When the days shorten and the wind starts sending a chill through you, there’s no doubt that the warm summer is gone again.
Thank God for leather, right?
But what about that ice-hole gaping open between the nape of your collar and the base of your helmet?
There is a solution! Let’s check out the best neck warmers to keep the winter chill off our backs and stretch out the riding season.
Alpinestars Tech Neck Warmer – RevZilla
Style and Performance
The material used not only defends against the bone-piercing cold wind, it also draws the moisture from your skin and breath away from you, providing optimal warmth for a dry comfortable ride.
YIBEIYI Neck Gaiter
Cheap and Cheerful
The material that covers your face, neck, and chest is stretchy and lightweight. It’s also durable and surprisingly resistant to the cold winds when you’re ready to open the throttle up as you ride.
Looking Closely at the Best Neck Warmers for Winter Riding
Do you feel the hair on your neck stand up from the chills? Well, unless you’re just that excited about this article, you need a way to keep warm.
In this review, I’ll go over the basics, the bummers, and the best qualities of five neck warmers and help you choose the best option.
Alpinestar Tech Neck Warmer: Best Overall
Motorsports enthusiasts of all kinds have trusted this company for the quality and consistency of its products for over 50 years.
This is a warm and comfortable gaiter made from moisture-wicking fabric.
The double-fitted openings on each end keep the top and bottom of the tube tight to the spot where you place it. The only exception is if you wear the top band on your ears rather than over the top of your ears.
The Tech Neck warmer has everything any rider could want for freezing temperatures. It’s soft and stretchy, is resistant to wind and the cold, it’s easy to breathe through, and it stays in place for the most part.
Add 50 years of reputation to that mix, and you have an excellent product for cold-weather riding.
Pros:
- Well trusted brand
- Warm and wicking
- Wind resistant
Cons:
- Slides off your ears unless its worn over the tops
- Very tight top and bottom elasticated seams
Klim Neck Warmer: Most Versatile
If you want a soft, simple tube to keep the cold out of your collar, the Klim is an excellent choice. It can also be used as an ear warmer, facemask, or beanie-style hat.
Elasticized bands at each end of the Klim’s body ensure it maintains its location as placed.
The body of the Klim is a polyester-fleece blend that prevents your glasses or goggles from fogging up thanks to moisture-wicking properties.
Wicking materials absorb and then quickly evaporate the moisture from your breath and skin, blocking the cold air outside and containing the warm air inside the garment.
The Klim Neck Warmer is available in four colors: Black, Grey, Hot Pink, and High Viz Yellow. It’s flexible enough to fold up and carry in your pocket when you’re not wearing it without having a bulky lump.
The material is resistant to moderate wind, but it’s still easy to breathe through. The fabric is soft to the touch as well and won’t rub. Thanks to that, this tube is great for longer rides, even in temperatures below 40 degrees.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Easy to carry in a pocket
- Soft, stretchy, wicking fabric
Cons:
- Tight fit that may not be comfy for everyone
Axial Block Neck Warmer: Antibacterial and Warmth in One
This gaiter has a layer of material called a freeze-out membrane to protect you from even the coldest wind while you’re on the road. Stretchy panels on either side of the Axial Block provide flexible comfort.
Axial Block’s material is lightweight, breathable, and allows you to move around easily. The garment is black with gray detail outside and cyan blue inside.
Both sides of this gaiter feature stretchable panels that make for easy pull-on and comfortable wear. An elastic band around the top of the facemask keeps it in place as you ride. Your neck will stay warm even in below-freezing temperatures thanks to Axial’s Freeze-Out Membrane inside the Axial Block’s body and in the chest and back shields.
The body is thin and can be comfortably worn over a shirt and under a jacket. It’s made of an antibacterial material to prevent odors and bacteria.
Pros:
- Antibacterial
- Lightweight and flexible
- Freeze-Out Membrane
- Soft inner lining
Cons:
- None that I have seen
YI BEI ZI Winter Neck Gaiter: Best Budget Option
A cape neck and long chest and back shields provide good protection from cold weather as you ride. The no-slip, stretching facemask stays secure under the helmet.
While the YI BE ZI is lightweight and breathable, it’s also windproof and, therefore, very warm. The technology used for manufacturing the material reinforces the fabric for better resilience.
The outer material is a windproof blend that makes it durable. Inside the gaiter is a cluster-fleece fabric that stays warm and is soft to the touch. A layer of heat insulation is sewn between the inside and outside materials. This is what keeps you toasty.
The stretchy face mask has a lay-flat elastic cord that holds the top of the face in place on the bridge of your nose and over your ears. It’s a tight fit, but it does the job of keeping the cold out.
Pros:
- No-slip face band
- Heat insulated layer
- Windproof
Cons:
- Very tight fit
- Size runs small
Turtle Fur Fleece
This warmer is an excellent addition to any rider’s winter wardrobe. But to my other lady riders out there, this is a must-have for cold-weather riding.
I use this gaiter, and I’ve recommended it many times. The material it’s made of is baby-soft and stretches to pull on and off easily. You can choose from 7 colors, so there should be an option for everyone.
This neck warmer contains a double layer of fleece which keeps you warm even when riding at speed. Just be aware the tube is 9 inches long, so it might not completely cover the whole area from the neck to nose, depending on your proportions.
Pros:
- Double fleece
- Super warm
- Multiple color choices
Cons:
- Shorter in length
What to Look for in a Neck Warmer
When you’re ready to buy a neck gaiter and stretch the riding season out as much as you can, there are three elements you need to consider:
Protection, Comfort, and Durability.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself to ensure you only purchase what’s best for you.
Protection
- Is this item windproof?
- Will it stay where I put it?
How well any neck tube guards your warmth is the most critical factor influencing your choice.
If the garment doesn’t cover the whole area you want it to keep warm, or it won’t stay there, it isn’t going to protect you from cold winds at 60 plus mph.
Look for a product that offers a snug fit and either elastic seams or an elasticated fabric to ensure it doesn’t ride up.
Comfort
- Will it fit snugly under my helmet and still be comfortable?
- Will it restrict movement?
Being able to tolerate the neck warmer should be an easy choice over tolerating the cold wind because the garment is uncomfortable. If it’s too small, stiff, or drafty, it’s time for a different gaiter.
Look for a garment with quality fabric that is preferably breathable.
Durability
- How long will this item last?
- Will I need to wear a second layer with it?
Quality manufacturing pays off in the long run; higher-quality items will retain their shape and last longer.
Final Words
If you want high-quality choose the Alpinestar Tech Neck Warmer, it is warm, breathable, and made by a tried and tested manufacturer.
For a low-cost option with decent features for the price, the YIBEIY Winter Neck Gaiter is worth a look.