The trusty motorbike neck tube. Worth its weight in gold on a cold winter’s day.
But it’s not just handy for cold snaps. In summer, they’re great at stopping your helmet strap from rubbing and they keep the flies out too.
Is it a neck tube or a neck warmer? It depends on the season, I guess but whatever you call them, they’re one of those biker’s garments you’ll wonder why you went so long without.
I don’t know about you but when I think about neck tubes BUFF instantly springs to mind. They seem to be THE name in neck tubes and before I researched this article, I genuinely thought they were a biker-only brand but they make neck tubes for other disciplines like skiing, fishing and er… even dogs?!
But the humble tube design, while pretty good, isn’t all you can choose from. We’ve found thermal quilted neck tubes, ones that cover your shoulders and chest and some that are heated. Yep, the game’s moved on.
In this review of the best neck tubes, we’ve picked the best ones we’ve found, from a list of over 170 offerings.
So whether you just want a basic neck tube for summer riding, a silk one, a thermal one for winter commute or a vintage look, we’ve got some great picks for you. If you’re buying a neck tube for winter riding, then check out our biker’s winter clothing guide, to help you stay dry, warm, and focused.
Summer neck tubes
Top-quality Merino wool
Let’s be honest; you’ve got one neck, you only need one neck warmer. Merino wool is a natural fabric that’s both moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating. So it’ll keep you warm in winter and cooler in the summer. It has a super-soft feel and it’s machine washable.
A bit of brand swagger
For just over a tenner, the all-fleece Alpinestars neck warmer provides added comfort and much-needed warmth out on your ride. With a moisture-wicking design, you won’t become too hot under the collar. With over 8,000 reviews, who are we to argue?
Light, breathable and stylish
If you’re after style as well as comfort, this soft, seamless neck tube from Dainese fits most riders thanks to its elasticated fit. The Coolmax material helps regulate your temperature too. Available in multiple different colour schemes but we like this red one!
Winter neck warmers
Good coverage, great price
Oxford’s Neck Guard costs under £15 and comes with full shoulder coverage to help keep the wind out and provide a better seal between your jacket and your lid. Made from the lightweight material, it doesn’t feel too bulky around your neck either
The ultimate winter extra
OK, I’ll admit: it’s more a balaclava than a neck tube but this Rukka is hard to beat, so it makes the cut. Using Gore Windstopper material, it’s designed to create a good seal around your jacket but also prevent the wind from creeping in under your helmet. You need to position it so that when you put your helmet on, it doesn’t pull down over your eyes – but once you’ve sussed that, you’ll wonder how you managed without it.
Water-resistant, windproof, Gore-Windstopper
For just over £30, Held has developed the ultimate neck tube with Goretex Gore-Windstopper. This material is windproof, water-resistant, breathable and durable. The combination of protection minimises wind chill while reducing the risk of overheating.
Heated Neck Warmer
This neck warmer is equipped with an internal heater, powered by any external USB power bank (not included), it can provide up to 2 hours of heat up to a toasty warm 40 degrees Celcius. Made from a hardwearing polyester softshell with an internal fleece lining, it’s a great bit of kit for seriously cold days.
Dual Seasons Neck Warmer
This neck tube is a nifty idea from Rev’it. Available in sizes small, medium and large, the Urbano is £29.69 and not a bad deal. With a combined design of windproof fleece and lightweight breathable jersey. For colder days, keep the jersey up around your neck for extra insulation and roll it down if it becomes warmer. The fleece will protect your neck from the wind when you’re traveling at speed.
Use Layers To Beat The Winter Weather
We’ve put together a brilliant guide that shows you how to use the layering system to keep warm on the bike.
You don’t need heated gear (although it does help) and you don’t need to spend a fortune. Just check out our ultimate guide to keeping warm on your motorcycle.
You’ll pick up tips that’ll help you beat the cold weather for years to come.
Neck warmer FAQs
How do you clean a neck warmer?
Check the washing instructions on the neck warmer but the majority can be washed in the washing machine.
Can you waterproof a neck tube?
Not really. Your best bet is to start with a winter neck tube that’s water-resistant. If you find this doesn’t keep out enough water, you can either wear a jacket with a storm collar or treat your neck tube with a waterproofing spray to improve its ability to keep water out.
Sources
Thanks to the following websites which helped us research and write this motorcycle neck tubes review
