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Buffalo Special 6

PostPosted: Thu Jan 10, 2019 8:52 pm
by abs70
I've been walking the winter hills for over 10 years now and must have had my head up my arse for the entire time because I have only just come across the Buffalo Special 6.
The reviews seem spectacular. Anyone any experience of these? I'm guessing everyone but me by the looks of things. What can I do without, (hardshell/softshell/puffer?) if (when) I get one?
Any advice/tips welcome.
Cheers

Re: Buffalo Special 6

PostPosted: Thu Jan 10, 2019 9:25 pm
by Coop
Gave my first one away about 9 years ago ( bad move).
Took me until last October to get another one. Went into cotswolds in FW and tried one on to get the exact size - then ordered one from sports warehouse!! ( had to be done).
Fantastic bit of kit

Re: Buffalo Special 6

PostPosted: Fri Jan 11, 2019 8:08 am
by Ben Nachie
I'm a Buffalo fanboy! My first item was the salopettes, bought in about 1991. I still have them! They were quickly followed by the shirt, good, mitts, and trousers. I also have a couple of their attempts at underwear.

I wear my shirt generally when the temperature drops into the low single figures, but I'll even wear it on some of the chillier summer days when I'm stopped, or when descending.

The hood is pretty much permanently attached, and the mitts, trousers & salopettes get used when it's below zero.

The shirt is great. I have worn it next to the skin, and over a merino tee. The tee adds slightly to warmth when you're dry, and makes the shirt feel more 'normal', however it adds nothing when you get wet. Other base layers can actually make you colder when wet. Wearing your Buffalo next to your skin is generally best, though it feels strange at first.

The only other clothing I now use is-

Rab Alpha Direct jacket (like Buffalo but not so warm)
Merino tee
Merino long sleeved top
Summer trousers
Waterproof trousers

That's it. Everything else languishes in the cupboard.

Re: Buffalo Special 6

PostPosted: Fri Jan 11, 2019 6:48 pm
by abs70
Thanks for the advice. Mine is on it's way! I haven't been this excited about a bit of kit in a while.

Re: Buffalo Special 6

PostPosted: Fri Jan 11, 2019 10:12 pm
by davekeiller
In answer to the original question, a Buffalo Shirt is essentially a softshell jacket. It's designed to mimic animal fur to give insulation and water resistance in the same garment (it's not designed to be completely waterproof, but to keep you warm whilst wet and to dry quickly enough that it doesn't matter). It should be enough on its own, or combined with a baselayer on very cold days. Whether you also want to carry a conventional hardshell and some additional insulation is up to you, and your judgement as to what you feel is necessary.

Re: Buffalo Special 6

PostPosted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 10:00 am
by gaffr
1 2005_0801Alps200520086 (2016_10_25 19_15_56 UTC) (459x640).jpg
Blue and a green Buffalo on Zinalrothorn….warm on these bigger tops.
Don't know if these are Special 6 but both are Buffalo from 12 years ago.

Re: Buffalo Special 6

PostPosted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 4:56 pm
by GillSte
Glad to hear you've ordered one, the Buffalo is the proverbial dog's in winter. Wear it next to the skin, and carry a Goretex jacket to put over the top when it's blowing a hoolie (plus waterproof trousers, gloves, hat) and you don't need anything else. Best to get the hood and keep it attached all the time, and you can look like Nanook of the North and just as warm. I love them so much, I've got two. Oh and the very lightweight version is all you need to carry on a hot day in the summer, it will keep you warm in a breeze whilst eating lunch and OK-ish if it rains, providing it's not too cold. Good for running too.

Re: Buffalo Special 6

PostPosted: Mon Jan 14, 2019 3:05 pm
by brpro26
I'm a Montane Extreme Smock fan myself. Looked at both many years ago and Montane came out the best option for me. A bit bulkier if stuffing it in the rucksack but cheaper and comes with a hood. A least have a look at it.

Re: Buffalo Special 6

PostPosted: Tue Jan 15, 2019 10:55 pm
by Bothybob
Just bought a Buffalo shirt today from Sportsv warehouse in Edinburgh, this is my second one the first lasting over 20 years but must have shrunk over the years
It is essential that you try one on to get right fit, great piece of kit

Re: Buffalo Special 6

PostPosted: Wed Jan 23, 2019 7:39 pm
by antibubble
Best piece of kit i've ever had. Sill my 'go to' and its 25 years old. I have a belay jacket too that will go over the top. That combination worked a treat in some very bad winter conditions in the Cairngorms

Re: Buffalo Special 6

PostPosted: Wed Jan 30, 2019 7:32 pm
by abs70
I bought it, I used it, I love it.

Through some pretty cold conditions - not very wet or snowy but enough - it worked a treat. I wore it next to the skin and it worked amazingly. No more freezing if I stop for a breather for more than 3 minutes.

I'm thinking of buying shares... if only I had any money.