Wore mine for many years while serving, I love the fact that you can regulate the temperature with the pit zips and the latest issue smocks have the same so you can unzip both lots for if you're on a long distance march with weight.
Buffalo style smocks- Why?
- Thread starter Dan00001
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Same as Chris, I’ve had my Special 6 shirt for 20+ years. Far too hot for for on the move, but little beats it when you’re wee wet through and stopped for a while. I think it’s a really good value bit of kit given that you should get a couple of decades out of it.
Can’t speak for the Montane, but the issue PCS thermal shirts aren’t bad value if you just want to see if you like that style of garment.
Can’t speak for the Montane, but the issue PCS thermal shirts aren’t bad value if you just want to see if you like that style of garment.
To get the best out of it its worth having a couple of layers of their kit.
This is the list of kit I have collected over the years, some is well over 15 years old and still works.
Activelite shirt+hood, great for when I'm working hard or its not too cold, really good in cool rainy conditions.
Lite trousers, great for when I'm working hard or its not too cold, really good in cool rainy conditions.
Mountain shirt + hood for cold weather or as an added layer for stops etc.
Belay jacket sized up for wearing over everything if its really cold.
Special 6 trousers for really cold crappy condition.
With this combination I can deal with most conditions as long as its not too warm.
The Achilles heel of buffalo is temperature, if its too warm or you are generating too much heat through work you can get very hot very quickly so you need to be on top of the ventilation zips.
The other thing is if you are not working and generating heat you need to layer up.
This is the list of kit I have collected over the years, some is well over 15 years old and still works.
Activelite shirt+hood, great for when I'm working hard or its not too cold, really good in cool rainy conditions.
Lite trousers, great for when I'm working hard or its not too cold, really good in cool rainy conditions.
Mountain shirt + hood for cold weather or as an added layer for stops etc.
Belay jacket sized up for wearing over everything if its really cold.
Special 6 trousers for really cold crappy condition.
With this combination I can deal with most conditions as long as its not too warm.
The Achilles heel of buffalo is temperature, if its too warm or you are generating too much heat through work you can get very hot very quickly so you need to be on top of the ventilation zips.
The other thing is if you are not working and generating heat you need to layer up.
I used to swear by Buffalo clothing especially for winter open canoeing and winter in the high mountains but now the body is no longer up to all that kind of thing I find the "Double P" system just too warm and inflexible for my more modest activities and I stick to layered (mainly natural fibre) clothing so that I can easily regulate my body temperature - as well as being able to make almost all my own clothing 
My Buffalo is nearly 30 years old. Cracking piece of kit. It was always recommended to be worn next to the skin for best effect. I have a Montane extreme jacket which is bombproof it goes over the top of everything when I’m on the hills with the radio. I have the Arktis version I’ve been meaning to put up for sale.
Similar to Buffalo if I’m honest. There are no Velcro tabs at the bottom to tighten the hem on the Arktis. A nice plus is the micro rip stop fabric.
Pros and cons, mixed, from owning two Special 6s (I think that's the name).
It's way too hot for me to wear when moving, but is is a really good warming layer when you stop, good loft and very light for the insulation you get. The hood is a must if you want the insulation, it really keeps you toasty.
It is also completely synthetic, it burns very well, it will acquire many ember holes near a campfire if you are not careful, and it absolutely stinks after a few days out if you sweat in it.
I own two, one for over 10 years which has now pilled so badly that it is of little use. The other gets very little use even though still like new; I have moved away from plastics and now go full on with wool layers, a few cheap jumpers, a loden smock, and a ventile smock as outer if it gets wet.
Overall, if you value lightweight kit with high insulation/weight ratio, the Buffalo is great. It is also insulating very well even when soaked, and it dries fast. Great for multi-day hikes. But, if you are heading out in a mode where weight/bulk is not an issue, I would take other options along.
The quality is great and they very well made. They feel flimsy, but they take incredible abuse.
Money-wise, I think the price point is a bit steep for what it is. I don't think there is more than about 4 manhours of work in making one, if you produce them routinely, and the materials are not exotic, so I think you pay for the brand. However, they are made in the UK, and -given that, the costs of running a business, considering 1/6th of it is VAT, and the cost of labour- the price is not unfair either.
It's way too hot for me to wear when moving, but is is a really good warming layer when you stop, good loft and very light for the insulation you get. The hood is a must if you want the insulation, it really keeps you toasty.
It is also completely synthetic, it burns very well, it will acquire many ember holes near a campfire if you are not careful, and it absolutely stinks after a few days out if you sweat in it.
I own two, one for over 10 years which has now pilled so badly that it is of little use. The other gets very little use even though still like new; I have moved away from plastics and now go full on with wool layers, a few cheap jumpers, a loden smock, and a ventile smock as outer if it gets wet.
Overall, if you value lightweight kit with high insulation/weight ratio, the Buffalo is great. It is also insulating very well even when soaked, and it dries fast. Great for multi-day hikes. But, if you are heading out in a mode where weight/bulk is not an issue, I would take other options along.
The quality is great and they very well made. They feel flimsy, but they take incredible abuse.
Money-wise, I think the price point is a bit steep for what it is. I don't think there is more than about 4 manhours of work in making one, if you produce them routinely, and the materials are not exotic, so I think you pay for the brand. However, they are made in the UK, and -given that, the costs of running a business, considering 1/6th of it is VAT, and the cost of labour- the price is not unfair either.
Having never seen Buffalo anywhere other than on hikers, and even then rarely, just seen two - one on a high street and another in a pub (I'm assuming it's not pile-lined...). Likely just coincidence and I'm looking for it more now, but wonder if the Ben Fogle ownership has sparked anything.
Hi Dan, are you still looking for a Montane smock? I have one that has barely been worn, size Large. You want a hood, it has a built-in roll away wired visor hood.
I'm local-ish to you (near Sennybridge) - you're welcome to come and have a look sometime....
I would DM you but can't see that option - I've been more of a lurker than poster so may not have that option yet...?
Cheers,
Neil
Scots_Charles_River
Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
I had the Montane perfect top with a thin thermal lining. If you keep moving it is dry in rain. As soon as you stop it's wet through. It's been super seeded by soft shells.
Although the Army PCS smock is basically the same. If the issue smock has a thin lining is not like like buffalo.
Although the Army PCS smock is basically the same. If the issue smock has a thin lining is not like like buffalo.
Sorry, just seen this. Honestly I will probably wait until after the summer now, but what sort of price are you looking for? Would definitely have to try it on, I usually go for Xl but occasionally a Large does fit me depending on the garment.
I'm open to (sensible) offers Dan. If you're able to message me with your mobile number I can send you photos/ arrange a viewing... cheers, Neil
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