buffalo alternatives
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buffalo alternatives
I'm looking for suggestions for an alternative to a buffalo teclite shirt, bit too spendy for me (typically tight yorkshireman ).
I've used a buffalo mountain shirt a lot in the past but am after something a bit lighter on insulation.
I have tried an army surplus PCS smock, sizing was weird. perfct fit on the chest with really short sleeves and body.
Thanks.
I've used a buffalo mountain shirt a lot in the past but am after something a bit lighter on insulation.
I have tried an army surplus PCS smock, sizing was weird. perfct fit on the chest with really short sleeves and body.
Thanks.
Re: buffalo alternatives
The only alternative I've found is the Keela made army issue smock, which may well be the one you've tried. Other than that I've looked everywhere for an alternative and found nothing affordable .
Re: buffalo alternatives
the keela is a new one to me, this is the one i tried:Ben98 wrote:The only alternative I've found is the Keela made army issue smock, which may well be the one you've tried. Other than that I've looked everywhere for an alternative and found nothing affordable .
https://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/shop ... 59173.html
very cheap but fit wasn't right for me.
Re: buffalo alternatives
I still use Buffalo that I've had for years and years - I know the initial outlay is £££ but you do get the wear out them
Do Montane do an equivalent? I quite like their stuff too
Do Montane do an equivalent? I quite like their stuff too
2924 miles per Gallon
Re: buffalo alternatives
I have 2 Buffalo mountain shirts, both over 20 years old, still in regular use. Go for it, you wont regret the ££
Sarah
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Re: buffalo alternatives
Montane do the 'Extreme' smock / jacket which is very similar to a Buffalo - mine's years old and still fine. They also did a much lighter pertex / pile shirt the name of which I can't remember, however I think it's an item no longer produced.
I recall a company called 'Mardale' used to make lighter weight Pertex / pile jackets.
I recall a company called 'Mardale' used to make lighter weight Pertex / pile jackets.
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Re: buffalo alternatives
Rab vapour rise works on the same principal, just has a much lighter micro pile inner. Can usually be found discounted in go outdoors and online!
Re: buffalo alternatives
thanks for all the replies!
I'll look into the suggestions but have a feeling i'll be keeping an eye out for a 2nd hand buffalo on ebay or somewhere.
I'll look into the suggestions but have a feeling i'll be keeping an eye out for a 2nd hand buffalo on ebay or somewhere.
does one of these cope with being saturated as well as a buffalo?Steezysix wrote:Rab vapour rise works on the same principal, just has a much lighter micro pile inner. Can usually be found discounted in go outdoors and online!
Re: buffalo alternatives
I've got the heavier, Alpine version, it's OK in the wet (I use mine commuting in winter) but the ones with the lighter face fabric will dry out quicker.
Re: buffalo alternatives
That is the Keela one, it just doesn't say keela on ittechno mail wrote:the keela is a new one to me, this is the one i tried:Ben98 wrote:The only alternative I've found is the Keela made army issue smock, which may well be the one you've tried. Other than that I've looked everywhere for an alternative and found nothing affordable .
https://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/shop ... 59173.html
very cheap but fit wasn't right for me.
I understand what you mean about the fit but i'm getting used to it, everyone's different though.
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Re: buffalo alternatives
There are two Buffalo cycle shirts currently on eBay...
Re: buffalo alternatives
I'll maybe try an XL or XXL if i can hit a surplus shop that stocks them some time.Ben98 wrote:That is the Keela one, it just doesn't say keela on it
I understand what you mean about the fit but i'm getting used to it, everyone's different though.
My arms are pretty long It and the Large one I got was comically short in the sleeves.
Re: buffalo alternatives
Yeah, spotted them but I think they're made with the heavier pile lining (like the mountian shirt)Fat tyre kicker wrote:There are two Buffalo cycle shirts currently on eBay...
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Re: buffalo alternatives
Yes they are, I have one in Red & black,it's got to be chilly to wear it, I've used
Buffalo gear for over 30 years, i use the Tecmax pants and find the pile/weight great,
I've yet to get a Tecmax jacket, I use a Paramo windproof with a merino top under or a
Paramo waterproof with a high wicking tee.
Buffalo gear for over 30 years, i use the Tecmax pants and find the pile/weight great,
I've yet to get a Tecmax jacket, I use a Paramo windproof with a merino top under or a
Paramo waterproof with a high wicking tee.
Re: buffalo alternatives
this is my other possible solution, but I like the side venting on the buffalo as I "run hot" (i.e. I'm a sweaty bugger).Fat tyre kicker wrote:I use a Paramo windproof with a merino top under or a
Paramo waterproof with a high wicking tee.
How do you find the paramo + merino for temperature control + how does it do in a real downpour?
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Re: buffalo alternatives
The Paramo windproof ( Fuera) would benefit from side zips however the front
Zip does drop low and the cuffs roll up and Velcro easily, it's also showerproof,
Not sure if when reproofed that could be made better with a waterproof coating,
My waterproof smock ( old style Aspira) is pretty bombproof, very versatile, you
Don't feel wet in downpours, from either rain or sweat ( I'm a sweaty bleeder too)
But would be warm if we get a summer . I bought them both secondhand,
One here and one from eBay, both great jackets, the Fuera rolls up small too.
To complete the package I purchased a new Paramo Torres gilet which is most
Excellent, semi waterproof and insulating,I also got the 'sleeves' that go with it
To turn it into a full coat which are a great source of amusement to my teenagers
Zip does drop low and the cuffs roll up and Velcro easily, it's also showerproof,
Not sure if when reproofed that could be made better with a waterproof coating,
My waterproof smock ( old style Aspira) is pretty bombproof, very versatile, you
Don't feel wet in downpours, from either rain or sweat ( I'm a sweaty bleeder too)
But would be warm if we get a summer . I bought them both secondhand,
One here and one from eBay, both great jackets, the Fuera rolls up small too.
To complete the package I purchased a new Paramo Torres gilet which is most
Excellent, semi waterproof and insulating,I also got the 'sleeves' that go with it
To turn it into a full coat which are a great source of amusement to my teenagers
Re: buffalo alternatives
the teclite shirt is lighter than the full mountain shirt. I have a mountain shirt but haven't worn it in years, can't remember the last time I wore it in fact. I run quite warm and it's a very warm top. Will be taking it to Lapland this xmas
The teclite is lighter (I don't have one) but the other issue with buffalo is the cut is quite boxy, a bit like paramo
Personally I'd recommend something from Rab's vapour rise range. Similar concept (pile/pertex family of softshells) but they have more options for you to choose from including ones with a less windproof shell (which is therefore more breathable). I have a Rab VR Alpine Lite and it is an excellent biking top for anything cold to cool. When it warms up (into the teens) it's too hot to wear so I switch to a non-membrane softshell
Rab stuff has nice long arms which at 6'3 is a real blessing!
The teclite is lighter (I don't have one) but the other issue with buffalo is the cut is quite boxy, a bit like paramo
Personally I'd recommend something from Rab's vapour rise range. Similar concept (pile/pertex family of softshells) but they have more options for you to choose from including ones with a less windproof shell (which is therefore more breathable). I have a Rab VR Alpine Lite and it is an excellent biking top for anything cold to cool. When it warms up (into the teens) it's too hot to wear so I switch to a non-membrane softshell
Rab stuff has nice long arms which at 6'3 is a real blessing!
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Re: buffalo alternatives
I like Rab stuff but for me I find Paramo a better fit as I find Rabs biggest size
Isn't quite big enough To fit comfy, maybe my fatfighters journey will change thar somewhat....
Isn't quite big enough To fit comfy, maybe my fatfighters journey will change thar somewhat....
Re: buffalo alternatives
lots of good suggestions flying about, thanks everybody, looks like i'll be keeping an eye on ebay for a 2nd hand buffalo teclite,
There doesn't seem to be anything on the market that ticks all the boxes:
1 fit and forget
2 lots of ventilation
3 relatively low insulation level
I'll will go and try on the paramo and rab vapour rise suggestions when I can too, then i can look for 2nd hand options from them too.
There doesn't seem to be anything on the market that ticks all the boxes:
1 fit and forget
2 lots of ventilation
3 relatively low insulation level
I'll will go and try on the paramo and rab vapour rise suggestions when I can too, then i can look for 2nd hand options from them too.