Buffs are a very good product. "Wicking" refers to a materials ability to pass water for evaporation. Poly longjohns are able to wick perspiration from the skin surface to prevent chilling. I personally use traditional cowboy rags of silk and cotton. You can avoid potential strangulation by either a scarf slide or loose slip knot with traditional bandannas. You are supposed to wear to wear them snug ( barring sandstorms or train robberies) anyway. Buffs are obviously more expensive, but clothing is a vital piece of survival gear. Having " misplaced " my photon ll and chemical lightsticks coincidentally with a nephews halloween party, I'll pass on a third fad for now.