In this article we discuss the best fleece neck gaiters. When winter hits its peak, and terms like “polar vortex”, “freezing rain”, and “winter weather advisories” become commonplace, turning to a fleece neck warmer is a simple, yet often overlooked, way to keep your neck and face warm during the brutal winter months.
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These are our choices for the best fleece neck warmers:
- Original Turtle Fur Fleece Heavyweight Neck Warmer (click here to view)
- DG Hill Arctic (2 Pack) Sherpa-Lined Neck Warmers (click here to view)
- Carhartt Men’s Fleece Neck Gaiter (click here to view)
- HotHands Heated Neck Gaiter (click here to view)
- Under Armour Fleece Neck Gaiter (click here to view)
- Tough Headwear Fleece Neck Warmer for Winter (click here to view)
- Winterlace (4 Pack) Winter Neck Gaiter (click here to view)
A neck warmer can be useful for anyone who spends time in the frigid cold, and are popular for skiing and for those who exercise outdoors in the winter. Of course, they also can be especially helpful for workers who spend long hours outdoors in the brutal winter months.
But even for simple tasks like taking the dog out, pumping gas, going to the mailbox, and running errands, it’s nice to have a fleece neck gaiter to quickly pull up and over your face to shield yourself from those freezing winds.
In this article let’s take a look at the best fleece neck warmers so that you can decide which one might make the most sense for you. ***If you wear a hard hat, visit our article about the best helmet liners.
Best Fleece Neck Warmers
Original Turtle Fur Fleece Heavyweight Neck Warmer
Turtle Fur was founded in 1982 by Millie Merrill and is often credited for inventing the first fleece neck warmer (source). Is there a better place to start than with the company that is known for bringing the first fleece neck warmer to the market?
The original purpose of the Turtle Fur neck warmer was to replace the scarf for skiers. But since its inception, neck warmers have proven to be useful just for simple everyday winter tasks.
Here’s what the Original Turtle Fur Fleece Heavyweight Neck Warmer looks like:
This is the current price of thise Turtle Fur neck warmer available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). This neck warmer comes in several different colors.
- Material – This product is comprised of 100% acrylic double-layered fleece. This is Turtle Fur’s classic fleece – which they say is “considered the softest, warmest, most loved fleece in all the land.”
- Warmth – This heavyweight fleece is double-layered to help you take on some of the toughest winter climates. The double-layer design allows heat to be trapped in between the two layers.
- Product Care – Machine wash in cold water and tumble in dryer with no heat. It is a one-size-fits-most that weighs approximately 3.2 ounces.
Click here to buy these Turtle Fur fleece neck warmer available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). This is a brand that has proven for decades that it knows how to make great neck gaiters.
DG Hill Arctic (2 Pack) Sherpa-Lined Fleece Neck Warmers
These DG Hill Arctic Neck Warmers are a nice option if you are looking for more than one. These give you a little more bang for your buck (we also have a 4-pack by Winterlace featured later in the article).
Sometimes it’s nice to have more than one so that you can swap them and clean them. Or if you are buying for more than one person, buying a 2-pack or a 4-pack might make perfect sense.
Here’s what these fleece neck warmers look like:
This is the current price of these DG Hill fleece neck warmers available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these neck warmers:
- Sherpa-Lined – One thing that really stands out about these neck warmers compared to the others on our list is these neck warmers use a warm sherpa inner lining.
- Warmth – Just like many of the other neck warmers on this list, these neck warmers use a double-layer to retain warmth. The outer lining is fleece and the inner lining is sherpa.
- Value – Yes, this is a 2-pack budget-friendly option. Again, having 2 never hurts if you plan to swap them mid-week to wash one and wear the other. For winter workers who work in dirty environments, that’s basically a necessity.
Click here to buy these DG Hill neck warmers available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). This is a one-size-fits-most hat.
Carhartt Men’s Fleece Neck Gaiter
Carhartt is a trusted name in workwear, and a brand that many workers already wear. They are well-known for providing dependable outerwear for workers, and they do also have a fleece neck gaiter.
Here’s what the Carhartt neck gaiters look like:
This is the current price of this Carhartt neck gaiter available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about this gaiter:
- Material – Constructed of 92% polyester and 8% spandex fleece, this product will fit securely with ample stretch. Measures 9 inches long by 9.75 inches wide.
- Warmth – Lightweight and warm, this fleece gaiter is made to keep your neck warm whether you’re hitting the slopes, going for a winter jog, blowing snow off the driveway, or heading to work in the snow.
- Product Care – This product is hand-wash only. Do not bleach, iron, or dry clean. Hang to dry away from heat.
Click here to buy this Carhartt neck gaiter available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). This is a one size fits most hat.
HotHands Heated Fleece Neck Gaiter
You are probably familiar with HotHands. They make those single-use air activated heat packs that can be used to warm your hands in the winter. Well, they also offer a neck gaiter that is compatible with those heat packs.
Here’s what these HotHands fleece neck warmers look like:
This is the current price of this HotHands fleece neck gaiter available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about this gaiter:
- Material – Measuring 6 inches long by 4.63 inches wide, this gaiter is made of 100% polyester pro-grade fleece.
- Warmth – Offering exceptional neck and ear protection for up to 10 hours, the HotHands gaiter is specifically designed to be used with HotHands warmers. It features integrated pockets to hold the warmers in place and includes a free pair of warmers.
- Product Care – Machine wash in cold water with like colors. Do not bleach or iron. Tumble dry on low heat.
The main takeaway here is this neck gaiter will be unique compared to the other gaiters on this list because this one is made to be compatible with HotHands warmer packets that can be inserted into pouches on the side of the gaiter. If you need more than just simple fleece, this may be your best option.
It should also be noted that the shape of this neck gaiter is different than other gaiters. This neck gaiter is rounded on the sides to rise up over the ears while still fitting just below the nose on the front.
Click here to buy this HotHands neck gaiter available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). This is a one size fits most gaiter.
Cabela’s Camouflage Fleece Neck Gaiter
Cabela’s is well-known for outdoor apparel, and they do offer a camouflaged fleece neck gaiter for you to use on your next outdoor adventure. Here’s what these look like:
These gaiters are offered in several different camo patterns and styles so that you can find the one that will work best for you. They vary the lining, offering bother thinner and thicker linings.
Tough Headwear Fleece Neck Warmer for Winter
These Tough Headwear neck warmers have a unique design that adds small air holes to the front of the mask. Here’s what these neck warmers look like:
This is the current price of this neck gaiter available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about this neck gaiter:
- Material – Made of double-layered, stretchy ToughTech polar fleece, this gaiter is reversible and provides UV protection.
- Warmth – Blustery days and frigid temps won’t be a problem with this wind –resistant thermal neck warmer’s superior heat retention. The microfiber layer quickly wicks away moisture and dries fast.
- Design – This gaiter is unique because it also has small air holes around the mouth to make breathing a bit easier. It also has an elastic band on the top to help hold it in place on your face.
- Multipurpose – This neck warmer offers the utmost in versatility. Wear it as a neck tube, an ear warmer, AND a face mask!
Click here to buy this Tough Headwear Neck Warmer available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). This a one size fits most hat.
Winterlace (4 Pack) Winter Fleece Neck Gaiter
These Winterlace gaiters are a 4-pack option that may be perfect for you if you are buying for the entire family, or if you are planning to swap and clean your gaiter mid-week. Here’s what these look like:
This is the current price of these fleece neck warmers available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these warmers:
- Material – This 10.5-inch by 7-inch neck gaiter is constructed of a stretchy, woven fabric with a super soft brushed fleece interior for the ultimate in comfort. Even when you’re on the move, the material is conforming without being constraining which means it will stay put.
- Warmth – The dual-layered construction helps keep body heat close to the skin. It stretches up to 15”, making it ideal for covering the nose and mouth, as well.
- Value – Offered in bulk packs containing four neck warmers in assorted colors. These are an excellent value and a budget-friendly option.
Click here to buy these 4-pack fleece neck gaiters available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These are one size fits most hats.
3 Things to Consider When Buying a Fleece Neck Gaiter
- Lining – Do you want just a fleece lining, or do you need a heavier lining like sherpa or berber? For most people, a double fleece layer will be perfect, but if you are spending long hours in extreme conditions, you may need a thicker lining.
- Design – Some designs are rounded at the top to make them fit up over your ears without having to be pulled so far up on the front of your face. If you hate the tops of your ears being cold, this may be the better fit for you.
- Value – Buying a 2-pack or 4-pack is a nice way to save some money if you are buying for an entire family or if you are wanting to buy multiple fleece neck warmers so that you can swap and wash during the work week.
If you want to combine a neck gaiter with a beanie, visit our article about the best Thinsulate beanies.
Other Ways to Stay Warm On the Job
Yes, adding a fleece neck warmer to your winter wardrobe is always a good idea, but there are other ways to stay warm while working outside in the brutal winter months. Consider some of these options:
- Insulated Pants – Both fleece and flannel lined pants can keep you warm. In my experience, fleece is warmer, but flannel is a bit more breathable. To read more, visit our article about the best winter work pants.
- Insulated Jeans – Even for running errands during winter, wearing insulated jeans can be a huge help. To read more, visit our article about the best flannel lined jeans.
- Gloves – Yes, they do make Thinsulate gloves also. This is a great way to add some protection to your hands in a non-bulky way.
- Earflap Hats – Buying a wool cap with ear flaps is a nice way to keep your head and ears warm while working outside in the brutal cold. They also fit in casually, and function as a nice everyday winter hat.
- Insulated Boots – Have you considered insulated boots? As you probably know, Thinsulate is also used in footwear. Most work boots stop around 400 grams of Thinsulate, but for extreme cold, you might need a 600 gram insulated boot, an 800 gram insulated boot, or even higher, like a 1000 gram insulated boot.
- Base Layer – Do you wear a compression shirt as a base layer? I recently started wearing a compression shirt with a built-in face shield that I can pull up to cover my face. Total game changer. To read more, visit our article about the best cold weather compression shirts.
- Quality Outerwear – If your jacket is cheap and old, perhaps it’s time to upgrade. For ideas, see our list for the best workwear jackets.
- Hoodies – I like to wear a hoodie underneath my work jacket in the extreme cold, but there are certain types of hoodies I prefer to use as a base layer over others. To see what I mean, visit our article about the best work hoodies.