, and helps to reduce glare.
- As protection from airborne irritants. While the pandemic raised questions over a gaiter’s effectiveness in protection from airborne viruses, there’s no disputing that gaiters can be hugely helpful in protecting the wearer from dust, smoke or sand. Whether you’re working on a home project or walking on the beach, a properly worn gaiter will keep your nose and mouth clear.
How to Wear a Neck Gaiter
Neck gaiters can be worn in many different ways and for many different activities, such as boating, cycling, fishing, hiking, running, and skiing. For example, you can use a neck gaiter as a hairband, an armband for your phone, or to keep your hat from flipping up.
In addition to wearing a gaiter as a simple neckerchief, you can also use it in a variety of ways to suit your preferred activity. Here are just a few options:
- As a face mask. Perfect for windy beach days, around a smoky firepit, or while cleaning a dusty attic.
- As a beanie. This method adds a soft, absorbent layer under a cycling or other type of helmet.
- As a “Sahara.” Ideal for keeping the sun off your head while hiking or working out of doors.
- As a headband. Keeps the sweat from running into your eyes while exercising.
- As a hair accessory. Available in a variety of attractive colors and patterns, your Hoorag® can serve as a fashion accessory when used as a ponytail holder or an Alice band.
- As a hood or balaclava. Great for keeping your neck, head and/or part of your face protected from sun and wind as much or as little as you like.
For demos on how to use your Hoorag® Neck Gaiter in the above and other ways, check out our online video: How to Wear a Wyldr Hoorag®.
Hoorag® Neck Gaiters are an Essential Addition to your Wardrobe
Useful in so many ways, Hoorag® Neck Gaiters can be a game-changer as part of your outdoor gear no matter what season it is…and they take up very little space, too. Comfortable, versatile, and environmentally friendly, they’re the type of item that, once you start using one, you’ll wonder how you managed without it for so long. Neck gaiters also make a great gift!
SHOP Wyldr Hoorag® Neck Gaiters>>
