I've had a Buffalo and a Montane Extreme; the cross-vent ventilation of the Montane makes it a hands-down winner for me - just gives you much more ventilation, with much subtler control. The hood is also in a different class - the one on the Buffalo flaps, restricts visibility and can even bash into your eyes so is on the edge of dangerous, whereas the Montane hood is close to perfect. I've also had a lighter Extreme (not Montane) something or other years ago - didn't think it was that brilliant - good for the odd nightime run in winter iirc, but heavy. I don't think you will get the wicking performance from a non-fibre-pile lined thing that you will from fibre-pile - water just drains out of it. I've used the Buffalo and Montane for many fantastic winter days in Scotland, no other single garment I've owned works so effectively over such a huge range of conditions, but can't say how good it will be for paddling. I once jumped into a wee pool coming off the Cuillin ridge in mine and had a swim and was warm again after 5 or 10 brisk minutes descending.
