I've got a $20 gift card I need to blow at REI this week.

**craig.hertzog** · 03-10-2016, 18:01

Originally Posted by BrRabbit

Point in case, I used to live in California and went for 2 days "navigation" training class. It wasn't exactly summer, but it was hot and lots of sunshine during the day (and I couldn't relax in the shadows until heat is gone). So I put that buff over my neck and head, protecting my ears and sides of my face from sunburn. I must tell you, I was way better in the second day than most of my classmates. A 'cool' fabric buff might've serve me better that time, but if it's only one buff - I choose wool.

X2. Merino wool, is versatile, especially the buff. It's light and breathable and won't eventually trap odors like the synthetics will

**BrRabbit** · 03-10-2016, 18:05

Some southern nations where summer time highs are above human body temperature traditionally were wearing for centuries thick cotton coats to protect themselves from excessive heat (and drink hot tea during the day - even more counter intuitive) and it works for them...

If you think about it - insulation doesn't make you warm, it just maintains your body temperature and doesn't allow it vent as efficiently.

**Flash Grundelore** · 03-10-2016, 18:29

Originally Posted by BrRabbit

G

I'm eyeing SeatoSummit collapsible X-mug to use both as a bowl, a spare cup and a lid for my regular mug. Apparently, it's cheaper in REI than on Amazon!

I saw a knock-off X-mug clone at my Fell-Off-A-Truck stop this morning for $3.99...

**Kroma** · 03-10-2016, 21:12

if I had a $20 REI gift card I might buy some firestarter supplies...strikers and tinder and stuff like that

**Kilo3** · 03-10-2016, 21:15

Darn Tough socks.

**BrRabbit** · 03-10-2016, 21:20

Originally Posted by Kroma

if I had a $20 REI gift card I might buy some firestarter supplies...strikers and tinder and stuff like that

Cotton Balls + Vaseline works as well and cost much less than $20.

**JasonACraft** · 03-10-2016, 23:02

Jeez...gotta go look into the wool buff thing. I've got th HF original from Dutch last summer and it's an every trip carry(saved my ears this morning on a sudden, unexpected temp drop). I'm pro wool on every other piece of gear, why not this...

My wife hates you guys, just fyi

On topic: stoves. Have an alchy? Buy an esbit. Jet stove? Get a wood burner. Have all that? In titanium then. Look at the vargo xe, alchy can, esbit stand, works for utility gel...man I love stove options...