These at legendary in the UK military where we often train in terrible weather, especially in the Brecon Beacons as you mentioned. I wouldn’t say these are waterproof. They are water resistant. The strength in these comes from keeping you warm in any conditions, including when wet. They are fantastic in moving moisture away from the skin and drying out quickly. The pile lining is VERY warm and they cut out the wind chill pretty much totally. All in all an excellent piece of kit.
Here from the UK. Buffalo is one of our best unknown exports. Even in the UK only people in the know, know Buffalo! People can't believe I wear only that on my top half in winter. A true outdoor item of clothing, no fancy marketing, gimmicks or pandering to fashion. I wouldn't be without my Special 6.
It's nice to see Americans using these. They're quite popular in the UK since they're both designed and made here, but you don't see Americans using them too much. Great piece of clothing. Good video, too!
I've had several of these over the years and haven't been disappointed. The special 6 is slightly longer in the body to cover your backside, the mountain shirt variant is more to your waist or belt length but otherwise the same. For cold weather trekking in the mountains they're warm, particularly if you keep moving. Too hot for summer wear though but good to take along in your back pack in case the weather deteriorates. Pertex is highly wind proof and rain resistant, but the wicking effect of the pile and nature of the pertex dries you quickly in the event of a soaking. If I need to stay absolutely dry I still take a goretex shell too. Mine tend to last me about 10, years after which the seams start to fray and the pertex, which isn't that robust tends to weaken and tear easily if snagged on something. Size wise they're meant to be very fitted to get the optimum benefit. I am a 6 foot medium build guy and find the 44 works for me, allowing for a base layer underneath. (Purists will say you should be naked underneath it).
Used to use the Special Six brand years ago. Like hens teeth in the UK now but captures and keeps warmth brilliantly even when soaked through this garment retains excellent levels of insulation. Top stuff. Great video
Hi there, I have had a buffalo shirt for nearly 30 years..( made by them before they were called buffalo shirts I think). I can 100 percent vouch that it is a brilliant bit of kit. When I go out in the winter and its around the -1 to up to 10 degrees c. I wear a thin merino base layer and the buffalo shirt and thats it and I am warm as toast. Just can't rate it enough. Glad to see you have found it and are enjoying its comfort and effectiveness. a.t.b. vee
I'm glad to have found it and like you can appreciate its performance. But like I said it is fairly unknown company here in the US. That's why I wanted to get the information out there. Thanks
I bought mine earlier this year. it's great to see someone else in the states with one. I really want to reiterate that no layering is required. Also when you buy it keep the fit tight. It only works when it's close to your body. I originally bought a 48 to fit my chest but the rest of the shirt was too loose around my body for it to work properly. I sent it back and went down to a 44 and it fit perfectly.
Excellent point about the importance of clothing. So many people focus on knives and tools that our most basic form of core temperature management gets overlooked. The Buffalo shirt looks like a great piece of gear. Thanks for showing this.
Just got mine in Toronto. Used Jackson Sports, delivered within the 7 business day mark. Don't truly like winter but this time I'm a tad primed for when it comes (or just excited).
Great video. I have had mine for about a month now and have used it heavily around the woods/hills near my home in Scotland. It has now become my favourite bit of kit and is very warm even in low temperatures but I find it too warm for the mountains even in icy conditions. I wear a high wicking t-shirt under mine as I find it more comfortable than wearing it next to the skin. Do you find the hood to be good or would a waterproof hat be better? I'm in too minds whether to buy one. I haven't worn either my Berghaus Goretex or my Mountain Equipment down jackets since buying my special six. We have had some extremely crappy weather even by Scottish standards and it has coped superbly👌
id also like to add that the pertex outer is very water resistant but not 100% waterproof (just to make your readers aware) but the idea (again) of wareing the jacket with no under-T is that even when damp/wet the jacket still remains very warm and also dries quickly (which it woudnt with the under-T) ive been soaked through (due to being laid-up) but the jacket is still warm and dried reasonably quickly, if your mobile while it gets wet, you hardly notice due to your body drying the inner then out extremely quickly
Key point- fully agree. It's the speed of the garment's 'recovery from extremes' that impresses me every time. Took it for a tramp in the Ardennes, snow hail, rain -8c... had a base layer on and nothing else all weekend. Bomb proof piece of kit. It was also second hand!! God know how old it actually is. I reproof it a couple of times a year...
Nice review I've worn them for the last 20 plus years . About the best thing out to keep warm and very light. Supposed to wear with nothing underneath, however not good get to a place to eat or drink with it on. I always wear a thin wicking tee shirt then can take the top off . I would not be without one.
Hey buddy nice review I actually went to the factory in the Midlands in England. At the time I was at the University of Derby studying outdoor education. I have tried nearly all the types and brands to keep warm in out wet environment in the UK. Buffalo mountain (very similar to yours in the video but not as long in the lower back area) and it's the best for bushcraft type of stuff. Any type of strenuous activy and you will get way too hot in it. So it's not the best for hiking etc. Oh and the factory is literally like a tiny dark commercial building. Everything is handmade by local workers that have been doing it for year. Mostly middle aged women. And mums always do the best fine work 😋. Oh and not sure if you aware of another company called snugpak? There are the go to company for extremely warm jackets and salopettes. Most of the British army guys will buy either buffalo or snugpak to compliment their own issued clothing. I rate their warmest bag Antarctica SE sleeping bag. (edit spelling)
Yes they may not bee known in the US but in the UK they are definitely known I am on my second one in over 25 years and the only reason I am on my second is cause someone stole my first one, they are bomb proof and work in any environment
Slightly misleading review, the shirt isn't actually waterproof, it's water resistant to about an half inch per hour but will wet out in anything more than a prolonged shower.
You've completely missed the point despite a very clear explanation in the video. The shirt will wet out in heavy rain, ***but if you're wearing it as hiking/survival equipment rather to keep clothes dry on your way to a dinner party, that doesn't matter.*** Even if the shirt is completely soaked by immersion, it will stay warm and keep you not just alive but comfortable. This is a good trade-off for the intended users; the Buffalo really is for mountain climbers and Arctic warfare troops, not mall ninjas and apres ski fetishists.
I called Josh the size is based on what size suite jacket you would wear I am a 44 Long so just order a 44. Also the woman jacket is tapered for the female body. Solid piece of equipment.
My Wife and I go to Hawley Lake its about 8.600 feet so that area is a perfect place for this system including the paints. I learned long ago you need the right tools this product is good. Needs to be IR compliant as well.
Wouldn’t this garment be far too hot to wear whilst being active? I understand that it wicks away the sweat - but surely the lining and water resistant outer will just wet you out very quick during high exertion?
This is what I have been looking for, not needed now but for next year. I have been putting together my list for the clothing I will need for next winter and I will be buying one of these, I hate winter in Baltimore I know it's not as bad as some places but I just hate being cold. Thanks for the vid.
I've worn Buffalo since Bosnia in the early 90's right up the present day. Buy the hood too. Awesome kit as warm wet as when it's dry. I've got a mountain shirt in black and OG plus the belay in black.
Maby its just me, but i felt cold wearing the special six shirt in Holland with cold weather. Was bit disappointing. Sold my snugpak blizzard jacket, because too bulky, but it was warm. This is a good mid section under parka jacket or something
Cool video. I never heard of it until today. I just added this shirt to my "to buy" list. Too bad they don't make it in multicam, that would be totally awesome.
Love the video. Thanks for all your doing for us. I just tryed to visit your website and it s down. May just be my computer. Thought id let you know. Thanks again.
Hi, nice review. I've been looking at these for a while. Can you share any advise on sizing. Did you get one in the size you normally wear? Go up or down in size? Thanks!
www.blackscoutsurvival.com When I tried to view it yesterday the entire site would not let me go on to it. However, I tried again tonight and it allowed me to view the content. Thanks for the great content by the way.
OK. The Shirt arrived from the UK. It took about 3 weeks to receive it. I beleive they run about 1/2" - 1" small. Did you find this ? Guess I will have to send it back for the next size larger. The doom of buying online is that you can't try it on first. The shirt is great though and I bought the optional hood. The hood seems like one size fits all so it is a big too wide for the size 44 i have. Are you aware of anyone who sells this in the USA ?
Got issued something identical to this in 2000 when joining my police firearms unit. We called it a buffalo jacket and it has an Arktis label on the front. Not sure if its the same company but everything about it is identical. I wore it at every training day as did everyone, and it was very warm as we did some of our practice up in the hills. I wore it to watch my sons play rugby in all weathers and even at Internationals. I still have it and wear it often. It's lasted well although being 20 years old its washed thin, the thermal retention is minimal and one of the zips on the front hand warmer pocket has burst but other than that its still got a use. Seeing this shirt for sale on Ebay for £83 is a nice wee find. I might just get one.
Based on your review, I tried to buy this. I found a variety of won't ship to the US, you can't buy it driect from Buffalo, out of stock, they don't sell it on Amazon, Ebay does not have the size, color or hood that I want. Some help would be appreciated. Where can I buy this who will ship it to the US ?
On reading the comments I've lost count of the number of times people have asked what size the man is wearing and each question has been ignored. C'mon blackscoutsurvival, don't be shy, although that was 5 years ago...........
Surprizes me. I have to be honest I didn't test it yet. I would love to see you testing the difference in a video. Especially a cotton T can only make it more difficult to dry, and thus limit the capability of the equilibrium. The inventor of buffalo systems swears on his no undergarmet policy...
The absolute warmth of the system will be slightly warmer with undergarments, but because you are slowing down the wicking process the garment will FEEL warmer without undergarments. Hard for most people to commit to the 1 layer system (for good reason) but in the window in which it works it works well.
I've worn it in wet snow against the skin. Once (in those conditions) it got to the point where it wasn't wicking my sweat, and the snow coming down on top wasn't evaporating. Was starting to feel a little hypothermic. On ARRSE, some British vets say it's best worn as a mid-layer underneath a smock (field jacket). I love mine, had one for years- but I won't wear it against the skin anymore with nothing on top of it. Great piece of kit though.
I have one, bought more than twenty years ago and it’s still going strong. Wonderful product.
These were the business in my unit back in the 90s. Awesome pieces of kit..
There’s a shop near Hereford that sells this shirt, those who know will realise the significance and who would be the customer for this shirt.
These at legendary in the UK military where we often train in terrible weather, especially in the Brecon Beacons as you mentioned. I wouldn’t say these are waterproof. They are water resistant. The strength in these comes from keeping you warm in any conditions, including when wet. They are fantastic in moving moisture away from the skin and drying out quickly. The pile lining is VERY warm and they cut out the wind chill pretty much totally. All in all an excellent piece of kit.
Here from the UK. Buffalo is one of our best unknown exports. Even in the UK only people in the know, know Buffalo! People can't believe I wear only that on my top half in winter. A true outdoor item of clothing, no fancy marketing, gimmicks or pandering to fashion. I wouldn't be without my Special 6.
It's nice to see Americans using these. They're quite popular in the UK since they're both designed and made here, but you don't see Americans using them too much. Great piece of clothing. Good video, too!
Best piece of clothing I have used, from lying in wet holes and hiking in hills, this garment never lets me down. Great review
I've had several of these over the years and haven't been disappointed. The special 6 is slightly longer in the body to cover your backside, the mountain shirt variant is more to your waist or belt length but otherwise the same. For cold weather trekking in the mountains they're warm, particularly if you keep moving. Too hot for summer wear though but good to take along in your back pack in case the weather deteriorates. Pertex is highly wind proof and rain resistant, but the wicking effect of the pile and nature of the pertex dries you quickly in the event of a soaking. If I need to stay absolutely dry I still take a goretex shell too. Mine tend to last me about 10, years after which the seams start to fray and the pertex, which isn't that robust tends to weaken and tear easily if snagged on something. Size wise they're meant to be very fitted to get the optimum benefit. I am a 6 foot medium build guy and find the 44 works for me, allowing for a base layer underneath. (Purists will say you should be naked underneath it).
Used to use the Special Six brand years ago. Like hens teeth in the UK now but captures and keeps warmth brilliantly even when soaked through this garment retains excellent levels of insulation. Top stuff. Great video
Hi there, I have had a buffalo shirt for nearly 30 years..( made by them before they were called buffalo shirts I think). I can 100 percent vouch that it is a brilliant bit of kit. When I go out in the winter and its around the -1 to up to 10 degrees c. I wear a thin merino base layer and the buffalo shirt and thats it and I am warm as toast. Just can't rate it enough. Glad to see you have found it and are enjoying its comfort and effectiveness. a.t.b. vee
I'm glad to have found it and like you can appreciate its performance. But like I said it is fairly unknown company here in the US. That's why I wanted to get the information out there. Thanks
I bought mine earlier this year. it's great to see someone else in the states with one. I really want to reiterate that no layering is required. Also when you buy it keep the fit tight. It only works when it's close to your body. I originally bought a 48 to fit my chest but the rest of the shirt was too loose around my body for it to work properly. I sent it back and went down to a 44 and it fit perfectly.
This is definitely the best Buffalo 6 review for feature details. Thanks!
Excellent point about the importance of clothing. So many people focus on knives and tools that our most basic form of core temperature management gets overlooked. The Buffalo shirt looks like a great piece of gear. Thanks for showing this.
It is definitely and underrated topic. It is bombproof without the bulk. Thanks Bryan
Just got mine in Toronto. Used Jackson Sports, delivered within the 7 business day mark. Don't truly like winter but this time I'm a tad primed for when it comes (or just excited).
Very cool, I will have to check this out. Thanks for showing us this item.
Great video. I have had mine for about a month now and have used it heavily around the woods/hills near my home in Scotland. It has now become my favourite bit of kit and is very warm even in low temperatures but I find it too warm for the mountains even in icy conditions. I wear a high wicking t-shirt under mine as I find it more comfortable than wearing it next to the skin. Do you find the hood to be good or would a waterproof hat be better? I'm in too minds whether to buy one. I haven't worn either my Berghaus Goretex or my Mountain Equipment down jackets since buying my special six. We have had some extremely crappy weather even by Scottish standards and it has coped superbly👌
Had mine over 20 years and still going. Best bit of kit you could own. Bar none. Originally the Mountain shirt I believe (which is the one I have).
id also like to add that the pertex outer is very water resistant
but not 100% waterproof (just to make your readers aware)
but the idea (again) of wareing the jacket with no under-T is that even when damp/wet
the jacket still remains very warm and also dries quickly
(which it woudnt with the under-T)
ive been soaked through (due to being laid-up) but the jacket is still warm and dried
reasonably quickly, if your mobile while it gets wet, you hardly notice due to your
body drying the inner then out extremely quickly
Key point- fully agree. It's the speed of the garment's 'recovery from extremes' that impresses me every time. Took it for a tramp in the
Ardennes, snow hail, rain -8c... had a base layer on and nothing else all weekend. Bomb proof piece of kit. It was also second hand!! God know how old it actually is.
I reproof it a couple of times a year...
Nice review
I've worn them for the last 20 plus years .
About the best thing out to keep warm and very light.
Supposed to wear with nothing underneath, however not good get to a place to eat or drink with it on.
I always wear a thin wicking tee shirt then can take the top off .
I would not be without one.
Hi.
Nice ‘shirt’.
The lining looks the same as my German army surplus parka, from the late ‘70’s.👍🏾
what size shirt did you have on please
Hey buddy nice review I actually went to the factory in the Midlands in England. At the time I was at the University of Derby studying outdoor education. I have tried nearly all the types and brands to keep warm in out wet environment in the UK. Buffalo mountain (very similar to yours in the video but not as long in the lower back area) and it's the best for bushcraft type of stuff. Any type of strenuous activy and you will get way too hot in it. So it's not the best for hiking etc. Oh and the factory is literally like a tiny dark commercial building. Everything is handmade by local workers that have been doing it for year. Mostly middle aged women. And mums always do the best fine work 😋. Oh and not sure if you aware of another company called snugpak? There are the go to company for extremely warm jackets and salopettes. Most of the British army guys will buy either buffalo or snugpak to compliment their own issued clothing. I rate their warmest bag Antarctica SE sleeping bag. (edit spelling)
Yes they may not bee known in the US but in the UK they are definitely known I am on my second one in over 25 years and the only reason I am on my second is cause someone stole my first one, they are bomb proof and work in any environment
Definitely agree. You guys should have shared it with us long ago. Haha. Thanks for watching
You’ve explained the shirt’s features better than some of the UK videos do
Slightly misleading review, the shirt isn't actually waterproof, it's water resistant to about an half inch per hour but will wet out in anything more than a prolonged shower.
. Get your camera out and film a review about it
You've completely missed the point despite a very clear explanation in the video.
The shirt will wet out in heavy rain, ***but if you're wearing it as hiking/survival equipment rather to keep clothes dry on your way to a dinner party, that doesn't matter.*** Even if the shirt is completely soaked by immersion, it will stay warm and keep you not just alive but comfortable. This is a good trade-off for the intended users; the Buffalo really is for mountain climbers and Arctic warfare troops, not mall ninjas and apres ski fetishists.
still isn't waterproof... pretty key point when making a review
Water doesn't reach the skin, even in the wettest weather, it just gets wicked away.
I'm sat under a tree right now in my buffalo mountain shirt. The outside was wet when I sat under here and its dry now 10 mins later.
The issue I see with this shirt is what happens if you run too hot? With a layering system you can at least shed.
I called Josh the size is based on what size suite jacket you would wear I am a 44 Long so just order a 44. Also the woman jacket is tapered for the female body. Solid piece of equipment.
That is correct.
My Wife and I go to Hawley Lake its about 8.600 feet so that area is a perfect place for this system including the paints. I learned long ago you need the right tools this product is good. Needs to be IR compliant as well.
SAS swear by this bit of kit !
Excellent review, not heard of these before but tried one on today, very warm and comfortable and made here in the UK!
Wouldn’t this garment be far too hot to wear whilst being active? I understand that it wicks away the sweat - but surely the lining and water resistant outer will just wet you out very quick during high exertion?
Just ordered mine can't wait for it to hurry up and get here!
This is what I have been looking for, not needed now but for next year. I have been putting together my list for the clothing I will need for next winter and I will be buying one of these, I hate winter in Baltimore I know it's not as bad as some places but I just hate being cold. Thanks for the vid.
Thank you. It is super warm
Waterproof jkt and trs
Hat gloves
Insulating jkt
Bivi bag
Better than any survival knife
Stay warm and dry
Easy...
Only that waterproof jackets are like plastic bags even when they cost 500 dollars. You soak from the inside out!
thanks man, this review is crisp, to the point, and short. thank you so much. i'm basically sold on this.😁
I've worn Buffalo since Bosnia in the early 90's right up the present day. Buy the hood too. Awesome kit as warm wet as when it's dry. I've got a mountain shirt in black and OG plus the belay in black.
How loud is the fabric when rubbing against itself and rubbing against brush?
Got one myself love it more then my kids
Maby its just me, but i felt cold wearing the special six shirt in Holland with cold weather. Was bit disappointing. Sold my snugpak blizzard jacket, because too bulky, but it was warm. This is a good mid section under parka jacket or something
I could only imagine getting cold in one when down to well below zero and not moving. They also produce the Tecmax which is even warmer.
Will be getting one, great review.
Cool video. I never heard of it until today. I just added this shirt to my "to buy" list. Too bad they don't make it in multicam, that would be totally awesome.
Would you do a review of the Beyond Alpha Stretch sweater? I'd like to see how these to compare to each other.
Love the video. Thanks for all your doing for us. I just tryed to visit your website and it s down. May just be my computer. Thought id let you know. Thanks again.
Your welcome. Not sure. Website working properly on my end. Thanks
Thanks Jack.
Do they make them for people in the 4xl category i weigh 300lbs
Hi, nice review. I've been looking at these for a while. Can you share any advise on sizing. Did you get one in the size you normally wear? Go up or down in size? Thanks!
what size is that one that you're wearing?
Hey, What happened to the website. I can only view a cached version of it with no functionality.
What website
www.blackscoutsurvival.com
When I tried to view it yesterday the entire site would not let me go on to it. However, I tried again tonight and it allowed me to view the content. Thanks for the great content by the way.
OK. The Shirt arrived from the UK. It took about 3 weeks to receive it. I beleive they run about 1/2" - 1" small. Did you find this ? Guess I will have to send it back for the next size larger. The doom of buying online is that you can't try it on first. The shirt is great though and I bought the optional hood. The hood seems like one size fits all so it is a big too wide for the size 44 i have. Are you aware of anyone who sells this in the USA ?
Which vendor was successful in shipping to the U.S.? B.T.W. Is this Chris S.?
Got issued something identical to this in 2000 when joining my police firearms unit. We called it a buffalo jacket and it has an Arktis label on the front. Not sure if its the same company but everything about it is identical. I wore it at every training day as did everyone, and it was very warm as we did some of our practice up in the hills. I wore it to watch my sons play rugby in all weathers and even at Internationals. I still have it and wear it often. It's lasted well although being 20 years old its washed thin, the thermal retention is minimal and one of the zips on the front hand warmer pocket has burst but other than that its still got a use. Seeing this shirt for sale on Ebay for £83 is a nice wee find. I might just get one.
You also get big 3 quarter length bad boys with double front zip, super cozee
Based on your review, I tried to buy this. I found a variety of won't ship to the US, you can't buy it driect from Buffalo, out of stock, they don't sell it on Amazon, Ebay does not have the size, color or hood that I want. Some help would be appreciated. Where can I buy this who will ship it to the US ?
+Center Mass www.buffalosystemsusa.com/
I love low profile clothing!
just subscribed 👍
very good review sir
going to work through the videos
What pants are they, dude?
They're Mountain Khakis, thanks for nothing dumb-ass.
+Chuck Norris no problem you flamer. Wanting to know what pants he's got on.
Oh, please. What's wrong with wanting to know what kit you use?
i bought because of this review, so thank you!
Is the inside "Alpaca wool" or regular sheep wool?
Polyester pile
Great review! Attempted to get through and order. Was not successful. Left msg and looking fwd to locating & ordering
Right on! Thanks
Did it fit to size? How much does it weigh?
It's fairly lightweight. Don't know exact weight. But yes. It is to size by your suit jacket size.
I was just curious whats your native background?
Irish. Family came to US in the 1890's
Great review, its a shame about the availability in the US though..ATB Nobby in the UK
+Nobby Bravo Alpha Buffalosystemsusa.com
On reading the comments I've lost count of the number of times people have asked what size the man is wearing and each question has been ignored. C'mon blackscoutsurvival, don't be shy, although that was 5 years ago...........
why do you wear a freaking T-shirt with it? I heard this would bring down performance...
No it freaking doesn't
Surprizes me. I have to be honest I didn't test it yet. I would love to see you testing the difference in a video. Especially a cotton T can only make it more difficult to dry, and thus limit the capability of the equilibrium. The inventor of buffalo systems swears on his no undergarmet policy...
The absolute warmth of the system will be slightly warmer with undergarments, but because you are slowing down the wicking process the garment will FEEL warmer without undergarments. Hard for most people to commit to the 1 layer system (for good reason) but in the window in which it works it works well.
I've worn it in wet snow against the skin. Once (in those conditions) it got to the point where it wasn't wicking my sweat, and the snow coming down on top wasn't evaporating. Was starting to feel a little hypothermic. On ARRSE, some British vets say it's best worn as a mid-layer underneath a smock (field jacket). I love mine, had one for years- but I won't wear it against the skin anymore with nothing on top of it. Great piece of kit though.
Jeremiah Steiner They are best worn with a base layer underneath....something like underarmour that will keep the moisture of the skin...
Ray Mears uses Buffalo gear, say no more
Nice.
Its supposed to be worn directly on the skin nothing underneath it
its defo NOT waterproof. defo performs at its best worn next to the skin, i. no undergarment
up to 50 mph wind resistance
Has he got a cotton t-shirt on underneath? Noooooooo!
Nope. Wool. Why would you assume that dummy
@@BlackScoutSurvival just wondering really. I assume modesty prevented you from wearing it next to the skin as Buffalo recommend...?
I find a thin wool layer works better. It’s t shirt merino wool. Just to move the moisture off my body
@@BlackScoutSurvival ooh merino wool, nice one!
What size is that you are wearing in the video?