Buffs, ruffs, neckies, multi-scarf, hat/scarf thingies. Call them what you will. The simple yet versatile tube of soft fabric that multi tasks so brilliantly should be celebrated! In particular, this simple yet versatile item of kit is ideal for use out and about in Scotland where the weather doesn’t always stay in one condition for as long as forecasters would have us believe.

So, when I spotted a new version of the multi-scarf on Twitter I thought it would be worth giving it a test-walk. The Ruffnek has been brought to market by an outdoors fan based in Yorkshire. Billed as the “ultimate multi scarf accessory” the Ruffnek promises to save you from the wind, chill and dust – and to make light work of your sweat (it’s wick-away you see!).

The Ruffnek is made from oh-so-soft 100% polyester microfibre and comes in a variety of types, including Classic, High Viz, Anti-bacterial, Coolmax and Polar. There are patterns, such as skulls or pirates, and nice plain but funky colours such as purple, dark pink etc. It’s also possible to design your own pattern, perhaps as a gift or to promote an event. And these Ruffneks suit kids, adults and even dogs!

The day The G-Force and I took our new Ruffneks for a tester was perfect. Well, it wasn’t perfect weather but the continual changes from rain, to sleet, to dry, to freezing, to warmer, to kind of sweaty meant that we could put the multi-scarf through its paces. It was the day of our bike and hike to the top of a Munro near Blair Atholl.

More familiar with the use of such an item the G-Force was extremely adept at using the Ruffnek. First it was just a neck warmer. Then he made it into a head warmer. Then he somehow converted it to a neck and head warmer. At one point the Ruffnek seemed to encase half his face, neck and head. I tried to work out how to do this but it seemed a little complicated! In summary, the G-Force was very pleased indeed with his Ruffnek. “It’s lovely,” he mumbled, while trying to speak through the material that was covering his face. “It’s soft and stretchy and does l the things I need it to! You want a lesson?!”

I stuck to just a couple of wearing styles. First as a scarf for keeping my neck warm while being blasted by a chill wind on the bike. And then as a scarf and face warmer when the snow and icy fog battered us near the top of the Munro. You can see from the picture that it did a good job in extremely cold conditions on the Munro summit.

I’ve also worn the Ruffnek for running on cold days. Litte Miss Outdoors has “borrowed” it when she couldn’t find her scarf as she headed out to go sledging. She’s also got her eye on a Ruffnek in dusky pink for her yet-to-arrive-but-it’s-definitely-on-the-cards puppy! I’ll report back as to the pup’s take on the scarf!

I’m wishing the Ruffnek crew all the best with this new take on a great outdoors kit invention.