Disclaimer: I received the UV Buff arm sleeves from Buff_USA as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro ( ambassador ), and check out www.bibrave.com to review, find and write race reviews.
These arm sleeves were a product I was excited to review for a few reasons! First, the most obvious, is because BUFF products are just plain awesome. Second, I really like the idea of the added warmth of arm sleeves. Third, well... because in Minnesota early morning runs are still quite chilly. I want to rock shorts and tank tops and these sleeves help me do that!
The morning I snapped the picture above, the weather was perfect. 48 degrees was just a bit too chilly with only a tank top and shorts. However, it was absolutely perfect for my arms sleeves!
What makes these arm sleeves so cool?
- UPF 40+ sun protection (put them on when it's cooler, but benefit when it heats up)
- Moisture-Wicking
- Antimicrobial
- Packable
- Machine-Washable ( I also lay flat to dry )
- Comfortable elastic arm band ( I did use a bit of Body Glide - just in case )
- Reflective technology ( I love this feature )
I have really enjoyed testing these sleeves over the past few weeks. I even found a comical but extremely useful benefit - MOSQUITO REPELLENT!
My last run was a nice 6-miler in the Northwoods. Let me tell you... I completely forgot how gigantic and ruthless the mosquitos are here. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the arm sleeves make a pretty fantastic barrier for those little blood suckers. *Note: bring your BUFF arm sleeves when running or hiking in the woods. Who knew!?
It is pretty easy to find your measurements for these sleeves. If you look on the website here I have included the direct link for sizing.
I measured 11 1/2 inches and ordered a size M/L. They fit me great. They are not too tight at the top of my arms and they give me a nice light compression as well.
In my opinion, if you are close to another size, I would size up. However, (in my completely non-scientific thinking,) unless you have thimble size arms, I would say that the majority of women would be in a size M/L and the men would be wearing a L/XL.
Nonetheless, please make sure you give your upper arm a good measurement so you have a good idea on your personal sizing.
Lets talk about reflection shall we?
BUFF sure knows how to do gear right! You can see in this photo that even in low-light conditions, I have reflection at the top of my sleeve. For me, I ALWAYS look for reflective gear because it is so important for my visibility during my early morning runs.
You may be wondering - "Do the arm sleeves sag or fall down?" In my experience, they do not. In actuality, I hardly knew they were on! However, this is where sizing is important. You want to find that the sleeve fits snug, but doesn't strangle your arm either. There is nothing worse than a wardrobe malfunction mid-run. We've all been there.
I will also note that I DID where Body Glide at the top elastic edge, but this was only for precaution. Chaffing anywhere is a nuisance, so I covered my bases just in chase.
I have tested many BUFF products recently and these are definitely a favorite of mine. At $24.99 you can't go wrong and I am happy to add them to my daily running attire.
Arm sleeves are great for when the seasons change. I never would have thought of them as mosquito repellent great idea
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have even thought about it until the mosquitoes attacked!
DeleteI love arm sleeves in the cooler weather, unfortunately here in Central Florida that is short lived. I love that they are a bug repellent though, that would make them very useful here.
ReplyDeleteI don't know HOW you deal with the heat and humidity! WOW!
DeleteI'm glad you're back with a blog post. :) I was starting to worry about you!
ReplyDeleteI wear my arm sleeves with tanks and shorts all the time! It's the best of both worlds.
I was starting to worry about myself! ;)
DeleteI start most races wearing arm sleeves. They help keep me warm in the early morning hours and can easily be rolled down around my wrists once the sun comes up and the temperature starts to rise.
ReplyDeleteThat's a GREAT idea!
DeleteI have not tried the Buff brand, but I have a few other brands of arm sleeves that work great. They truly are the best of both worlds...perfect for hot summer races (that start off cool), and an extra layer in the cooler months as well.
ReplyDeleteYou've got it figured out for sure!
DeleteI love running in arm sleeves. These sound super awesome! I'd love to give them a try!
ReplyDeletePlus they look pretty bad-ass
DeleteI would love to try these. I don't normally run with arm sleeves but they are great for the in-between weather!
ReplyDeleteBut they do have sun protection and can be cooled with water for a cooling beginning of the run for sure.
DeleteI have a Buff scarf but have not tried these. Reflective would be very important in the winter in the northern latitudes (where both of us live). You forgot one important benefit: they look cool!
ReplyDeleteLOL - they do look cool!
DeleteThat's hilarious about the mosquitoes! Very important for running in the woods of Minnesota. Or practically anywhere in MN. :) I love the sun protection aspect, too!
ReplyDeletethe mosquitos here are as big as cats. :) LOL
DeleteI need to try these- I am sure there are a couple months of the year that they would come in handy. I love the idea of the UPF factor and bug repellant. Bonus!
ReplyDeletethey are pretty cool.
DeleteThese are a great idea! I have a long sleeve for hiking like this, but it is too warm during the summer
ReplyDeletedefinitely too warm in the summer - but they do wick sweat and you can place ice in them or throw them in cool water to keep you cool.
DeleteArm sleeves that help to repel mosquitoes?!? What an awesome idea!
ReplyDeleteno kidding, why didn't I think of that!
DeleteI usually make my own arm sleeves from old socks so I can toss them at the side of the road when I'm done with them. But if these repel mosquitos, then I'm all in!
ReplyDeleteThey actually make a sleeve with insectshield on it. :) How cool is that.
DeleteI love finding products that work so well! I was like that with injinji socks :P Glad you're enjoying these
ReplyDeleteThey are pretty nice!
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