Cold weather top

[JungleJim]

I'm trying to decide on a smock/jacket that can be worn on its own and possibly inside a sleeping bag in extremely cold weather.

First decision is pile or insulated filling?

I'm looking at:

Snugpak Softie Shirt / Pile Shirt
Montane Extreme Smock
Snugpak Sleeka Jkt

Thoughts, experiences?

 

[weekend_warrior]

I'd go for the Buffalo Special 6 shirt. Pile lined, worn direct on the skin - it'll keep you toasty, even if it's wet through.

http://www.buffalosystems.co.uk/dp3rollover.htm

 

[Jedadiah]

I'd concur with WW, Buffalo Special 6 or mountain shirt (same construction material, different cut) although i'd probably have the Snugpak Sleeka for colder weather.

so, Buffalo if you are being active or for milder (!) cold, Snugpak Sleeka for inactivity. Though saying that, you probably find it too warm in your sleeping bag (obviously depends on your bag).

Hope that helps.

 

[spamel]

I got issued a Softie style jacket and trousers set, I am seriously considering keeping it when I hand my kit in as it is a great bit of kit. If I find myself getting cold in my sleeping bag, I throw the jacket and trousers on and I'm warm in no time. I sleep very cold due to the fact that I am about 10 stone when wet!

 

[scanker]

Something from http://www.extremeoutdoorclothing.com/ ? No experience yet, but I have a field smock on order.
Review at: http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/showthread.php?t=18622

 

[Mastino]

Buffalo Special 6 here.

 

[addyb]

While normally I would say use whichever one the weather conditions dictate, I'd still be inclined to say pile. It's just straight up better.

 

[eddie brann]

extreameoutdoor clothing the field smock is brilliant very warm have used mine on exercise in the brecon beacons / dartmoor /bodminmoor etc but in side a sleeping bag i use a narvik shirt very soft and cumfy and just the right amount of warmth.

 

[david1317]

hi i have the montane extreme smock and love it its nice and warm breaths well i payed £56 for mine the buffalo is about £100 and if you want ahood thats another £20 the montane comes with a hood

 

[Brian]

Jim,

I've got a Montane extreme smock, as David said, it comes with a hood which is a bonus. I like it but it is a very warm top, I actually like it more than the Buffalo (had a special 6 for about 8 years). It depends on what you are going to use it for, if I've been on the go for a while and I'm not stopping for long, to have a brew for instance, I put on my Nanok insulated jacket and than stuff it back in it's waterproof sack when I get going again. If I'm stopping for a long time I strip down and put my extreme smock on next to my skin, where it belongs. Have you tried any of the jackets yet, that may help you decide mate, hope that helps.

Brian

 

[tetra_neon]

has anyone compared the Snugpak pile shirt elite against a Buffalo? I've heard the montane extreme is just too hot for a lot of people.

I want to get a wicking top like this for next winter.

 

[Roving Rich]

Yup The Snugpak pertex and pile top is one of the best bits of kit I have ever bought. Its fantastic. I have slept in the woods in it with no sleeping bag or other shelter. Canoed in storms and frosts in it. Its excellent.
I have buffalo salopetes, and the pile is nowhere near as dense, therefore not as warm or waterproof.
The snugpak breathes well, but has zips up both sides to vent.
A large tunnel pocket at the lower front , can accommodate an axe, several knives of 4 cans of bear. Above is a smaller zip up marsupial pocket, big enough to take plenty of tinder, an ~OS map or paper back book.
They also come with a pertex stuff sack bag, that i use regularly for foraging.
A totally excellent piece of kit IMO. I will certainly be buying another when this one wears out, tho after 5 years it will probably last another 5 years.
The only negative point is it does not pack up small - like the sleeka, and is reasonably heavy. Neither of these are a problem if you are wearing it, and mine generally gets used as my pillow at night.
Cheers
Rich

 

[tetra_neon]

thanks for that snugpak it is!

I didn't know about the side vent zips, that's a big bonus. I knew the buffalo had them.

how is the sizing? are they generous?

 

[Mikey P]

I'd go for the Buffalo Special 6 shirt. Pile lined, worn direct on the skin - it'll keep you toasty, even if it's wet through.

http://www.buffalosystems.co.uk/dp3rollover.htm

Yep - agree. This is a piece of kit which I know is in widespread use through the military and outdoor worker community. If anything, the only problem is that they can be too warm and they are quite bulky.