For centuries, explorers, hunters, and Indigenous peoples have relied on fur ruffs to protect them from the unforgiving cold. While modern outdoor gear has evolved in countless ways, the fur ruff remains a time-tested feature that continues to serve a practical and life-saving purpose. At Wintergreen, our heritage-driven designs honor this tradition while also ensuring transparency and responsibility in sourcing.
What a Ruff Does
When temperatures plummet, it’s not just insulation around your core that matters—it’s also protecting your face and neck, where heat loss is most critical. A fur ruff works by creating turbulent air around the hood opening, forming a protective air pocket that:
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Blocks wind: Disrupts direct airflow, reducing convective heat loss.
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Traps warmth: Holds a cushion of warm air against the face.
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Sheds moisture: Natural fur fibers channel frost and snow away, keeping your hood drier.
The result? Better protection in the harshest winds, helping prevent frostbite and keeping you comfortable when the mercury drops.
Real vs. Faux in Real Weather
A common question is whether faux fur performs as well. Research confirms that natural fur has unique advantages. The variable lengths of real fur disrupt wind more effectively than the uniform fibers of synthetic alternatives. While faux fur provides some wind resistance and is a fine choice for milder or urban conditions, it cannot replicate the turbulent airflow and moisture-shedding properties of natural fur in extreme cold.
Think of it like down insulation: synthetic fills can be great in many scenarios, but in the coldest, most demanding conditions, nature’s design still outperforms.
Our Ethical Sourcing Standards
At Wintergreen, we take sourcing seriously. Our fur ruffs come only from Inuit communities in Alberta, Canada. These communities engage in coyote management under regulated nuisance control programs. That means our procurement is tied to existing wildlife management needs—not to increased demand.
By partnering directly with these communities, we maintain a transparent, respectful relationship that supports traditional livelihoods while ensuring ethical sourcing. Our commitment is to honor both performance and responsibility.
And for those who prefer not to use real fur, we also offer faux alternatives. We acknowledge the performance difference, but we believe it’s important to give customers a choice that aligns with their values.
How to Choose
When deciding between real or faux fur, consider your conditions and preferences:
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Expedition use: For Arctic, Antarctic, or deep wilderness travel, real fur provides proven, superior performance.
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Everyday/city use: Faux fur can offer an aesthetic option for those in less extreme conditions.
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Ethics preference: Customers who prefer to avoid real fur have a faux fur alternative while still enjoying Wintergreen quality.
Explore our anoraks and parkas that accept ruffs, or browse replacement ruffs and faux alternatives to find what’s right for you.
Caring for Your Ruff
Like any natural material, fur requires proper care to ensure longevity. A well-maintained fur ruff can last years, becoming a trusted companion for winter after winter. We recommend:
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Treating the hide every few months to prevent drying and cracking.
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Avoiding prolonged wet storage conditions.
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Brushing gently to maintain fluff and effectiveness.
For detailed care tips, visit our About Our Ruffs page.
More Than Fashion
In the modern era, fur ruffs are sometimes dismissed as decorative. But for those who live, work, and explore in cold climates, they are far from a fashion statement. They’re a practical, field-proven necessity for survival, comfort, and safety.
FAQ: Fur Ruffs
Q: Is real fur necessary?
A: In the harshest conditions, yes. Real fur outperforms synthetic options by creating turbulent airflow, reducing heat loss, and shedding moisture. For everyday or city use, faux fur can be a fine alternative.
Q: Where do your ruffs come from?
A: Our fur is sourced exclusively from Inuit communities in Alberta, Canada, within regulated nuisance coyote management programs.
Q: How long will a fur ruff last?
A: With proper care a fur ruff can last several years.
Q: Can I add a ruff to my garment?
A: A removable ruff can be added to some of our anoraks and parkas, allowing you to customize your gear.
Q: How do I care for a fur ruff?
A: Regular conditioning, careful storage, and gentle brushing will extend its life. See our ruff care guide for details.
Q: Do you offer faux options?
A: Yes. For those who prefer not to use real fur, we offer a faux alternative while being transparent about the performance differences.
At Wintergreen, we believe in blending tradition, science, and ethics. Our ruffs are more than heritage—they’re nature’s most effective wind shield, ethically sourced, and built to last for decades of adventure.
