Ana Nichoola Smuggler Neck Warmer

The aptly named Smuggler Neck Warmer from Ana Nichoola goes along with the company's recent range of female specific accessories and clothing for cold weather riding. Available in two colours, it coordinates nicely with the glove and armwarmer options, giving a more stylish twist to essential accessories.

First off, there's something appealing about a neck warmer that's a nice colour, has a good name and makes you look a bit like Dick Turpin's female alter-ego. The important thing is, though, that it's made from high quality super warm Thermo-Roubaix fabric, with a reassuringly fuzzy next-to-skin surface and that it is incredibly warm, especially for its meagre 50g weight. Shaped to cover the upper chest as well as being long enough to pull up right to the ears, the Smuggler gives a lot of cold weather flexibility. It's stretchy, soft, light and easily fits into a pocket, making it ideal for rides where you're unsure of the temperature or conditions when you head out.

In wear, it really is intensely warm, to the point where some might find it over warm, especially for hillier rides, given that it covers one of the major ventilation areas at the upper chest. That said, it's great for deep winter descents and long duration cold rides, and that same design feature means it's extra effective at keeping the heat in when needed. The fabric wicks moisture well, meaning that even if you are running a little warm while wearing it, there's no penalty to be paid in feeling damp and chilled afterwards. It's easy enough to put on and take off, although a helmet does have to be removed first.

£18.50 is pretty good value for something that's of an equivalent level of warmth and fabric quality as say, the Polar Buff, but more stylishly designed and somewhat cheaper. It should last years, too.

Verdict

Looks cool and does an exceptional job of keeping you warm.