Gear Roundup: The Buff Pack Run Cap

The shorts that I managed to comfortably fit this hat into the pocket of.

Disclaimer: I received an Buff Pack Run Cap to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!

You may have noticed from my photos that I pretty much always have either a hat or sunglasses on when I’m running – heck, sometimes both – regardless of the season. I am for sure a person that prefers the sun to be kept out of my face, since I burn after about two seconds of sun shine. When Dad and I head out for long runs (where he bikes along with me), he even brings along sunscreen so I can re-apply mid run. I am serious about my sun protection!

Most of running hats that I have acquired over the years are from various races, and are more focused on the race itself over their functionality as a running hat, so I was eager to get my hands on a Buff Pack Run Cap when they came to the BibRave Pro program, especially because I loved the headband that I got from them last fall.

When I got my package in the mail containing my hat, I was shocked at how light the hat was! It is a normal size hat but felt like I was practically holding nothing (something I texted at least 5 people about upon discovering, because I just thought it was so cool!). Plus, the design I got has fun, bright colors, which is always a plus in my book. The hat is adjustable, and there is a bungee with a part that holds the size setting.

 Of course, I had to coordinate an equally bright outfit to match my hat and set everything out for my run the next day. I had to adjust the hat a little bit to get the sizing right, but then I was good to go for the rest of the run. It was so light that I honestly forgot it was on my head at times, and I did not have to adjust it as I ran, like I have to with many of my other hats. It was a humid day, and the hat even helped with keeping sweat from dripping into my eyes – it is made from moisture wicking materials which is a nice feature.

 There was one day I headed out to run, and the wind picked up so much while I was out that I started to worry that my hat was going to blow off my head – so I decided to try the “pack” part of the Buff pack run cap, and folded it up and tucked it into the tiny zipper pocket on my running shorts, and was pleased to find it was easy to fold got very tiny. Plus, when I pulled it out of my pocket at the end of the run, the hat happily popped back into its intended shape.

 Also, remember how I mentioned my commitment to sun protection at the beginning of the post? Well this hat is made from UPF materials, for extra protection from the suns rays.

 This hat has been the one that I grab every time I need a hat for my runs since I got it, and I keep considering ordering a second one so I have more color choices!

 If you decide you want to try one out for yourself, visit https://buffusa.com/bibrave and sign up for emails to receive 15% off of your purchase.

Gear Roundup: BUFF® Tech Fleece Headband

Disclaimer: I received a BUFF® Tech Fleece Headband to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!

As the temperature drops and we head into winter, I add layers to my running outfits. I move from shorts to leggings, from t-shirts to long sleeve shirts, and then start adding a vest or a jacket to my ensemble as the winter gets colder.

But before I even increase the length of my pants or transition to long sleeves, I pull out my two mandatory pieces of winter gear – a headband that covers my ear and a pair of gloves. My current favorite running gloves, which I have mentioned in blog posts before, are a pair of brooks gloves that have a mitten option that pops out of a pocket (they are an older model, but closest to the “nightlife” glove that they currently sell). 

As for headbands, I have a little more of a collection. My go to has been a newbalance one that I bought with the NYC marathon logo on it in 2017, and then I have two other ones that float around. Point is, I am a fan of headbands that can keep my ears cozy when I run. 

When BibRave opened up an opportunity to test a Buff tech fleece headband, I signed up to give one a try. My headband arrived in the mail about a week later, and I was excited to try it out! The first things that I noticed about the headband were that the material was much thinner than other headbands I have, and the inside was so soft! The headband is supposed to be wind resistant, and since I was set to volunteer at a race that was going to be cold and windy I thought it would be perfect to try out the next morning.

The Buff website lists the product details for this headband, and it includes that the headband is made of stretchy polyester elastane with a soft brushed fleece inside. It is also moisture wicking, quick drying, and breathable – I have had issues with other headbands winding up soaked through with sweat in cold weather, so this was another feature I was looking forward to testing. 

The first day I wore the headband, it stayed in place and kept me warm as I ran around performing various volunteer duties. It was so windy that day that the finish line chute had to be assembled last minute so that it wouldn’t blow away, and despite all that windiness my ears stayed warm – which I took as a “check” in wind resistant column. 

About a week passed before it was cold enough on a morning run to warrant a headband, but was soon as the temps dropped into the 40s, I put my new headband on as I headed out the door.

The headband was so comfortable, that I almost forgot I was wearing it! With other headbands I sometimes have the issue that I sweat through it, and then I am very aware of how cold the air is as the white headband sits on my ears. But with my new buff tech fleece headband I never had that issue. I am looking forward to more miles with my headband as the winter continues to get colder. I am confident it will keep my ears warm and keep me comfortable for many miles.

If you’re interested in trying out your own Buff Tech fleece headband, head to www.buffusa.com/bibrave and sign up for their emails for a 15% off coupon code! Let me know what you think of your new headband too – because I am guessing you’ll love it as much as I do once you feel the softness of the fleece.