Insulated mid-layer for extreme wind and cold weather

[hughtrimble]

Thanks for you advice and suggestions everyone. Some very interesting stuff there. I will keep an eye out for a second hand a Buffalo Special 6 or Belay jacket over summer then if I don't have any luck I will save up and buy a new one ready for next winter.

In the meantime I might buy a cheaper alternative to tide me over. What do you think of this Jack Pyke Sherpa Fleece Hoodie : https://www.newforestclothing.co.uk/products/jack-pyke-sherpa-fleece-hoodie-gen-2

I know it isn't waterproof and won't hold warmth if it gets wet like the Buffalo would but remember it will be worn as a mid-layer underneath a Keela Munro jacket so getting damp is unlikely to be an issue. What do you guys think of that Jack Pyke hoodie?

Rather than buying a new Pyke, you can find second hand Rab sherpa-type fleeces for similar, and I'd imagine they'll be rather better made especially the much older stuff. Patagonia fleeces of a similar design do come up too but may be slightly more expensive.

I'd just keep an eye out on eBay and Vinted for Buffalo gear given that's what you're really after. A few available now for substantial savings over retail.

 

[TLM]

Just a note that often a pile fabric is better as a mid layer than a fleece, more thickness.

 

[HorseGuy]

Just a note that often a pile fabric is better as a mid layer than a fleece, more thickness.

Can you suggest any suitable pile fabric mid-layer tops?
Thanks.

 

[TLM]

Can you suggest any suitable pile fabric mid-layer tops?

I don't know the UK market but I understand that Buffalo uses pile. (correct?)

 

[dean4442]

I'll never be without my buffalo super six, it's the best cold weather kit ever especially with the armpit zips that can be opened for strenuous work and then closed up once you're finished to keep the body heat in. The army issue one is ok but nowhere near as thick insulation. Yes buffalo uses pile on the inside and then pertex on the outside.

 

[HorseGuy]

I've just bought a secondhand Buffalo Special 6 from a forum member on here.
This place is great but you lot are going to bankrupt me at this rate.

 

[johnnytheboy]

After a bit of research I really like the look of the Buffalo Special 6 top. I prefer jacket with a full length front zip though. Do Buffalo make a top which is the same as the Special 6 but with a longer zip? Their range of clothing is a little confusing when comparing.

I seen this one someone modded, great idea, local stitch shop done it for them,

 

[Aristotle]

a thick wool jumper with a button-up neck is now my go-to, if I am not having to carry it in a pack.

 

[EdS]

Firstly where are you and what temperatures are we thinking about. Then what are you doing?

As has been stated - air insulated.

You then have to consider moisture management

 

[HorseGuy]

I seen this one someone modded, great idea, local stitch shop done it for them,

That's an interesting option to bare in mind for the future. I'll see how I get on with the Standard 6 zip layout first as I've never tried one like that before. You never know I might even end up preferring it to a front zip.

 

[HorseGuy]

Firstly where are you and what temperatures are we thinking about. Then what are you doing?

As has been stated - air insulated.

You then have to consider moisture management

We're out on the edge of Dartmoor where it can sometimes get down to a few degrees below freezing in the depths of winter and is regularly very windy. Most of the time I'm either working or have a wind and rain shelter to keep me warm but sometimes I can end up sitting around for a couple of hours fully exposed to the elements without moving much to generate heat.

I don't know if you read my previous post but I have just bought a Buffalow Special 6 shirt (and also a cheaper Jack Pyke Sherpa fleece fluffy hoodie) to try. However I'm still interested to hear any other thoughts or suggestions you may have as I might buy other mid-layer tops in the future at some point.

 

[Watch-keeper]

Another vote for the buffalo, a while back I was out in in the cold (-12) and wind on a frozen lake.
I was wearing a pair of buffalo special 6 trousers over my normal trousers, on top I wore a thick wool thermal, a tshirt, a buffalo mtn shirt and a pile lined jacket similar to a buffalo over all of that. I also wore heavy mittens and a heavy wool hat and a scarf. I was just mooching around not being very active and was quite warm for the few hours we were there.

I really like buffalo kit its so simple and basic and lasts forever, im currently wearing my old belay jacket that is well over 15 years old and still working.

Ive just looked at their website and the cost of it has gone up quite a bit

 

[fielder1963]

I seen this one someone modded, great idea, local stitch shop done it for them,

I wonder how much it would cost to get it modified like that?

 

[hughtrimble]

I wonder how much it would cost to get it modified like that?

And hopefully has a baffle behind the zip otherwise that'll get pretty uncomfortable against bare skin. My local place was £40 for a new zip on a cotton hoodie, so I won't dare ask how much to cut the middle and add a zip, plus kangaroo pocket separation, plus chest pocket separation. Makes me want to get a sewing machine and learn how though!

 

[HorseGuy]

Another vote for the buffalo, a while back I was out in in the cold (-12) and wind on a frozen lake.
I was wearing a pair of buffalo special 6 trousers over my normal trousers, on top I wore a thick wool thermal, a tshirt, a buffalo mtn shirt and a pile lined jacket similar to a buffalo over all of that. I also wore heavy mittens and a heavy wool hat and a scarf. I was just mooching around not being very active and was quite warm for the few hours we were there.

I really like buffalo kit its so simple and basic and lasts forever, im currently wearing my old belay jacket that is well over 15 years old and still working.

That sounds fantastic! I can't wait to try mine out in two weeks.

Ive just looked at their website and the cost of it has gone up quite a bit

Please excuse my being pedantic here (sorry I just cant help myself on this ).

The cost is actually still the same as it used to be before. However the price has gone up because the purchasing power of the pounds you use to buy it with have been reduced due to inflation of the currency supply.

 

[HorseGuy]

And hopefully has a baffle behind the zip otherwise that'll get pretty uncomfortable against bare skin. My local place was £40 for a new zip on a cotton hoodie, so I won't dare ask how much to cut the middle and add a zip, plus kangaroo pocket separation, plus chest pocket separation. Makes me want to get a sewing machine and learn how though!

I think that if I really want a full zip I would probably just swap the Special 6 for a Buffalo Belay jacket.

 

[Watch-keeper]

I just realized I have the hooded belay jacket not the standard belay jacket, the hooded belay jacket is a little shorter, has a drawstring at the hem and a built in hood.

 

[hughtrimble]

I just realized I have the hooded belay jacket not the standard belay jacket, the hooded belay jacket is a little shorter, has a drawstring at the hem and a built in hood.

Isn't that the Fell Jacket? Uses a different, lighter weight less warm lining than the Belay Jacket but has the hood.

 

[Watch-keeper]

Isn't that the Fell Jacket? Uses a different, lighter weight less warm lining than the Belay Jacket but has the hood.

Its this one, it does have the lighter weight outer but the same weight of pile as the hoodless belay jacket.

Hooded Belay Jacket

A light, short, compact jacket used by Military, Police, Mountain Rescue Teams and outdoor professionals. Ideal for a multitude of outdoor uses including: hill walking, climbing, canoeing, sailing, cycling and general outdoor activities. Used by outdoor professionals, this garment works most...

buffalosystems.co.uk

 

[HorseGuy]

Just a quick update. The Buffalo Special 6 in a size 38 which I bought on here (hughtrimble has been an absolute gent to deal with btw) was slightly too tight under my armpits so I'm still on the lookout for either another Buffalo Special 6 but in a size 40 or a Snugpak SJ9 jacket in a size medium.

In the meantime I've bought a couple of thick Jack Pyke Sherpa fleeces which feel like they'll work well enough for the time being and seem to good quality for the price.