Insulation for winter hiking and climbing: the Buffalo Special 6 shirt

Walking, hiking and climbing in the winter is not for the faint-hearted. Those of us who relish the thought of long, challenging hikes and demanding outdoor pursuits through the winter months approach such activities as a sport rather than a bout of exercise. As all sports enthusiasts will tell you, as long as you prepare, you won’t come unstuck!
Many BCH Camping customers enjoy challenging outdoor pursuits. Part of their preparation is making sure they have the appropriate kit and clothing. Meet the gear nerds! When it comes to personal safety and comfort, the most resilient of winter hikers and climbers will make sure their clothing withstands the low temperatures and difficult weather conditions the British climate has to offer. 
For personal safety it is vital that your core temperature is maintained when hiking and climbing. Gear nerds will tell you that insulated clothing is the key and that advances in fabric technology have transformed the experience of hiking and climbing in winter.
Innovative, military standard synthetic insulation clothing is now available to all in the form of mountain shirts, jackets and gilets. One of the most widely respected insulation jackets available on the market is the Buffalo Special 6 shirt.

The Buffalo Special 6 Shirt

Buffalo products are amongst the highest selling synthetic insulation clothing items at BCH Camping. The Buffalo Special 6 shirt has pedigree. It is a design classic that has been developed and tested for over thirty years in the most hostile conditions by the military, police and mountain rescue teams.
Even when soaking wet, the Buffalo Special 6 retains its warmth so it is ideal for may different outdoor pursuits including high level winter hill walking, trekking, winter climbing and general outdoor activities. The cut of the Buffalo Special 6 is 5cm longer than the standard Buffalo Mountain Shirt to allow rain to run off. It also has a thicker pile.

Technical specification of the Buffalo Special 6 Shirt

Pertex® Quantum shell

Formally known as Pertex Classic, Pertex® Quantum uses a tightly woven structure that creates a light and soft fabric so that the insulation can fully loft. Using incredibly fine yarns, the fabrics are designed to trap still air which improves the effectiveness of the insulation.
The durable water repellent finish of the Pertex® Quantum shell discards light rain and snow which provides extra weather protection. Water evaporates from Pertex® faster than it can soak up.

AquaTherm pile lining

AquaTherm fabric was developed to keep water sports enthusiasts dry. It offers freedom of movement, is breathable, fast drying and offers UV protection.

Windproof to 50mph

The windproof specification of the Buffalo Special 6 Shirt provides greater protection in squally winds.

Features of the Buffalo Special 6 shirt

  • Weight 724g (size 42)
  • Spacious zipped front map pocket
  • Storm baffles on the neck and side zips cut out draught through the front
  • Touch-and-close cuff adjustment tabs
  • Touch-and-close attachment on the collar for a hood
  • Touch-and-close hip adjusters
  • Handwarmer pocket
  • A Rucsac hip belt can be fastened through the hand warmer pocket
  • Tape and buckle waist adjuster
  • Eight ventilation controls including two way side zips

Size chart

The Buffalo Special 6 shirt is available from BCH Camping in men’s sizes 38 to 46.
Special 6 Shirt 38 40 42 44 46
Chest Measurement 38″
96.5cm
40″
101.5cm
42″
107cm
44″
112cm
46″
117cm
Inside Arm 23″
58.5cm
23″
58.5cm
23″
58.5cm
23″
58.5cm
23″
58.5cm
Neck 18″
45.5cm
18″
45.5cm
18.5″
46.5cm
19″
48.5cm
19″
48.5cm
Shirt Back Length 33.8″
85.5cm
34″
86.5cm
35″
89cm
35″
89cm
35.5″
90cm
Shirt Front Length 28.5″
72.5cm
29″
73.5cm
29″
73.5cm
30″
76cm
30.5″
77cm
 
It is suggested that to get the most out of the Buffalo Special 6 shirt it should be worn as a snug fit to keep out the draught.
Endorsed by police surveillance teams, armed forces and mountain rescue groups, the Buffalo Special 6 shirt certainly packs a punch for synthetic insulation clothing.

Other synthetic insulation clothing products from BCH Camping

A range of synthetic insulation products are available from BCH Camping.

Women’s synthetic insulation clothing

In the women’s range BCH Camping stock the Berghaus Nula Insulated Jacket, which is packed with superior synthetic ball insulation to make it warm and breathable. The Paramo Torres Medio Gilet provides fast core warmth in changeable conditions and can be worn over a baselayer or an outer layer.

Men’s synthetic insulation clothing

In the men’s range there are more Buffalo products. We stock the Buffalo Mountain Shirt in charcoal and olive. The men’s Paramo Torres Alturo Jacket and Torres Medio Gilet are ideal for prolonged cold temperatures in the mountains. From Montane we have the Icarus Jacket and Icarus Vest which are perfect for cold days on the hills or winter trips abroad. The versatile Rab Cirrus Jacket is made from recycled fabric and recycled high-loft insulation, and is slim enough to be worn as a midlayer but tough enough for an outer.
Get in touch
For advice on the best synthetic insulation clothing for your needs, get in touch with the team at BCH Camping. We’d be happy to help.
Remember, the adventure starts at BCH Camping!