I have been using a Buffalo Special 6 for winter hillwalking for the past few years, and am perfectly happy with it. However, I may have the opportunity to spend several months next year in Nepal, and was thinking about buying a more traditional hard-shell jacket, when I saw the Furtech Claw. I understand that Paramo-esque fabrics are ideal for the UK, but are they suitable for the Himalayas?

Any other advice or info much appreciated.

When it gets a bit nippy first thing I reach for is a Paramo jacket or smock with an Explorer top.

With that type of material there's no contact chill and windproofing is excellent.

When it gets really chilly I use a Paramo Torres smock (here) often with not much on underneath.

I have a Furtech Claw but haven't done a winter with it yet - so far though it seems as warm as Paramo.

If you get a Furtech I'd advise getting at least a size larger than normal as they seem cut to be a sleek tight fit with not much on underneath - I personally don't like this - I'd rather have a bit of bagginess so I can cram on a fleece if I need to.

I'm a bit sedentary, high energy people might like the sleek fit.

The lower arms are particularly tight and you wont be pulling them over your elbows when the sun comes out 'but' there are very long pit zips.

furtech sizes are odd inches as against most of the other being even inches i.e. a furtech medium is 39" chest against 40" for most others so fit depends where you stand in the "usual" sizing of things.

it's closer cut that paramo - youc an't win really. some don't like paramo because it's loose, even baggy, whilst some don't like furtech becaus it's closer cut - personal choice. furtech sleeves are a little long as these are really designed for climbing too. good for pulling your hands up into in a cold wind though. and the whole cuff is lined too. at the current prices it's a good buy.

as you wear buffalo you'll be used to the close cut but will have to choose just what size you think you are (i found buffalo 38 too small and the 40 a little loose so a medium futech fits me just fine)

that doesn't really help you as to its suitablility but if you think buffalo would be fine there then furtech/paramo certainly would be with the added bonus of better rain protection.

I normally take a medium, but opted for the large on Andy D's advice, I can get a thin fleece under it

I have a buffalo and Claw, the Claw wins