Alpkit Jura Smock

[Low Level Walker]

Does anyone have any personal experience of these? I am tempted to try one out, just not entirely sure on their waterproofness though. I am also somewhat of a heavy sweater so also a bit concerned how this will dissipate with the fleece lining.

I know they appear to be similar to Buffalo products but having never had them either I can't comment.

If anyone has any comments, positive or negative, I would be intrigued to hear.

Many thanks.

[Giant Stoneater]

I have a Buffalo and i only use it around zero temp as i find it far too warm and that is not wearing anything underneath it, just remember they are not waterproof but will repel rain to a certain degree.
Never really had a problem with sweating and wetting out the garment which means it must be working correctly.

[Low Level Walker]

Thanks Giant Stoneater for reply. I may try and drop some subtle hints to Mrs LLW and see if Santa will be kind to me this xmas.

[Ben More]

I've had one since early this year. I really like it. Not used it in heavy rain - I'm sure it would cope to a degree, but, I would chose a more dedicated waterproof if I know it was likely to rain a lot.

I have used it in Baltic cold conditions with just a L/S tee shirt underneath. It was very comfortable. There are very good venting options. The build quality is good and it feels comfortable to wear.

I believe Alpkit have it discounted at the moment. I would certainly recommend it.

I did have a Buffalo 6 many years ago. Think it is a bit thinner than the Buffalo, but, scores well with the hood.

[naefearjustbeer]

I have one and have used it quite a bit, It is very warm and the vents are good for getting an airflow on a breezy day, I either wear a thin base layer or nothing underneath it. However it has only just come back out to play as far too warm for me in summer and autumn. Have been out in howling gales of wind and it has kept me warm. I have yet to be caught in a extended downpour as i tend to cherry pick my days for heading out, so cannot comment on how it deals with that but i am very happy with it.

[James Picksley]

I have the buffalo mountain shirt. I think it's brilliant in the right conditions. I generally wear it on cold (below -5), dry days. I wear it next to the skin which is how they're meant to work best and have the hood, which is great. It wicks really well (I also sweat a fair amount!). Open all vents for working hard even when it's really cold. It dries inside fast when you lock it down and it's windproof. Had it over 10 years and it's still fine and doesn't smell. The best bit of hill clothing I've ever purchased. It's not waterproof but will hold off some light rain and even when wet it still works well. If the alpkit is anywhere near as good it'll be great.

[mikedunn]

Bitterly cold wind on Wednesday; wore my new Jura - it performed well. Similar to my old Buffalo Big Face Shirt, but comes with a hood and at a more modest price. A good piece of kit!!.

[naefearjustbeer]

Used mine in anger this morning wind gusting 40-50mph with Hail sleet and snow squalls coming in. Hood up and nice and warm in the teeth of it and once in more sheltered spots was positively warm and had to open zips. I only had a thin base layer under it. I am very impressed.

[Low Level Walker]

Hi all. Meant to say, Mrs LLW bought me the Montane Extreme smock for my Xmas. She knows I’m a bit of a Montane fan boy, as she puts it.

I take it, it will be pretty much similar to the Alpkit and Buffalo ones. I have to say I’m impressed with it, I don’t know about not wearing a base layer underneath though. Each to their own I guess.

My only grumble is Mrs LLW knows that I am normally an XL in jackets and tops, but for Montane I normally need to size up. It’s a bit of a faff getting on and off, I think an XXL would have fitted me better.

But all said, first impressions are very favourable 👍