Buffalo clothing

Simon Wyndham said:

Does anyone here use any of the Buffalo range of clothing? It looks like
an interesting system, although I am finding it hard to pick up enough
information as to what might be the best garment to buy for all round
use. Of the many reviews I have read, some say that the Special 6 can
get too warm, whereas others say that the ventilation zips allow it to
be kept to a managable temp.

A lot of it depends on your physiology and your idea of comfort. I like
to be cool when I'm walking and generate a lot of heat if I'm climbing
or similar, and I find the pertex/pile combination too hot a lot of the
time. But I've pals that use these things and are very happy with them,
so how hot do you run and how hot do you like to be?

Quoted message said:

For most walking uses, and occasional very cold walks, would anyone here
recommend the Special 6, or one of their Pertex 5 garments instead?

For "most walking uses" I personally would go for the Teclite Shirt from
the lightweight range (I use a Montane Krypton which isn't a million
miles away in overall design or performance, and it did very well for me
on a Norwegian ski tour through pretty manky conditions last year). As
suggested above, the full pile stuff like the Special 6 or Mountain
Shirt I would only use for "very cold walks", but that's me, and tricky
to guess whether it would be you...

Quoted message said:

Can anyone comment on the adjustments available on the clothing? For
example is there any waist/hem adjustment on them?

Buffalo stuff can have the hem adjusted with the velcro tabs over the
bottom of the venting zips, and there's a waist adjuster in the
handwarmer pocket on the Mountain and S6 shirts.

Another thing to consider is the plain pertex windshirt, which is pretty
much a mountain shirt without the lining. Pull it over the top of a
bipolar fleece and you've more or less the full insulation value of a
Mountain Shirt, though venting the windproof/insulated combo won't be as
effective as a Mountain Shirt as the vents will only go through the
outer layer, and I doubt it would dry as fast. OTOH you can remove the
fleece from the equation completely in warmer weather.

Montane and Mardale (and others too) make similar garments if you want a
slightly different range of fits and features but the basic overall
concept. The reason I use a Montane Krypton rather than a Buffalo
Teclite is I got it half price from a bargain bin...

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

The message <[email hidden]>
from Simon Wyndham <[email hidden]> contains these words:

Quoted message said:

Does anyone here use any of the Buffalo range of clothing? It looks like
an interesting system, although I am finding it hard to pick up enough
information as to what might be the best garment to buy for all round
use. Of the many reviews I have read, some say that the Special 6 can
get too warm, whereas others say that the ventilation zips allow it to
be kept to a managable temp.

I'm a big fan and would live in the stuff if my wife would tolerate it.
Peter Clinch has already replied with sensible stuff. I run colder than
Peter and find the ventilation adequate for walking and XC skiing.

I use an expedition shirt (Heavier fleece) in the winter and the special
6 in the summer. I also have the salopettes which are my all time
favourite garment.

In addition I have the zipped jacket which I use in severe conditions
over the shirt, and

on its own in normal conditions like local walks or birdwatching.

Quoted message said:

For most walking uses, and occasional very cold walks, would anyone here
recommend the Special 6, or one of their Pertex 5 garments instead?

Most uses the Special 6 is fine, vented when active, zipped up when
standing around.

Quoted message said:

Can anyone comment on the adjustments available on the clothing? For
example is there any waist/hem adjustment on them?

These are not fashion garments, there is plenty of adjustment around the
waist on the shirts and this, obviously, is part of the temperature
control.

Something to be careful of is that Pertex and barbed wire do not mix,
however patching is easy once you get hold of a bit of Pertex.
My sallopettes are referred to as my Mr Blobby outfit as the patches are
of a different colour.

Buffalo stuff doesn't fit into an obvious niche, you really need to try
it to understand how versatile it is. There are other pile & pertex
manufacturers but I have no experience of them.

--
Hbunnet : (replace "nospam" with "athome" to reply)
_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/

Hbunnet said:

The message <[email hidden]>
from Simon Wyndham <[email hidden]> contains these words:

Quoted message said:

Does anyone here use any of the Buffalo range of clothing? It looks like
an interesting system, although I am finding it hard to pick up enough
information as to what might be the best garment to buy for all round
use. Of the many reviews I have read, some say that the Special 6 can
get too warm, whereas others say that the ventilation zips allow it to
be kept to a managable temp.

I'm a big fan and would live in the stuff if my wife would tolerate it.
Peter Clinch has already replied with sensible stuff. I run colder than
Peter and find the ventilation adequate for walking and XC skiing.

I use an expedition shirt (Heavier fleece) in the winter and the special
6 in the summer. I also have the salopettes which are my all time
favourite garment.

In addition I have the zipped jacket which I use in severe conditions
over the shirt, and

on its own in normal conditions like local walks or birdwatching.

Quoted message said:

For most walking uses, and occasional very cold walks, would anyone here
recommend the Special 6, or one of their Pertex 5 garments instead?

Most uses the Special 6 is fine, vented when active, zipped up when
standing around.

Quoted message said:

Can anyone comment on the adjustments available on the clothing? For
example is there any waist/hem adjustment on them?

These are not fashion garments, there is plenty of adjustment around the
waist on the shirts and this, obviously, is part of the temperature
control.

Something to be careful of is that Pertex and barbed wire do not mix,
however patching is easy once you get hold of a bit of Pertex.
My sallopettes are referred to as my Mr Blobby outfit as the patches are
of a different colour.

Buffalo stuff doesn't fit into an obvious niche, you really need to try
it to understand how versatile it is. There are other pile & pertex
manufacturers but I have no experience of them.

I have often wondered why Buffalo clothing ( I use the Special 6 shirt )
isn't more popular.

One layer,no taking off and putting on layers,warm in the winter,less
washing,easy to repair ( Buffalo will do you some Pertex if you ask
nicely ),somewhere to keep your hands warm.

The only problem is that it can get too warm in summer but apart from
that well worth buying.

Sam Salt

Peter Clinch said:

The reason I use a Montane Krypton rather than a Buffalo
Teclite is I got it half price from a bargain bin...

I already had a Montane jacket (probably the equivalent of the current
Extreme) and like it, so was quite happy to get a Montane Krypton
smock out of the bargain bin when I saw it.

I've never had a Buffalo garment but am happy with both of my
Montanes. The Extreme is too hot for all but winter walking.

I tend to get too hot when walking (especially uphill) so like to have
a garment with vents. The Montane Krypton has two zips at the front
(one on each side) and quite a long neck zip which allows the air in
when I get too hot. It also zips up nice and snug when the icy winds
blow. I particularly like the hood which I find fits well around my
face.

The Montane Extreme would probably have been a better choice for my
most recent trip (Snowdonia at the start of the week) as it was a bit
chilly. However, the Krypton was fine for me as I am happy to wear a
scarf, hat and gloves depending on how cold it gets, and to put on a
thin over-jacket if required when I stop for a food break.

So, sorry not to answer your questions about Buffalo but I can
recommend the Pertex and Pile mix.

Judith

Judith said:

I tend to get too hot when walking (especially uphill) so like to have
a garment with vents. The Montane Krypton has two zips at the front
(one on each side)

Though these aren't as long as the full side zips on a Buffalo,
which also allow you to access pockets in underlayers, scratch
itches etc., and since they don't vent through the insulation layer
as well as the pertex they're arguably less effective than they
might be.
But though I prefer those aspects on paper about the Teclite, the
Krypton does work, and works well, and was a bargain at £40 IMHO.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Sam Salt said:

I have often wondered why Buffalo clothing ( I use the Special 6 shirt )
isn't more popular.

One layer,no taking off and putting on layers

One layer, so if you get too hot then your choices are stay too
hot, or no layers whatsoever. Though as a single garment it's very
flexible, if you're not in the functional range of the garment it's
less flexible than layering alternatives.

Quoted message said:

The only problem is that it can get too warm in summer

and spring, and autumn, and on a few occasions in winter too, at
least if you're me (I'm biased, of course, because I am! ;-))

Another reason they're less popular, I think, is they're not
conspicuously smart and not marketed with the financial and
marketing clout of WL Gore, so people that walk into shops and ask
for a Goretex jacket they can wear around town without looking
geeky as well as up the hill don't generally consider them.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

I use a special 6 and it is a very hot garment. You will see people
flapping the front up and down to cool off. The side zips are not so
effective if you wear a pack and zip down rather than up, if you see what I
mean. But they are tough and still keep you warm even when wet. The hood
could be designed better. All that said, I find it comfortable and wear it
all winter.
JohnD
"Peter Clinch" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Sam Salt said:

I have often wondered why Buffalo clothing ( I use the Special 6 shirt )
isn't more popular.

One layer,no taking off and putting on layers

One layer, so if you get too hot then your choices are stay too
hot, or no layers whatsoever. Though as a single garment it's very
flexible, if you're not in the functional range of the garment it's
less flexible than layering alternatives.

Quoted message said:

The only problem is that it can get too warm in summer

and spring, and autumn, and on a few occasions in winter too, at
least if you're me (I'm biased, of course, because I am! ;-))

Another reason they're less popular, I think, is they're not
conspicuously smart and not marketed with the financial and
marketing clout of WL Gore, so people that walk into shops and ask
for a Goretex jacket they can wear around town without looking
geeky as well as up the hill don't generally consider them.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Peter Clinch said:

Sam Salt said:

I have often wondered why Buffalo clothing ( I use the Special 6 shirt
) isn't more popular.

One layer,no taking off and putting on layers

One layer, so if you get too hot then your choices are stay too hot, or
no layers whatsoever. Though as a single garment it's very flexible, if
you're not in the functional range of the garment it's less flexible
than layering alternatives.

Quoted message said:

The only problem is that it can get too warm in summer

and spring, and autumn, and on a few occasions in winter too, at least
if you're me (I'm biased, of course, because I am! ;-))

Another reason they're less popular, I think, is they're not
conspicuously smart and not marketed with the financial and marketing
clout of WL Gore, so people that walk into shops and ask for a Goretex
jacket they can wear around town without looking geeky as well as up the
hill don't generally consider them.

Pete.

Pete,

Sorry, I don't find them THAT warm and the zips provide enough
ventilation for my purposes.

It's true that the leisure/pub/shopping market doesn't support them though.

Sam Salt

Simon Wyndham <[email hidden]> wrote in news:douvd4$5h5$1
@nwrdmz01.dmz.ncs.ea.ibs-infra.bt.com:

Quoted message said:

Does anyone here use any of the Buffalo range of clothing?

<snip>

Quoted message said:

Can anyone comment on the adjustments available on the clothing? For
example is there any waist/hem adjustment on them?

Simon

Simon,

I haven't used the Buffalo kit, I've got the Montane Extreme smock that is
quite close. Can be found half price quite often.

I use it with a long sleeve Berghaus X-Static base layer.

I tend to travel heavy, and when away for 2 nights or more, other than warm
weather, this is the combination I use, especially if expecting wind.

They make excellent pillows, or cushioning in a less than perfect campsite,
and dry quickly.

On days when we get the fine, down the neck, drizzle, I've never been wet,
the work done helps to keep me dry.

Apologies if your specifically looking at the Buffalo range, but you might
also want to have a look at Snugpak. Both Buffalo and Snugpak are (were)
popular with the Forces.

HTH

--
"Whit's fur yi, will no' go by yi"

Sam Salt said:

Sorry, I don't find them THAT warm and the zips provide enough
ventilation for my purposes.

The moral is different strokes for different folks. However, if you're
the sort of person that usually wears a layer less than those around you
then there's a good chance a Buffalo isn't for you. OTOH if you always
find you're a bit cold and usually wear a fleece and a windproof layer
over the top then a Buffalo will probably suit well.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Hi all,

Thanks for your replies.

Can I assume that the Pertex fabric is quite fragile?

I have come across the Snugpak range too, although I haven't heard much
about them. So if anyone has ever been able to compare them vs the
Buffalo range that would be great.

Simon

Simon Wyndham said:

Can I assume that the Pertex fabric is quite fragile?

Depends what sort of strength you're looking at. The tear strength
isn't the greatest in the world, but as far as abrasion wear
resistance goes (which is most of the battle if you aren't
scrambling chimney pitches or taking on serious thorns on a regular
basis) it's actually pretty good. And though not the best, the
tear strength is still better than you might think: I've crawled
through more than one prickly patch on orienteering courses in a
Quantum Pertex top and it's coped okay (rather to my surprise!),
and that's not as nearly as tough as the Pertex 5 & 6 used in
Buffalo gear.

Buffalo kit is a favourite of winter climbers which isn't the sort
of thing to do in delicate kit. Pertex is more fragile than
something like Schoeller Dryskin, certainly, but still tough enough
for a lot of jobs.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

The message <[email hidden]>
from Peter Clinch <[email hidden]> contains these words:

Quoted message said:

Simon Wyndham wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Can I assume that the Pertex fabric is quite fragile?

Quoted message said:

Depends what sort of strength you're looking at. The tear strength
isn't the greatest in the world, but as far as abrasion wear
resistance goes (which is most of the battle if you aren't
scrambling chimney pitches or taking on serious thorns on a regular
basis) it's actually pretty good.

Agreed. My previous comments about barbed wire are true but also apply
to other fabrics.
e.g. I ruined a pair of Ventile trousers on barbed wire.
I have torn lots of Pertex on barbed wire but have not had any
significant abrasion damage.

--
Hbunnet : (replace "nospam" with "athome" to reply)
_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/

"Simon Wyndham" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hi all,

Thanks for your replies.

Can I assume that the Pertex fabric is quite fragile?

I have come across the Snugpak range too, although I haven't heard much
about them. So if anyone has ever been able to compare them vs the
Buffalo range that would be great.

I havent used Snugpak but I did like the Montane smocks when they were
around. They seemed to have the best features of the Buffalos but also
sensible add-ons like full zips and good length and hoods. I like my
buffalo shirt but it downt always get used now because it is bulky, heavy
and not as warm as a down coat.

Rob

Rob Devereux said:

I havent used Snugpak but I did like the Montane smocks when they were
around.

They still are AFAICT. See
http://www.montane.co.uk/products_warmlite_extreme.htm

Quoted message said:

I like my
buffalo shirt but it downt always get used now because it is bulky, heavy
and not as warm as a down coat.

Nothing's as warm as a downie, but that's a two edged sword: I only ever
use mine while I'm doing little other than standing or sitting around.
And you can't just chuck them in the washing machine or think "hey ho,
raining again, never mind!".

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

I've had the ordinary "mountain shirt" (ie fleece with a pertex outer)
which is quite the best bit of kit I ever bought. It pretty much lives
up to the rather extravagent claims made by Buffalo. That said, I do
take an anorak as well, which I put on if it's pissing down, rather
than just damp. My anorak is also my one-and-only "spare jumper" as it
were, so this isn't really a weight penalty. Also, against Buffalo's
advice, I wear a thermal underneath; supposedly, detremental to the
effect. I do this so if I'm hot I can take the Buffalo off and not be
bare-chested. That said, the side vents etc are really good for
moderating temperature. Basically my full winter Scotland walking kit
is wool mix breeches (salopettes with bib and brace, John Boy Walton
style - very trendy, Not!), Buffallo, and an anorak as spare. It is
much more robust than it seems, but I stupidly wrecked it caving, so
bought the Special 6 shirt. However I actually thing the normal weight
one is the better item for (winter Scotland) hillwalking. I've not
tried the trousers, much less the special shreddies.

Cheers

Hywel

I've had the ordinary "mountain shirt" (ie fleece with a pertex outer)
which is quite the best bit of kit I ever bought. It pretty much lives
up to the rather extravagent claims made by Buffalo. That said, I do
take an anorak as well, which I put on if it's pissing down, rather
than just damp. My anorak is also my one-and-only "spare jumper" as it
were, so this isn't really a weight penalty. Also, against Buffalo's
advice, I wear a thermal underneath; supposedly, detremental to the
effect. I do this so if I'm hot I can take the Buffalo off and not be
bare-chested. That said, the side vents etc are really good for
moderating temperature. Basically my full winter Scotland walking kit
is wool mix breeches (salopettes with bib and brace, John Boy Walton
style - very trendy, Not!), Buffallo, and an anorak as spare. It is
much more robust than it seems, but I stupidly wrecked it caving, so
bought the Special 6 shirt. However I actually thing the normal weight
one is the better item for (winter Scotland) hillwalking. I've not
tried the trousers, much less the special shreddies.

Cheers

Hywel