Accessories like hats and gloves might get more attention, but ignoring your neck protection in hot or cold weather alike can be a recipe for unhealthy sun exposure or bone-chilling drafts. The humble neck gaiter, in its many iterations, is a versatile solution to this problem. Made from a range of wicking, insulating materials from polyester to fleece to Merino, these simple tubes sit at (or right underneath) the collar of your jacket or shirt, sealing the gap where wind, sun, or snow can hit bare skin and send shivers down your spine.
We tested a variety of neck gaiters, including lightweight options designed for warm-weather sun protection, dual-layer fleece gaiters made for the ski hill, and versatile offerings that can be worn as a hat, mask, or balaclava. These are our top-rated neck gaiters for 2025.
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This versatile neck gaiter has it all: it’s lightweight, moisture-wicking, antimicrobial, and the longest style we tested. This means you can wear it pulled up over your face, wrapped around your head like a balaclava, or doubled over as an ear warmer. The antimicrobial materials also help ward off odors, which is helpful when we have it pulled over our mouth for extra warmth. We wore this during our daily 5-mile bike commutes and appreciated that it was extra long for more layering, but snug enough that it didn’t fall down when we pulled it up over our face.
The Details: One size | 19 inches long | Polyester and elastane
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This has been our go-to neck gaiter for skiing for the past few years. It has the perfect mid-weight feel — not too heavy, but warm enough for cold days — and we use it during the peak of winter as well as spring skiing thanks to the mid-weight fabric and breathable, moisture-wicking material. We’ve worn this on every ski day for the past few years and did not notice any real wear and tear, and it doesn’t even seem too gross after a long day on the slopes. Turtle Fur uses their own proprietary material for an incredibly soft next-to-skin feel that holds up well over extended seasons of use.
The Details: One size | Acrylic fleece
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We used this wide Merino neck gaiter during cold hikes and snowy days in New York City. Made with 85 percent Merino with added structural support and stretch from polyester and elastane, this gaiter is soft and warm and benefits from the odor resistance of natural fibers. This gaiter is double-layered and stitched back for more durability, and we love that the wider shape allows it to be used comfortably as a headband or ear warmer without pressure points. It also gets bonus points for looks — it doesn’t appear too athletic, which made us feel comfortable wearing it with nicer outerwear. Just note that if you’re wearing it as a neck warmer, it’s going to feel a bit on the loose side.
The Details: One size | Merino, nylon, and elastane
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We started testing this neck gaiter this past winter, and have really enjoyed wearing it on the ski slopes in a variety of weather conditions. It also works well as a cross-country ski accessory thanks to the lighter materials that work perfectly for high-output activities. The giater washes well on a gentle spin cycle (we air-dried it to be careful) and it came out soft and smelling fresh.
The fabric feels more stretchy than others we tried, making it a great option for running and winter cycling as well. We also love the fun patterns and fabrics, and it dries fast after getting damp. Finally, this has UV protection, making it a good option for warm-weather pursuits as well.
The Details: One size | 10 inches long | Recycled polyester and elastane
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While this gaiter is suitable for keeping you warm in the cold, we also love that it’s lightweight and breathable enough to keep you cool when you start to sweat. We’ve also submerged this Buff in rivers and streams before putting it back on for a refreshing break from stifling heat.
The polyester-elastane blend is soft, yet stretchy, and we had no trouble pulling this on overhead even when wearing glasses and hats. The gaiter also sports a seamless design without tags, so there is nothing to cause chafing, scratches, or other irritantions, so you can wear this for long periods without really thinking about its positioning.
The Details: One size | Polyester and elastane
How We Tested
We tested seven neck gaiters while hiking, skiing, and walking through the snow to determine the best options for any traveler. Upon receiving each gaiter, we analyzed its materials, tag placement, design, and stretch. Before heading outside, we wore each gaiter around the house to ensure it was comfortable and fit well for our needs.
Heading out onto hiking trails, ski slopes, and sightseeing tours, we put on our neck gaiters to get the right placement, making note of any irritations or chafing. As we wore the gaiters, we took note of any sweaty spots, uncomfortable drafts, and any other component that affected our comfort and support. After wearing each neck gaiter, we washed and dried them following manufacturer instructions and noted if they stretched out, shrunk, or seemed to lose any quality.
Tips for Buying Neck Gaiters
Think about seasonality
Neck gaiters can we worn year round, but the materials, protection, and insulation level vary. If you’re aiming for a warm-weather neck gaiter, look for lighter materials that wick sweat and breathe well. Bonus points if they come with UPF sun protection, and our favorite models work well when you dunk them in cold water and use them as a cooling unit around your neck. For cold-weather use like Nordic skiing, downhill skiing, or winter hiking, look for heavier Merino, gridded fleece, or thicker materials that insulate and keep the cold away from your neck and down your collar.
Get the right fit
Most gaiters have a fairly standard fit that shouldn’t be too tight that you feel restricted or wide enough to let in drafts. Look for a neck gaiter that seals off most air gaps, but doesn’t feel like it’s putting pressure on your neck. Longer neck gaiters can be doubled over or scrunched down to provide extra coverage without letting air through. If you’re planning to wear this as an ear warmer or headband, we recommend a shorter style that won’t put too much pressure around your temples.
Look for versatility
Many gaiters, whether they’re super long or on the shorter side, can be used for a variety of purposes. Longer gaiters can be tied up into a beanie or wrapped around the bottom of your face as a balaclava. We also love pulling them up over our nose for windy lift rides. Shorter gaiters can be used as headbands and ear warmers, then pulled down around your neck to keep drafts out of your jacket collar.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What material is best for a neck gaiter?
This depends on when you want to wear it. We appreciate wicking materials that breathe well and resist odor buildup. This can be either synthetic or natural fibers, it just depends on your preferences. Our favorite synthetic gaiters are made with polyester and elastane blends for wicking and stretch, or lofted into polyester fleece for insulation. Our favorite natural fibers include Merino wool and the less common alpaca wool.
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Do cooling neck gaiters really work?
Absolutely! These speciality ultralight gaiters are made with lightweight synthetic and mesh materials, and can help drop your body temperature during hot hikes, beach days, or yard work sessions. Just dunk it in cold water and the evaporative cooling works by drawing sweat and heat away from your skin as the water releases from the gaiter.
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What is the difference between a neck gaiter and a balaclava?
While some long neck gaiters can be twisted into a face-covering like a balaclava, their primary purpose is protecting your neck area. A neck gaiter is a long tube of material (often multipurpose) and a balaclava looks more like a hood and can be used as a hat, neck warmer, and face mask all at once. They sometimes feature a hinged lower portion you can pull down under your chin and up over your nose as well.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Maggie Slepian is a Montana-based writer and editor with a decade of professional gear-testing experience in the outdoor world. She is an avid backpacker, bikepacker, and skier, and wears a range of apparel and accessories both for technical use as well as gear testing. To compile this list, she evaluated T+L’s testing insights and utilized her own experience with backcountry accessories and neck gaiters in all four seasons.
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