8 Best Neck Gaiters & Warmers for Skiing

Skiing is a sport that takes you into some of the chilliest climates on Earth. As such, you always need to ensure you’re bundled up when hitting the slopes. There are many ways to make that happen, and some skiers enjoy using a neck gaiter or warmer to better keep the chill off.

I’ve been an avid skier since I was a kid. And I’ve learned how to stay warm and comfortable in all types of winter conditions over the years. I know what to look for in a good neck gaiter and warmer and will share that with you here. 

The ibex Indie Quick Link is my top pick for the best overall neck gaiter and warmer of the season. This is a simple solution to a common problem – keeping your face warm when the weather gets bad.

There are many options out there when it comes to neck warmers and gaiters. But not all of them are great. In this post, I’ll show you only the top models so you can find one that best meets your needs or preferences out in the snow. 

Let’s get started. 

Who Should Get This

Regardless of skill level or ability, any skier can enjoy a well-made neck warmer. Unlike a jacket or boot that can only be worn in one way, gaiters can be used in many different conditions. 

Some people wear them on their necks in frigid temperatures, while others pull them over their heads like a balaclava or fold them into a headband. They can suit any environment. They can also be used for other activities off the snow. 

However, the clothing items are best suited for those who often find themselves in harsh or unforgiving weather. They can also help provide protection from the sun on those bright, sunny bluebird ski days. 

A neck warmer is fine for a warmer day, especially when folded into a sun-blocking bandana, but they are best used when temperatures get extremely low, and the snow starts to dump down on the mountain.

Best Neck Gaiter & Warmer for Skiing Reviewed

Here are all of my top picks for the best neck gaiters and warmers of the season. Every option you see here comes highly recommended and will work well on the mountain. 

1. Top Choice: ibex Indie Quick Link

• Key features: Durable, non-itch, moisture-wicking, breathable, thermoregulating, excellent construction
• Materials: 100% Merino Wool
• Warmth: Excellent 
• Cost: $$$

The ibex Indie Quick Link is a very high-quality gaiter that is very easy to get used to. It has all the features you want out of neck gaiter or warmer, including supreme comfort, tons of warmth, and lasting durability. 

It’s made entirely of Merino wool, so you know it will be warm and comfortable. And if you think this will make it itchy on your face, it won’t. This is one of the softest options out there, and you can wear it all day long without any issues. 

The Indie Quick Link is also very breathable, so you don’t need to worry about getting too stuffy if you work up a sweat. It will dry out quickly, so you can stay ready for action. This makes it very versatile to use all season long. 

It can have somewhat of a slim fit and is a bit expensive for a gaiter, but those are minor complaints for how high-quality of an option this one is. It will last for years of regular use, and that makes the higher price easy to justify. 

==> You can get it on Ibex.

2. Best Overall: Dakine Prowler

• Key features: Comfortable, effective, good fit, stretch, durable, multiple color options
• Materials: Polyester 
• Warmth: Medium 
• Cost: $

The Dakine Prowler is my pick for the best overall neck gaiter and warmer of the season. This is a simple but very effective option that will meet the needs of most skiers. It’s a reliable option that is highly recommended. 

The Prowler has a simple one-piece neck tube design that gets the job done right. You can easily keep it in your pocket until the weather gets bad, or wear it around your neck and pull it up for quick convenience. 

It has a double-lined construction that gives you excellent protection from the elements without being too bulky. This also leads to a very nice fit and feel that won’t be too tight or stuffy to wear at any point during the season. 

I don’t have many negative remarks to mention with this model, and I think it’s really effective. It’s not super thick, so you might want a warmer option on extremely cold days.  

==> You can also get it on Backcountry or PRFO or Sport Chek.

3. Best Warmth: Turtle Fur Fleece The Turtle’s Neck

• Key features: Well insulated, comfortable, lightweight, soft, durable
• Materials: Acrylic 
• Warmth: High  
• Cost: $$ 

If you are looking for a very warm option, the Turtle Fur Fleece The Turtle’s Neck is my recommended pick. This thick model will effectively keep out frigid winds and excess snow. 

It’s made of a soft acrylic fabric that delivers a serious layer of insulation around your face while staying comfortable and lightweight along the way. 

You’ll also benefit from a double layer construction that works to add another effective layer of insulation to keep you warm. It’s also very durable and will last for many seasons of continued use. 

I also like that it comes in several different color options, so you can easily match it to your on-snow style. 

The only improvement I think the Turtle’s Neck needs is a longer design – it’s a little short.    

==> You can also get it on Turtle Fur.

4. Best Comfor: Dymex Winter Neck Gaiter

• Key features: Soft, comfortable, warm, durable, stretchy 
• Materials: Synthetic 
• Warmth: High 
• Cost: $$ 

The Dymex Winter Neck Gaiter is a very comfortable option that will provide you with an easy-to-wear experience. 

It has a soft construction made of synthetic fleece that feels like a blanket on your face. If you like a more cushiony fit, this one is for you. It’s also long enough to cover your entire face and neck. 

This one is also built with some spandex to give it extra stretch. That means it can pull over your face and head very naturally and won’t feel tight. 

The fleece material can attract snow to stick on really heavy days, so you might look like a snowman after a while.  

==> You can also get it on Walmart.

5. Most Versatile: BUFF Original 

• Key features: Versatile use, durable, comfortable, many color options, easy to wash 
• Materials: Polyester 
• Warmth: Medium  
• Cost: $$ 

The BUFF Original is a favorite amongst many people for its versatility. If you want a neck warmer that will function well when there isn’t snow on the ground, this is a good pick. 

It has a simple one-piece design that is easy to wear and will fit over just about any face size. It’s thin enough to tuck under your jack or helmet without getting in the way as well. 

You can also choose from many colors and designs to match your style on the slopes. And the company says it’s wearable in up to 12 different ways!

This isn’t an extremely warm option, but it still works well.  

==> You can also get it on Buff or DICK’S or SportsExperts.

6. Most Durable: Exio Winter Neck Warmer

• Key features: Durable, effective performance, special air hole, warm, comfortable 
• Materials: Nylon, Polyester, Spandex 
• Warmth: Medium 
• Cost: $ 

If you want a durable neck warmer that will last a long time, even under heavy use, check out the Exio Winter Neck Warmer. 

This one has an extremely tough construction that is good for those skiers who like to go hard or spend their days in really bad weather conditions. 

It also has a special air hole that helps you breathe easier and reduces the chance of your goggles fogging up.

It fits a little tight but is good all-around other than that.

==> You can also get it on Walmart.

7. Best Value: Tatuo 4-piece Fleece Neck Warmer

• Key features: 4-pack, warm, comfortable, breathable, stretchy
• Materials: Fleece 
• Warmth: High  
• Cost: $$

The Tatua 4-piece Fleece Neck Warmer is my value pick because, well, you get four neck gaiters here for the price of one. 

That makes it a good option for anyone looking to equip the entire family with an effective way to keep their faces warm. 

It also has an elastic cord built to help it stay secure on your head no matter how fast you are skiing. 

The fit with these is a little baggy, but the elastic band helps keep everything in place. 

8. Best for Extreme Cold: Tough Headwear Neck Warmer 

• Key features: Very warm, full head design, comfortable, stretchy, durable 
• Materials: Fleece
• Warmth: Very High 
• Cost: $$

The Tough Headwear Neck Warmer is one of the warmest options you can find and is recommended if you think you’ll be in extremely cold conditions. 

This model features a full head design that allows you to effectively cover your entire head and face – which pays off when the weather takes a turn for the worst. 

It also has a strong and durable construction that will hold up well for consistent use, and it will fit under your helmet very easily as well. 

Being a full-head design, it does use much more material than other gaiters or warmers, so it will take up more room in a pocket when not in use. 

How to Choose a Neck Warmer or Gaiter for Skiing

Here are some essential tips to consider when choosing a neck warmer or gaiter for skiing. 

Material

As with any piece of ski gear, you want a gaiter made from premium materials. Most utilize either fleece polyester, acrylic, or merino wool. All of those options will keep you warm out on the mountain. 

While wool is less durable than synthetic materials, it can be pricier. Keep that in mind when picking out your warmer. Synthetic materials are pretty versatile and the most common option you’ll see around. 

Insulation

As their name suggests, neck warmers need to work to keep the heat in and the cold out. Even models with excellent ventilation should protect your neck from outside moisture. Always pay attention to the amount of insulation a warmer provides before making your final purchase. 

See how it sits, how tightly it fits, as well as the different ways you can use it. Even the best gaiters aren’t worth it if they don’t lock out the chill. Generally, the thicker the neck gaiter, the warmer it will be.

Gaiters and warmers are typically a single-piece design. So if you want an insulated option, choose something that is thicker than just a simple piece of material. 

SPF

In addition to shielding you from the cold and wind, neck gaiters can also give you extra protection from the sun. If that’s the main reason you want to get one, be sure to find an option that offers a decent amount of SPF or sun protection factor. 

Most fabrics have a natural amount of SPF, but there are some gaiters and warmers with increased amounts of it. If you want added protection, look for an option that offers anywhere from 30-50 SPF.  

Weight

Finally, pay attention to how your gaiter feels. Relatively speaking, you’re never going to find a warmer that weighs you down or holds you back. However, you should always cut excess weight when you can. 

If you only ski in light conditions or on clear days, choose a lighter gaiter that won’t get in the way. If you like to brave tough terrain in the dead of winter, it is best to get a heavier model. Weight also comes into play when you want to keep the warmer in your pocket when not in use. 

Useful Tips & Resources 

A gaiter is a great way to add extra warmth to your skiing ensemble. However, it is not the only way to stave off the cold out on the slopes. If you want other ways to keep warm on long runs or frigid days, consult the tips in this guide.

It’s important to know that neck gaiters and warmers can be used to help block the sun and not just provide extra warmth. You can always get a lightweight option and use that when the sun is shining brightly, so you don’t get sunburnt. 

As mentioned above, warmers are one of the most versatile ski clothing options. There are many ways to wear them, which allows you to better adapt to the different conditions you might face. 

The video below outlines some of the best ways to wear a warmer beyond the traditional setup.

Final Verdict

The ibex Indie Quick Link is my top pick for the best neck gaiter and warmer for skiing this season. This versatile and effective option will give you warmth and comfort when the winter weather approaches. It’s also very durable and can be used in off-snow situations. 

I think every skier should have a neck warmer or gaiter with them when they ski. It’s a small and affordable investment that can help you ski longer when conditions get bad. All of the options here will provide you with high-end performance and reliable comfort.