Buff

As its name suggests, the Sportful Second Skin Neck Warmer is made from Sportful's '2nd Skin' fabric, a mix of 95% Polyamide and 5% Elastane. This is the fabric Sportful use throughout their warmer range (arm, leg, etc.) for its stretchiness that allows it to conform to moving body parts, improving comfort. In addition to the stretch, the fabric is soft to the touch and didn't cause any irritation to the skin.

The Castelli Head Thingy is one of those beautifully simple products that you didn't realise you needed in your life until you give it a go. Now I can't live without it for early morning and evening rides.

The Buff is a classic piece of kit for outdoor enthusiasts of all persuasions - a tube of fabric that turns into a scarf, hat, bandana, balaclava or face mask – and most popular with cyclists to go under a helmet or round the neck on winter days. This reflective version is your standard Buff with the addition of two strips of Scotchlite silver tape which'll bounce back the beam of car headlights when riding at night.

Cometh the cold, cometh the reversible Storm Buff. Some might reason 28 quid a bit steep for a polyester cloth, even one with Gore Windstopper on one side, but the cost of a bad chill-especially before a big race, or lost income if you're self-employed is worth taking in to account... and Windstopper fabric isn't cheap.

Buff Merino

Buff Merino - detail

The clever folk at Buff have taken their already brilliant garment and added a thermal polyester fleece section keeping, heads, necks and other body parts warm, yet relatively odour free. In many regards it’s such a versatile garment that comes in handy whatever riding you do. However, those with a good head of hair might find the Polar too warm beneath a helmet.