Considering my first buffalo shirt but which one is best of the above? Active has a longer neck and more baffles but is it worth the extra cost?

buffalo's per se aren't worth the cost.

certainly the original, but not now the best.

the montane extreme - for example - has: a hood (extra £20 for a buffalo hood), a significantly higher, mircofibre lined collar, a crotch strap (detatchable) re-inforced forearm/elbow patches, 'D' ring thing for attaching keys, phone, GPS etc.. and better venting than the buffalo.

when you include the price of a hood for the buffalo its £40 cheaper.

they can also come in bright red, and the ladies version is even better.

I have seen the montane extreme and realise how good value it is compared to buffalo, only I felt it to be a bit bulky and 'ski-jacket' compared to the buffalo which was a closer more sleek fit. Cheers tho matey

Buffalo isn't as warm as the Montane and has better venting, which makes it more useful in UK conditions.

I don't know about the active but the S6 has served me well for a long long time.

Alex

The Montane extreme smock is my prefered pile and pertex combi. You can found them for as little as £60 on the web, and come with a cracking hood into the bargain. I also have a buffalo wind shirt but find the venting better on the montane because of the zip down pocket on the front, as well as the side zips.

To get a tight fit you may have to buy a size smaller than you would normally. Granted the montane may be a little bulkier, but the pile lining becomes less bulky after some wear, as it gets worn down.

Theres little to choose between them, but you generally seem to be able to get the best bargains on the montane smock.

£60 ?!

can u tell us which site please?
cheers

Copa2000 are selling the Extreme for £60 at the moment (www.mammut-online.co.uk; go to the "warm jackets" section). I've used them before and their service is very good.

http://www.theoutdoorshop.com/Outdoor/ProductDetails.aspx?language=en-GB&product=OUT3416

This site has it on sale £59. Shop around t'internet though you'll find some decent bargains.

I've had both the Buffalo and Montane Extreme - the Montane wins hands down for me because a) the venting is much more sensible and progressive - the cross chest stuff really works, b) there's no sweaty double layer of pile at the waist, c) there is no sweaty pile under your armpits, d) the hood is much better and safer since it allows peripheral vision and you don't get your eyeballs bashed, e) handwarmer pockets aren't covered by waistbelt of rucsac, f) all the little patches and loops are just better thought out. In fact the whole garment is just better thought out.

Last wore mine a few days ago up Bidean nam Bian - all I needed from the car to the top and back.

thanks for info. about montane extreme smock prices guys but where to buy a WOMEN'S version of this smock ?!! they just can't be found ...ok I'm a big girl but montane aren't doing themselves any favours by not making many girls clothes ....we're only half-way through the b****y winter and I can't get properly equipped !! ...and that smock looks cool aswell ...

£5 to the person who can find a montane women's extreme smock (largest size) for moi!

..and yes i've tried the men's version and they're uncomfortable for us breasty girls!

Outdoormania sell the womens version:

http://www.outdoormania.co.uk/Product.aspx?Product=Montane_Extreme_(Male_&_Female)&ProductID=11

At the beginning of the month, I saw that Action Outdoors in Ipswich had some in the shop; although they don't have them on their website, they may be able to do one by mail order.

http://store.securehosting.com/stores/sh205601/shophome.php

thanks david - outdoormania have sold out + I've just emailed action outdoors..

thank you!

craigdon mountain sports had the womens version in december.

its got a little zipped pocket on the upper arm, the fit is very feminized (it copes with the wife's E cups while remaining fitted everywhere) and the main pocket is bother lower on the body.

top service, knowing that sizing can be an arse i gave them the wifes measurements over the phone and they sat down with a smock and a tape measure and worked out which size she needed.

£80, but it was the only place i found that actually had them.

thanks ever so rewrite ..what a brilliant idea to give measurements over the phone ...how does your wife like that smock? and can i ask what size she got in the end? It has to be good-fitting because you're supposed to be able to wear it next to the skin for max.performance

I've just sent them an email ..

cheers!

skint bint .. wearing it next to the skin is the ONLY way!!

WHY alovesupreme ? does it wick better or does it just feel sexy ?!

seriously when you are really sweating how does that fleece/pile stuff hold up ?

cheers
sb

The essence of pile/pertex is the wicking - which is phenomenal. The whole thing really is a huge insulating towel that pulls sweat off your body so your skin stays dry. By using the zips, you can vary the insulation over a huge range very quickly. If you chicken out and wear a base layer, you lose a lot of that.

And when the side vents are open and spindrift is bouncing off your bare skin and you're warm .. yeah it's sexy too.

thanks for all the info.advice guys but no luck - can't get the women's montane exteme smock for love nor money!

If any montane rep. reads this WHY DIDN'T YOU MAKE MORE SMOCKS FOR US LARGE (OR NOT THAT LARGE) GIRLIES ??!!!

hummff

You could always try made-to-measure from these guys. Assuming they're still going, of course.

Or try a wanted ad on www.ukclimbing.com ?