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My Favorite Piece of Gear I’ll Never Travel Without
After years of backpacking, thru-hiking, road-tripping, and spontaneous one-way flights, there’s one piece of gear I never leave behind: my Buff — a simple, stretchy tube of fabric that somehow does everything.
Why I Love It:
- Versatility: It’s a scarf, a headband, a sunshade, a sleep mask, a pot grabber, and even a mini towel in a pinch.
- Weight & Size: Weighs almost nothing. Takes up less space than a sock.
- Style: Comes in a hundred patterns and colors, so you can express yourself on trail (or just hide bedhead).
How I’ve Used It:
- Covered my face in a sandstorm in the Sahara.
- Kept sunburn off my neck while kayaking in Thailand.
- Filtered dust and smoke from wildfires on the PCT.
- Tied ice in it to cool down in the Grand Canyon.
- Pulled it over my eyes to sleep in noisy hostels.
Honestly, it’s the gear I recommend to everyone — newbies and pros alike.
Pro Tip: Bring two. One for your head/neck, and a backup in your cook kit or first aid bag. You’ll always find a new use.
It’s funny how the simplest things end up being the most valuable. The Buff is my travel sidekick — and I’d feel weird starting a trip without it.
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