What are the benefits of the Buffalo Special 6 shirt for outdoor activities?

0 votes
by (120 points)
Why don’t you enlighten us? Why would you wear the Buffalo Special 6 shirt for outdoor activities like hiking and for biking?

1 Answer

0 votes
by (300 points)
There are very positive reviews about the Buffalo Special 6 shirt considering the factors of weather variations and its versatile performance. The shirt is intended to be quite warm due to its perex fleece lining designed to retain heat. Moreover, it is windproof against winds of up to 50 mph, therefore it can withstand windy situations. It can also be worn in wet conditions and has the properties to dry quickly and wick moisture away as well. It has been designed with a huge pocket for maps, side pockets which pass completely through the jacket and long zips for ventilation purposes. It comes with high collar and sometimes it is possible to provide hood and mittens as well. It is also easy to wear with a backpack as the straps could fit inside the pockets. In general, the shirt is viewed as an all season jacket apart from extremely hot weather and can be used for overland walking, camping and other activities.
by (100 points)
You are correct my friend, I have had mine for 33 years, and was given it, in 1991, by my old friend, Hamish Hamilton. I wrote about it in 'Climber & Hillwalker' in 1993 or 1994, against the advice of others, that it would damage my writing career. I have all the Buffalo gear, but the S6 shirt is the Bee's Knees You need to have faith, and wear it, as intended, next to your skin. I have seen an example that survived a bombing in NI, and another that survived a stove explosion. I have met the (SBS) guy, who wore it, with 2 pairs of Ron Hill Tracksters, at -37 . Buffalo gear has saved many, many lives. Hamish never wanted to make the stuff in the first place, but lots of mountaineers and adventurers owe him a debt. When you see them posing on Everest, they're wearing the stuff their sponsor supplied, not, necessarily, the gear that got them there. Buffalo is legendary  It wasn't designed for the Special Forces, it was designed to go walking in Derbyshire, it just massively exceeded expectations. Hamish invented Pertex, developing it from a material that was used for typewriter ribbons, it works by capillary action. The fit is important, but also, (again), don't wear ANYTHING underneath it. They may be expensive, but they're fantastic value, and they come with a lifetime guarantee. The S6 is windproof to 40 MPH, but good luck standing up beyond that!
by (100 points)
I bought a second one because the pile on the first had compressed so much in about 8 years of good use. The first also refuses to get water to bead despite nikwax (useless).
I also bought the same size belay jacket to go over when properly cold and stationary which works well.
Even when soaked I'm still warm :)
by (100 points)
I totally agree and have perfect experiences with it. When cycling from Prudhoe bay to Panama. Especially on the northern section it was fantastic! Next year I’ll go on the GDMBR and there will be cold and rain, even snow possible. But I will take my Buffalo jacket and it will be okay! Next to this Buffalo shirt I bought the bodywarmer from Buffalo, which I will test and have high hopes it will be as good! Also in the warmer climate. Will follow up (next year) with a review!
by (100 points)
They are brilliant, and dry out so fast if you get soaked, so ideal for being on a boat. The outer nylon layer is the Pertex, the inside fur is fibrepile.
Buffalo also do an unlined version, so just the outer nylon.
 Plain Fibrepile smocks and jackets are also available by several makers including Helly Hansen and I find that having the fibrepile as a separate layer with a windproof nylon jacket over the top is even more versatile, especially as I warm up and need to ventilate better.
I can use both together for full protection, take off the outer nylon shell for cooling down, and use just the outer shell over a thin base layer if I still get too warm.
by (100 points)
Sounds like a fantastic jacket, especially for us outdoorsy type! I like how it's a bit longer and covering the back nicely, I can't stand wind blowing up my back. Great review! The area where you are, stunning!
by (100 points)
I'm a Big Face shirt man myself. Wear mine from October to April in Norway, normally when walking/running with my dogs. There's no ride up with the strap as they pull on the shirt through the belt.

Mine is hammered from walking through vegetation and forests. I'd love to see some rip-stop Pertex being designed if possible.

Even in the autumn when we get tons of rain, it keeps me warm where other jackets would just give up and be a liability.

We've had down to -25C this winter and the only time I've felt cold in the jacket is when I've forgotten to close the belly pocket, which is where I keep the poo bags!

Best piece of kit I've ever bought and I got my first Special 6 donkey's years ago.
by (100 points)
bought one 2 months ago - had north face, rab, montane, fjallraven - this beats the lot, best jacket ive ever had. Went skiing in it a couple of weeks ago in a t-shirt and thin thermal long sleeve - warm as can be but breathable and really moveable - cracking pockets too. dries out on you when it gets wet, but you stay warm
Only watchout is the velcro is like velcro on steroids - keep it away from your hair!!
by (100 points)
I used to have the special 6 but honestly it was too warm for almost every season except a couple of weeks in winter!
by (100 points)
Love mine. One word of warning is they’re not great near campfires, as any small spark instantly melts a hole in the pertex outer.
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