I've got a Buffalo shirt, it was a kind gift from a good friend. At first I was a little sceptical but I must admit I have worn it most days over winter and have enjoyed it very much, however I've not tried it as a single layer garment, always have worn a tee shirt and thin pullover underneath. The fabric feels very thin and I was concerned it would tear but how wrong I was. My dogs jump up and one especially has long claws and has clawed the shirt hundreds of times but there's not even the slightest mark. I really rate this garment!
It's like a weirdly kept secret. I have almost every layer made by Arc'teryx, I also have the Batura, Expedition 7000 and Resolution by Rab and this Buffalo Special 6 is better than all of them. Last year I did the C2C and took it with me instead of a coat. Yes it's not the lightest and no, it doesn't pack as small but it is simply amazing. It's almost a prrof of concept that low tech can be higher tech. I remember one day I was getting sweaty so i opened the side zips and all of a sudden wind went into my shirt, inflated everything and within a minute everything was dry. It was alike the scene from Back To The Future. This thing just works! Next up I'm planning on getting the trousers, mittens, possibly the jacket and if it will make sense I might one day get the 4s system (if it still exists by then). I'm sure their parkas and other coats are awesome too. In conclusion, if there was a zombie apocalypse and I had to run... the special 6 is what I would take.
My first one lasted 25 years. As a walking jacket, mountaineering jacket and as a sailing and canoe jacket. I had a little middle age spread and purchased a larger size. My daughter uses my original, still in good condition.
Great review! I used my first buffalo 3 weeks ago on the field, on the top of the wool baselayer and it was best top ever used. For two days in the cold wind and snow I was in full comfort.The Pertex shell is the best windproof I ever had, I have Pertex jacket for the running aswell but the Buffalo shell is something special. Used it in the bushes too and no rips or tears, it is not too strong but it can handle little scratches. I wish they could do it in Multicam or tan, with some velcros on the sleeves. Also very comfortable with webbing and armour, back side is longer and you can sit on the snow or on the wet surface without mat. Top jacket, and it seems to last years.
I rate them. In fact the only 2 coats you ever need (me that is) is a special 6 and a sleeka. First bought one years ago mid 1980’s used in winter in the Lake District not even a t shirt on underneath and was so comfortable. It does work better, next to the skin. Used to carry a Top or a t shirt in the pouch pocket to wear in Keswick/ Cumbrian towns on stops. Sadly getting expensive but how much does other top quality kit cost especially if layering. A lot to consider.
Hi Bex... ive never swapped out of my buffalo when at rest...for me its warm enough..the only thing id suggest is popping a lightweight cotton smock over it to help keep it clean and protected from any fire sparks ect... this is just my opinion...thanks for all your videos, i enjoy them and lve learned a lot👍
Some people give up on them too quickly but don’t keep trialling. I have also used a special 6 and layered it with a buffalo Belay, when in extreme cold but 99% of the time just worn the smock on its own. Like your sleeping bag 2 bag system. I remember an old article when someone soaked themselves in a lake wearing top and trousers and was warm still and it also dried quickly while wearing. Hence advised not to wear a waterproof over it as it stops in breathability working.
Great review Absolute brilliant bit of kit,need nothing else really. Use mine for biking,climbing in past,walking canoeing, even wrung out when capsized, put back on. Drys relatively quick . I tried the special 6. To long for me,but have 5 belay jackets,can wear two together, either a 42 chest with a 44 over top,or even two 44s together in minus 2c.Sweating. Ive used a candle wax over my oldest and used a hairdryer on it then. Rain runs off a treat,although probably lost some of it's breathing abilities. Only thing i wish it had is a inside pocket,lined pockets. Great bit of kit. Maybe i should try a mountain shirt as bit shorter.
That's a trip down on memory lane....8n the 90 I want to buy that shirt but it was so f@#%$g expensive...so I bought the Service shirt.....same design but cheaper and also made in the UK....used it in the infantry and used it as a civy working outside digging in com.cabels ...I still got it and use it..😀
I have one and it's great. I especially like it for mountain biking in freezing temperatures. I'd sweat a lot but it dries quick. Read a lot comments saying it's too warm and yeah, it's too warm for summer but I don't think these folks use the vents critical part of the system. This is the point, not having to change layers but simply undo vents instead is easier.
i have a smock, trousers, hood ... have owned several over the years, great piece of kit ... BUT not robust, ive been lucky but have seen lots of people rip or end up with small burns. (i wear mine under a smock to protect it) Have tried using it inside the buffalo sleeping bag system .... and it failed miserably, problem was because the heat i generated didnt get to the sleeping bags pile, the bag stayed cold ... the result was that although i was comfortable due to the suit, my feet were Freezing cold.
Great Review Brother! Looks like a Great option for winter Hiking and other activities. Thanks for teaching us about Cool gear like the Buffalo. Cheers Brother Have a Great Weekend. Keep Blazing the Trails. Cheers from Swansea SC.
Hi! Bex, it does look smart. I was pleasantly surprised at the price. I thought they sold for around the £300 mark. I remember Ray Mears wearing them years ago and Paul Messner has just bought, or been given one. I had read they could be a bit warm for hiking in and I am curious how they are washed. If you wear them next to bare skin, the inner would absorb sweat, ( at least I would imagine they do), causing them to smell a bit if not washed. I always thought they were waterproof, rather than rain resistant. I liked the large map pocket but on fleece, I've always preferred the ones with the full length zip as being easier to ventilate. I look forward to your test and review in hiking conditions. I would imagine at sea or on top of a mountain would be a lot colder, so wearing one in those conditions would not build up any body heat to uncomfortable levels. I'm intrigued, looking forward to your next review. God bless, take care of yourself.
i love Buffalo, always had one in the wardrobe, still a great top and always works when the weather turns bad, good to see some one doing a recent review
I will look into that. I did a 6 miler with only the Buffalo, no base layer, and it was soaked with sweat, but dry 10 minutes later once the pit zips were opened up. I do find a micro PCS fleece under it and I sleep like a baby....bex
Wanted one of these since 1994 when my section commander had one.just never been able to justify the price.things have now changed as I wild camp,so you never know.👍
I would suggest only ever buy a buffalo if you don't overload your pack and want to travel lighter, without the need to carry a layering system. You need to ask your self how long on Earth do you have left, now can you justify it...? The alternative is use a cheaper layering system for our remaining time on Earth, then it all ends, and we never bought one.....bex
Sir Love your material. Am a reservist in my late 50s about to be retired off. Love the outdoors but I do feel the cold. Really interested in this buffalo special 6 shirt. 1. To stay warm when you stop, could you just put your puffy (synthetic or down) over the buffalo instead of taking it off? 2. Would you consider putting a gortex shell over it during a massive down pour?
Been using it all winter. I found once you stop walking you will definitely want a fleece sweater under it. I trekked out in it (no base layer) for a 12 miler and it was soaked in sweat. I unzipped the side zippers and it was bone dry 10 minutes later. Awesome bit of weight and space saving kit, once you get to know its functionalities.
I was in a sweat tabbing in it with a pack, but fine just rambling with no pack. It dried out in 10 minutes, by simply opening the pit zips. Its biggest downside is it ain't that warm when you stop walking, which puts me in a dilemma to its usefulness when camping. I think a goose down jacket would work out better for me at camp, but I only yomp in a T-shirt now, regardless of how cold it is.. I am only ever cold when I stop, hence the need for a goose down jacket.. A second fleece hoody would fix this issue, but now I am caring 2 elements of warm kit wearables. It's a fine balancing act for sure....b
Nice one bex been looking at the special 6 at mo I’m using the old British army softies bottoms and top in my hammock set up and to be honest I did the beast of the east up in the bodnat estate hills and was a wee bit warm
The outer is a nylon pertex, it will not be good around a fire at all. Google up mk3 army NBC smock, it looks similar, but is charcoal lined so is warm, and a heavy duty outer.
Thanks for the review. I have a love/hate relationship with my Buffalo! I love how it works but, as it's so pricy, I am always nervous of using it by fires and so on. I really ought to use it more. I tend to only take it out on very cold hikes. The ECW jacket you have looks useful. Did you say Norwegian/Canadian? Where's it from if you don't mind me asking?
Norgi manufactured, used by Can SF. These are still in active service, so might be a while before they go surplus, and even then they will be incredibly rare. A great civilian alternative would be a level 7 Climashield apex jacket, I think Helicon would be a good alternative, but you got to step up with the cash if you want kit that actually works, rather than believing sales hype, for over priced inferior kit. Sorry its not better news for you...thanx for watching....Bex
I use this Buffalo as a solo layer even in minus Celsius it can build up a lot of moisture thru sweat when walking, but dries out very quickly with the pit zips. As demonstrated in the video I remove it for a warm dry layer when I stop. Have not tried my Goretex over it as I assumed it would prevent the moisture from escaping. I have hiked in a downpour and just allowed it to get wet, and was super warm (until you stop) as you correctly pointed out. Will test again with my Goretex soon....bex
Then it wouldn't be a video review on the Buffalo smock, and the video would be called (just wear a wool jumper) Are you going to watch other channels featuring the Buffo smock and say the same, or are you saving this shite just for for my benefit Why not watch videos on things that interest you, instead of being a dick.
I've got a Buffalo shirt, it was a kind gift from a good friend. At first I was a little sceptical but I must admit I have worn it most days over winter and have enjoyed it very much, however I've not tried it as a single layer garment, always have worn a tee shirt and thin pullover underneath. The fabric feels very thin and I was concerned it would tear but how wrong I was. My dogs jump up and one especially has long claws and has clawed the shirt hundreds of times but there's not even the slightest mark. I really rate this garment!
It's like a weirdly kept secret. I have almost every layer made by Arc'teryx, I also have the Batura, Expedition 7000 and Resolution by Rab and this Buffalo Special 6 is better than all of them. Last year I did the C2C and took it with me instead of a coat. Yes it's not the lightest and no, it doesn't pack as small but it is simply amazing. It's almost a prrof of concept that low tech can be higher tech. I remember one day I was getting sweaty so i opened the side zips and all of a sudden wind went into my shirt, inflated everything and within a minute everything was dry. It was alike the scene from Back To The Future. This thing just works!
Next up I'm planning on getting the trousers, mittens, possibly the jacket and if it will make sense I might one day get the 4s system (if it still exists by then). I'm sure their parkas and other coats are awesome too.
In conclusion, if there was a zombie apocalypse and I had to run... the special 6 is what I would take.
My first one lasted 25 years. As a walking jacket, mountaineering jacket and as a sailing and canoe jacket. I had a little middle age spread and purchased a larger size. My daughter uses my original, still in good condition.
Great review! I used my first buffalo 3 weeks ago on the field, on the top of the wool baselayer and it was best top ever used. For two days in the cold wind and snow I was in full comfort.The Pertex shell is the best windproof I ever had, I have Pertex jacket for the running aswell but the Buffalo shell is something special. Used it in the bushes too and no rips or tears, it is not too strong but it can handle little scratches. I wish they could do it in Multicam or tan, with some velcros on the sleeves. Also very comfortable with webbing and armour, back side is longer and you can sit on the snow or on the wet surface without mat.
Top jacket, and it seems to last years.
I rate them. In fact the only 2 coats you ever need (me that is) is a special 6 and a sleeka. First bought one years ago mid 1980’s used in winter in the Lake District not even a t shirt on underneath and was so comfortable. It does work better, next to the skin. Used to carry a Top or a t shirt in the pouch pocket to wear in Keswick/ Cumbrian towns on stops. Sadly getting expensive but how much does other top quality kit cost especially if layering. A lot to consider.
Hi Bex... ive never swapped out of my buffalo when at rest...for me its warm enough..the only thing id suggest is popping a lightweight cotton smock over it to help keep it clean and protected from any fire sparks ect... this is just my opinion...thanks for all your videos, i enjoy them and lve learned a lot👍
Some people give up on them too quickly but don’t keep trialling. I have also used a special 6 and layered it with a buffalo Belay, when in extreme cold but 99% of the time just worn the smock on its own. Like your sleeping bag 2 bag system. I remember an old article when someone soaked themselves in a lake wearing top and trousers and was warm still and it also dried quickly while wearing. Hence advised not to wear a waterproof over it as it stops in breathability working.
Great review
Absolute brilliant bit of kit,need nothing else really.
Use mine for biking,climbing in past,walking canoeing, even wrung out when capsized, put back on.
Drys relatively quick .
I tried the special 6.
To long for me,but have 5 belay jackets,can wear two together, either a 42 chest with a 44 over top,or even two 44s together in minus 2c.Sweating.
Ive used a candle wax over my oldest and used a hairdryer on it then.
Rain runs off a treat,although probably lost some of it's breathing abilities.
Only thing i wish it had is a inside pocket,lined pockets.
Great bit of kit.
Maybe i should try a mountain shirt as bit shorter.
That's a trip down on memory lane....8n the 90 I want to buy that shirt but it was so f@#%$g expensive...so I bought the Service shirt.....same design but cheaper and also made in the UK....used it in the infantry and used it as a civy working outside digging in com.cabels ...I still got it and use it..😀
Had mine for over 20 years still going strong. I also have the montane mountain shirt and the snugpak softie both just as good.
IMHO Buffalo Chest Pocket is much better compared to Montane
Great choice! Another very similar one is the Montane Extreme Smock, which is worth a look in.
Also Alpkit have their own version , similar to the montane
I have one and it's great.
I especially like it for mountain biking in freezing temperatures.
I'd sweat a lot but it dries quick.
Read a lot comments saying it's too warm and yeah, it's too warm for summer but I don't think these folks use the vents critical part of the system. This is the point, not having to change layers but simply undo vents instead is easier.
i have a smock, trousers, hood ... have owned several over the years,
great piece of kit ... BUT not robust, ive been lucky but have seen lots of people rip or end up with small burns. (i wear mine under a smock to protect it)
Have tried using it inside the buffalo sleeping bag system .... and it failed miserably,
problem was because the heat i generated didnt get to the sleeping bags pile, the bag stayed cold ... the result was that although i was comfortable due to the suit, my feet were Freezing cold.
If you're looking for a hood, defiantly look at the expedition hood, it's similar to the dp hood but bigger it's more adjustable
Well done on the 7k followers Bex. Well.deserved.
Great Review Brother! Looks like a Great option for winter Hiking and other activities. Thanks for teaching us about Cool gear like the Buffalo. Cheers Brother Have a Great Weekend. Keep Blazing the Trails. Cheers from Swansea SC.
Hi! Bex, it does look smart. I was pleasantly surprised at the price. I thought they sold for around the £300 mark.
I remember Ray Mears wearing them years ago and Paul Messner has just bought, or been given one.
I had read they could be a bit warm for hiking in and I am curious how they are washed.
If you wear them next to bare skin, the inner would absorb sweat, ( at least I would imagine they do), causing them to smell a bit if not washed.
I always thought they were waterproof, rather than rain resistant.
I liked the large map pocket but on fleece, I've always preferred the ones with the full length zip as being easier to ventilate.
I look forward to your test and review in hiking conditions.
I would imagine at sea or on top of a mountain would be a lot colder, so wearing one in those conditions would not build up any body heat to uncomfortable levels.
I'm intrigued, looking forward to your next review.
God bless, take care of yourself.
i love Buffalo, always had one in the wardrobe, still a great top and always works when the weather turns bad, good to see some one doing a recent review
I ran an elastic cord through the bottom of my special 6 and removed the internal belt. In my opinion a very nice modification.
I will look into that. I did a 6 miler with only the Buffalo, no base layer, and it was soaked with sweat, but dry 10 minutes later once the pit zips were opened up. I do find a micro PCS fleece under it and I sleep like a baby....bex
Wanted one of these since 1994 when my section commander had one.just never been able to justify the price.things have now changed as I wild camp,so you never know.👍
I would suggest only ever buy a buffalo if you don't overload your pack and want to travel lighter, without the need to carry a layering system. You need to ask your self how long on Earth do you have left, now can you justify it...?
The alternative is use a cheaper layering system for our remaining time on Earth, then it all ends, and we never bought one.....bex
Hope you stumble on a bargain a the price has sky rocketed
Sir
Love your material. Am a reservist in my late 50s about to be retired off. Love the outdoors but I do feel the cold. Really interested in this buffalo special 6 shirt.
1. To stay warm when you stop, could you just put your puffy (synthetic or down) over the buffalo instead of taking it off?
2. Would you consider putting a gortex shell over it during a massive down pour?
Been using it all winter. I found once you stop walking you will definitely want a fleece sweater under it. I trekked out in it (no base layer) for a 12 miler and it was soaked in sweat. I unzipped the side zippers and it was bone dry 10 minutes later. Awesome bit of weight and space saving kit, once you get to know its functionalities.
Great review, thanks. Great piece of kit. Only challenge for me is being too warm when yomping ;)
I was in a sweat tabbing in it with a pack, but fine just rambling with no pack. It dried out in 10 minutes, by simply opening the pit zips. Its biggest downside is it ain't that warm when you stop walking, which puts me in a dilemma to its usefulness when camping. I think a goose down jacket would work out better for me at camp, but I only yomp in a T-shirt now, regardless of how cold it is.. I am only ever cold when I stop, hence the need for a goose down jacket..
A second fleece hoody would fix this issue, but now I am caring 2 elements of warm kit wearables. It's a fine balancing act for sure....b
Nice one bex been looking at the special 6 at mo I’m using the old British army softies bottoms and top in my hammock set up and to be honest I did the beast of the east up in the bodnat estate hills and was a wee bit warm
I've heard they're great bits of kit . As you say if the pros use it , it must do the business. Nice vid Bex 👍
Hi, thanks for this. How does it fare around a fire, is it fire-resistant at all?
The outer is a nylon pertex, it will not be good around a fire at all. Google up mk3 army NBC smock, it looks similar, but is charcoal lined so is warm, and a heavy duty outer.
cheers@@bexbugoutsurvivor
Good review mate I've been using one for a while and I love it atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍
Do like that cap 👍...cheers Bex, keep 'em coming
Thanks for the review. I have a love/hate relationship with my Buffalo! I love how it works but, as it's so pricy, I am always nervous of using it by fires and so on. I really ought to use it more. I tend to only take it out on very cold hikes. The ECW jacket you have looks useful. Did you say Norwegian/Canadian? Where's it from if you don't mind me asking?
Norgi manufactured, used by Can SF. These are still in active service, so might be a while before they go surplus, and even then they will be incredibly rare.
A great civilian alternative would be a level 7 Climashield apex jacket, I think Helicon would be a good alternative, but you got to step up with the cash if you want kit that actually works, rather than believing sales hype, for over priced inferior kit.
Sorry its not better news for you...thanx for watching....Bex
Bex , good review and visit , thanks for sharing , God bless mate
Best jacket I have ever had
i am looking forward to winter now. I also wear it in the house in lieu of putting the heating on in the house....lol
You would absolutely need a gortex outer as the rain repellency. Only worked when moving where you produce heat.
I use this Buffalo as a solo layer even in minus Celsius it can build up a lot of moisture thru sweat when walking, but dries out very quickly with the pit zips. As demonstrated in the video I remove it for a warm dry layer when I stop. Have not tried my Goretex over it as I assumed it would prevent the moisture from escaping. I have hiked in a downpour and just allowed it to get wet, and was super warm (until you stop) as you correctly pointed out. Will test again with my Goretex soon....bex
Thanks Bex great review 👍 👌
You’re welcome 😊
very smart Bex and a solid review. hope it wears well mate.
Have you done a follow up?
Is the wicking similar to the NikWax system?
Why not just wear a wool outer layer
Then it wouldn't be a video review on the Buffalo smock, and the video would be called (just wear a wool jumper) Are you going to watch other channels featuring the Buffo smock and say the same, or are you saving this shite just for for my benefit Why not watch videos on things that interest you, instead of being a dick.
Wool doesn't dry anywhere near as fast! I'd wear wool under a waterproof for sure.. but the buffalo system dries you out fast!