How should the Buffalo Special 6 shirt be worn for optimal performance?

Question

How should one wear the Buffalo Special 6 shirt appropriately in order to remain warm?

Answer 1

In regard to the performance of the shirt, the ideal configuration is that of the Buffalo Special 6 shirt worn with minimal or no base layers. This configuration works well as the shirt has been designed to appreciate one thin layer as the body heat is what is needed to warm the shirt. Putting less underneath other garments assists the perex fleece lining in better sitting and trapping heat. Having too many layers inhibits the performance of the jacket making it impossible to be warm and dry.

Comments

Love mine! Even though they're supposed to be worn with nothing underneath, I've started wearing a bit thicker baselayer just as mine tends to get sweaty quickly. Weirdly, the more you wear underneath, the sort of cooler it becomes! It's perfect for the weather here in Switzerland. I have the hood with the face covering too which works very well in deep winter.

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I’ve got two, I’ve had them a long time now great bits of kit, great when your active but have found that they’ve not always kept me warm when I’ve been sat around.

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I have had the forerunner to one of these made by Remploy for about 25 years now. Worn it in cold conditions from Norway to down the Falklands and can vouch for everything said in this content. It is an amazing piece of kit and is my go to item when the temp drops.

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I use my special 6 with my helikon tex Pilgrim anorak over. Like wearing a fortress. The pilgrim has fire resistance as well. Both jackets have excellent venting options and excellent breathability. I use the pilgrim over a tshirt in the summer so essentially the pilgrim is the outer to my system all year round. If rain is belting down I will wear a poncho over everything any time of year. I use a wax canvas outhaus poncho if high winds and rain as it has more weight to it, also doubles as my bivi. My other poncho is a snugpack enhanced patrol, very light and very versatile as well.

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I've worn Buffalo for many many years, from head to ankle (how about some socks Buffalo??) and I have to say that wearing the shirt against your skin is a MUST if you want to get the best from it. Exposing your skin to the is the most effective way of dumping excess heat. I've yet to find anything to wear underneath that wicks as well as the pile lining. I can tell this because when I don't wear an under layer the pile feels slightly damp (as does the layer) whereas nest to the skin the Buffalo is dry.

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A couple of things with these from my own experience. Don't get me wrong they are a great bit of kit but like anything there are compromises and limitations. Pertex is the outer nylon layer which can be nik-washed to aid waterproofing but these are not waterproof coats in the same way as a hardshell where water beads off. To keep warm you've got to keep moving, your body heat is what dries the jacket (which is best worn with just a base layer on or next to the skin and when you're walking layering is not ideal as it will stop the heat reaching the pile layer and drying the jacket if wet), as soon as you stop moving for a prolonged period you will over time get cold.

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Hi Phil... I have a Montane jacket which is much the same. Fantastic for winter cycling! A friend of mine is a body for SARDA and uses a Buffalo sleeping bag to lie on the hill waiting for a dog to find him!! Only downside is you've got to wear it all the time...to bulky to carry!!
Not fashionable for the crowds.... but deserves to be more popular.
TFS cheers Alistair

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Are you still wearing this ?

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I Love Buffalo gear I have 3 Jacket . Special 5 and special 6 and the amazing Antarctic one that I bought 30 years ago . And the 3 jackets are in perfect conditions. BUT for the best  result you Must wear buffalo against the skin and nothing else . And you must protect your nipple with a plaster . Why : because after many hours of walk the salt in your perspiration will burn the skin of your nipple in contact with the pile fleece of the jacket.

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I would imagine it would be a good combo with fishnet long underwear, no?

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Very scenic content, but once again we have someone wearing a layer underneath. Buffalo recommend you wear it directly on the skin, no layers. Literally nobody seems to observe this! I don't know why, it's warmer and works better if you do...

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Wear next to the skin