In this side-by-side product review Outside Pursuits leads you through everything you need to know in order to pick the best neck warmer, gaiter or neck tube for your specific needs and winter weather conditions.

We’ll take a look at what makes the best neckwarmer and what to avoid. Also see How To Choose The Best Neck Warmer, Gaiter or Neck Tube  later in the article. So, what is the best neck warmer or gaiter?

Best Neck Warmers and Gaiters

	Smartwool Merino 250 Neck Gaiter	Turtle Fur Heavyweight Fleece Neck Warmer	WoolX Unisex Merino Wool Neck Gaiter For Men & Women
Material/Fabric	100% Merino Wool	100% acrylic, classic fleece: Turtle Fur	100% Merino Wool
Sizing	One size fits most	One size fits most	One size fits most
Special Features	Double layer interlock knit for warmth, moisture wicking, itch resistant	Double layered heavyweight warmth, softest and warmest fleece available.	Double layer mid-weight, moisture wicking, retains warmth, itch resistant
Customer Ratings	4.8 / 5	4.4 / 5	4.2 / 5

Also see: Neck Warmers Comparison Table

Quick Answer: The 5 Best-Rated Neck Warmers and Gaiters – 2021

Whatever your cold-weather activities may be, there is a solution for protecting your neck from the elements. Here are our choices for the 5 best neck gaiters for cold weather.

1. Smartwool Merino 250 Neck Gaiter
2. Original Turtle Fur Fleece – The Turtle’s Neck, Heavyweight Neck Warmer
3. WoolX Unisex Merino Wool Neck Gaiter For Men & Women
4. Columbia Men’s Fast Trek Neck Gaiter
5. Under Armour Women’s Storm Fleece Gaiter

Neck Warmers and Gaiters Reviews

#1 Smartwool Merino 250 Neck Gaiter

The Smartwool Merino 250 Neck Gaiter is our Editor’s Choice for the best neck gaiter for cold weather. Merino wool handles moisture better and, is more breathable, than any other fiber. Additionally, it is extremely resilient and strong.

A single fiber of wool can be twisted and stretched more than 30,000 times, without becoming damaged. And because of the natural crimps in wool, it has a built-in elasticity, adding to its resilience.

Smartwool Merino 250 Neck Gaiters can be washed on a gentle cycle with warm water and mild detergent. You can tumble dry on low heat, but it is recommended to hang dry whenever possible.

May use cool iron if needed. Or, dry cleaning is an excellent option.

Merino wool also causes little to no itching, due to the finer, softer fibers. Manufactured using an interlocking double layer, this gaiter neck warmer provides you with maximum warmth.

Because the merino neck gaiter naturally keeps moisture away from your skin. It further aids in body heat retention.

We truly believe this to be the best neck gaiter for snowboarding, skiing, cold weather cycling neck warmer and more!

#2 Original Turtle Fur Fleece – The Turtle’s Neck, Heavyweight Neck Warmer

Thick, ultra-soft, and comfortable warmth comes to you with the Original Turtle Fur Fleece neck warmer. Unlike most fleece neck gaiters, this is made of 100% acrylic, rather than polyester.

This is THE original turtle fur classic fleece, and remains the warmest and best seller in its category.

This plush and stylish neck warmer comes in a wide array of color options. One size will fit most, including: adults, teens, and juniors.

It provides superior warmth along with breathability and moisture wicking properties. Those of you who have wool allergies will surely appreciate this product.

Enjoy the ease of machine washing and drying. This fleece neck warmer is stated to be colorfast, however, avoid washing in hot water, as that can cause some bleeding to occur, based on our research. Dry on low or medium heat, for best results.

Upon initial use, there were some reports of loose fibers, left behind from the manufacturing process. We suggest running it through your dryer on the air-dry cycle for at least 10 minutes, to remove these loose fibers and prevent having them stick to your lips, skin, or clothing when in use.

The Original Turtle Fur Fleece neck gaiter is one of the best neck tubes for hiking, snowboarding, and for a cycling neck warmer, just to name a few.

#3 WoolX Unisex Merino Wool Neck Gaiter for Men & Women

 The WoolX Unisex Merino Wool Neck Gaiter is a wonderful addition to your winter wardrobe. This neck warmer really retains your body heat, even if it gets wet, so you can participate in winter activities, without suffering from exposure to the elements.

This versatile, premium quality product, can be worn as a scarf, facemask, ear-warmers, and headband too! It’s not only stylish, but comes in a multitude of color choices, as well.

This particular merino wool neck gaiter offers a double layer of material for exceptional warmth and has a moisture wicking ability. What’s more, it is specially manufactured to be itch resistant, unlike many woolen fabrics.

Surprisingly, the WoolX gaiter also offers the rare benefit of being able to launder it in your washer and dryer without the worry of having it shrink!

So, this one size fits most neckwarmer will continue to fit you, wash after wash. This is the perfect choice for a motorcycle neck tube/warmer.

#4 Columbia Men’s Fast Trek Neck Gaiter

 The Columbia Sportswear Thermarator Neck Gaiter is 100% polyester and offers the patented Omni-Heat reflective lining.

The lining has silver/metallic looking dots, which is the reflective (heat preserving) feature of the lining design. This soft fleece neck gaiter is available in black, navy, and marine blue. One size fits most.

If you need even more facial warmth, this winter neck gaiter offers plenty of length to allow you to pull it up to just under the eye area, and has a draw-string included to help keep it in place.

To preserve the integrity of the liner, fabric, color and size, it would be best to hand wash with mild detergent in cool or warm water, and allow to line dry.

The Thermarator Neck Gaiter is designed for both men and women who are seeking the best neck gaiter for winter activities.

#5 Under Armour Women’s Storm Fleece Gaite

 This men’s neck warmer is made from 100% polyester fabric, enhanced with UA’s patented “Storm Finish” to repel rain and snow.

Additionally, the breathable fabric is moisture wicking and fast drying, to help keep your neck and face dry and toasty warm; even in wet, cold weather. One size fits most adults and it’s available in black 001/black.

The Under Armour Men’s Storm Elements Gaiter can be worn to protect only your neck, or can be pulled up to protect you from the nose down.

The built-in draw-string helps prevent it from slipping out of place when used to protect the face and ears in addition to the neck.

Because this is made from 100% polyester, care should be used when cleaning. It is preferable to clean it by hand-washing with a very mild detergent in cool or warm water.

Smooth out & allow to line dry. This protects the fabrics integrity, prevents shrinking, and maintains color quality longer.

If you must launder, wash with mild detergent on a gentle cycle using cold or warm water. Never use hot water or bleach. Air fluff or hang to dry to prevent shrinkage.

The UA Men’s Storm Elements Gaiter is the best neck gaiter for cold, wet weather, to help keep you warm and dry.

Neck Warmers & Gaiters – Comparison Table

How To Choose The Best Neckwarmer, Gaiter or Neck Tube

People have busy lives these days, and we understand that better than most people would! You have your work responsibilities, home upkeep, household chores, and family obligations to keep up on.

When you make up your mind that it is time to enjoy life a bit, and hit the slopes, take a hike in nature, work in cold temperatures or whatever it is you outdoors in the colder times; the last thing you need to do is spend hours researching how to do so comfortably.

So, we have taken the guesswork out of it for you by providing you with our own research results. Thus, saving your precious free time for you to enjoy! Read on to see what our research and testing of the best neck gaiters for winter, revealed.

As summer comes to a close and the cooler weather of Fall and Winter creeps up on us, we need to start seriously thinking about preparing for the harsher seasons ahead.

Some of the best products out there to help ensure our comfort and warmth, are neck warmers and winter neck gaiters.

They are available in both men’s and women’s styles, and will be an affordable addition to your wardrobe, you’ll be happy you chose to add! Here are the most important considerations when making a purchase decision.

Cleaning & Care

Be sure to read over the provided product reviews for the cleaning/care requirements for the various neck gaiter products, so if you may want one that offers ease of cleaning, you can narrow down your choices based on the details provided.

Allergies

If you have an allergy to Lanolin, be sure to choose one the synthetic ski neck warmer selections. Lanolin is an oil like substance found in wool, therefore you will likely have an allergy to wool as well.

Frequency of Use

If you will be using a neck tube/neck gaiter on a daily basis or several days a week, consider purchasing a merino wool neck warmer scarf/tube, such as our Editor’s Choice. Wool tends to be more durable and may offer more stretch/flexibility than other materials might.

Weather Conditions

If you anticipate the presence of a lot of rain or snow in your outdoor activities, such as; running in the winter or on a cold rainy day, we recommend considering the Under Armour Men’s Storm Elements Gaiter. This product offers a “storm finish” which repels water, making it the best running neck warmer selection.

Color Options

If color and style are features you desire in a neck gaiter, check out our reviews: #2 & #3 above, as they offer an excellent selection based on that criteria.

You may have some questions, as many folks do, that you would like to have answered prior to purchasing your ski neck gaiter or neck-warmer.

Therefore, we have addressed the most frequently asked questions, and provided the answers, in hopes that we have hit on any questions you may have.

Our goal is to assist you in choosing the right neck gaiter for your specific needs, the first time.

FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will these “one size fit most” snowboarding gaiters fit my children? 

A: It depends. If your children are teens or juniors, chances are they will. But for smaller and younger children, they most likely would be too large and bulky to fit well. However, if you need further assistance

with finding the right neck warmer or gaiter for your younger child, feel free to contact us for assistance. We are more than happy to assist you!

Q: Will I have to wear something under my wool neck warmer to prevent it from itching and irritating my skin?

 A: No, typically this isn’t a problem, as the wool used to manufacture these winter neck warmers is “merino wool” which comes from the Merino Sheep breed. Their wool is much finer than other types of wool,

so the wool fibers tend to be much softer bend rather than irritating and prickly.

 Q: Does the fleece neck warmer scarf tend to “shed”?

A: In our research, we have come across mention of fleece shedding occurring, resulting in fleece fibers sticking to other clothing, and even the people’s lips, and skin of the face and neck. One that I tested

produced some light shedding. It is simply a result of the fabric cutting during manufacturing leaving snippets of the strands behind. To prevent your fleece neck gaiter from  “shedding” onto you and your

clothing, we suggest you place your new neck warmer in the dryer on the “air dry” cycle for about 10 minutes. This should remove any loose strands or fibers from the fleece neck gaiter.

Q: Are the neck warmers long enough to cover my face from just below the eyes, down?

 A: In many cases, yes. But this can depend on how long neck warmer is to begin with, and also the size and width of your neck and face.

Q: Which winter neck gaiter material is more durable, the fleece or the merino wool?

 A: Most likely, with proper care, the merino wool will tend to be the longer lasting material.

Helpful Tips

1. When laundering your ski neck gaiter, be sure to set your machine to a gentle cycle using the cold or warm water setting. To dry, it is recommended that you hang your gaiter flat/smooth and allow it to air
   dry, especially if it is wool. Otherwise, dry on a gentle setting at low heat. Using a cook iron as needed. You may also wish to choose to have your wool neck warmer dry cleaned.

2. The Merino wool is a great choice for those who tend to work up a sweat, even when it’s cold outside, as it helps prevent odors by absorbing and expelling the moisture from your skin.

3. When selecting a neck tube/warmer for a younger or small child, avoid the “one size fits most” neck warmers, and buy one made especially for smaller children.

4. If you have an allergy to Lanolin, do not select a neck warmer made from wool. Lanolin is a naturally occurring oil found in the wool from sheep.

5. For quick details on the 5 best neck warmers and gaiters, you can take a look at the comparison chart we have included in this buying guide for your convenience.

Enjoy the many opportunities for outdoor winter fun! This year, rather than hibernating indoors, gear up to enjoy the outdoor fun that only winter offers. You are now armed with the information you need to help stave off the bite of Old Man Winter.

Be it snowboarding, skiing, hunting, hiking, ice fishing, or downhill sledding, you can enjoy any cold weather activities you wish to, without worrying about the frostbite nipping at your nose or neck! Here’s wishing that you stay safe, have a blast, and stay warm.

Thanks for reading The 5 Best Neck Warmers and Gaiters. We hope this article has helped you to discover the best choice for a winter neckwarmer to meet your needs and types of winter activities. You might also be interested in our informative article entitled, Winter Clothing Materials and Fabrics.

MORE WINTER GEAR  HEATED GLOVES | DOWN JACKETS | FLEECE JACKETS | BASE LAYERS | BEANIES | WINTER GLOVES | WATERPROOF BOOTS | NECK WARMERS & GAITERS | HEATED JACKETS | HARDSHELL JACKETS | SOFTSHELL JACKETS | WINDBREAKERS | ICE FISHING BOOTS | WINTER HATS | WINTER SOCKS

How We Researched

To come up with the best neck warmers and gaiters, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as REI, Backcountry, Moosejaw, EVO along with our own personal experience.

We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options were for the price. The author, Richard Moore is an outdoors enthusiast who loves to explore the great outdoors no matter what the weather conditions are. He has hiked at high altitudes and during the winter in cold regions, so he knows how uncomfortable a cold neck can be.

To help narrow down the selection he used his personal experience along with recommendations from fellow outdoor adventurers.

After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.

Sources