Best outdoor jacket/shirt I've ever owned
I bought my first special 6 shirt 10 years ago as i work in Nepal for 6 months of each year,have done so for 17 years.My original black one is still in perfect condition despite the rigours of the Himalayas.I now own 4 special 6 shirts in each colour,they are fantastic and look the part.These things keep you warm and cozy whatever mother nature throws at you, I've even slept in one at 4,500 m in the middle of winter outside in Nepal under a bivi,no problems !!I also bought all the goods for mine, it's well worth it when the going gets tough as are the mitts also but they only come in 3 colours.Just buy one of these you most definitely will not regret it and looked after they last for donkeys years.
Pros: Ventilation, Look good, Long, Warm
Cons: You get too warm !!!
Sizing: Feels about right
Would recommend: Yes
Reviewed by Gary in Preston,Lancs
A classic piece of effective kit.
For those in the know, the Buffalo Pertex & Pile kit is simply the best all round, go to stuff on the market. For those who aren't in the know - you're missing out.
I've worn the Special 6 for 20 years, both in the Forces & out & I can't fault it for performance. Better breathability than any membrane, warmer than fleece & retains it's effectiveness when wet through. In fact, the best waty to dry it is to wear it!!
They take a bit of getting used to for temperature control but once you know what's best for you regarding ventilation they're the dogs. No more taking 'breathable' jackets on & off.
Great for any outdoor activity like canoeing, hiking, climbing, camping - you name it. I always have an old one in the boot for emergencies. Get the hood too as it really compliments the jacket & is very comfortable - it won't go over a climbing lid tho. I'm a 41" chest but the size 38 is a good fit - you need a close fit as you won't need more than a thin baselayer under it.
Buy a second hand one first & give Buffalo a try, you won't regret it.
Pros: Good pocket system, Great ventilation options, Dries quickly, Warm when wet , Breathable
Cons: Doesn't like sparks, Noisy when new
Sizing: Feels large
Would recommend: Yes
Reviewed by Wildrover in Fife
Serious kit producing serious results
First of all and to simply put it:
The single best piece of clothing I have ever purchased.
Sizing: I purchased the special 6 shirt in store after receiving advice to try the sizes! I personally ended up going for a smaller chest size to allow greater conformity to my body. It fits to a tee and still allows good functional movement at key stress points (across shoulders and arms).
Design: brilliant....It has a longer back than the mountain shirt and this is a godsend when rain is battering you from behind! It prevents riding and chafing from your load carrying gear (an issue my friend had with his mountain shirt). Zips in all the right places and the chest pocket is cavernous!( will easily accommodate a O/S map).
Colours: black or green....enough said!
Functionality: simply superb, I experienced snow, sleet, rain , 65 mph gusts.....pretty much everything the lakes could throw at me and walked away warm. Unfortunately I was stupid enough not buying the hood (despite the shop assistants advice) buy the hood. Even though water poured down my back about 12 hours in....I still kept warm! In essence this smock will take everything you throw at it. As a Paramedic this jacket would undeniably be perfect in the rescue or remote medic field.
The jacket also crucially keeps you warm when standing still or your activity level drops (such as putting up the tent or eating grub)
Tips and advice: Buy the hood, wear around the house or whilst walking the dog before taking out to work, this will help you judge your sweat point where you can start filling with the side zips.
Summary: a jacket at home walking the dog, hunting, walking, camping or getting battered by the weather
Pros: Functional, Easy to keep clean, Really hardy, Amazing
Cons: No hood attached
Sizing: Feels large
Would recommend: Yes
Reviewed by JT in UK