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I'm going to defend my Buffalo shirt albeit in a contradictory fashion. I've had mine for 30 years now and it could easily be a lifetime item, providing I don't pile on the pounds. Now partly this is due to it not getting a lot of use, it's very much a winter only garment for me. Having said that, in recent years I've worn it on the bike which I never thought I'd do. Now I don't know if that is because as I approach 50 I feel the cold a bit more or if it was because I wore it in weather where I really should've stayed at home. I mean proper wet and cold winter night rides. Over the years I've worn it on its own and with a short sleeved base layer and I can't say I've noticed any advantage in wearing it on its own so it's more practical to have a base layer on. I'm average height and weight and mine is a nice snug fit, I don't find it boxy or basic but I don't know if they've changed the cut over the years. It appears to me when I see other owners that theirs look too big, maybe they don't understand the concept and thought they'd wear it over the top of a fleece and in those situations they do look big and unflattering. I've never had frostbite from opening the zips up and I find it a simple and effective way of regulating your temperature. I was out in the hills last week and if I'd worn my buffalo I wouldn't have had to put on or take off layers, just adjusting the zips would've done the job.
It's quite refreshing in this day and age to have a company that isn't swayed by fashion, it's amazing that they're still going really when most companies business models are based on you buying a new one every two or three years, or buying something you don't really need, or because it's not the right colour. I looked at the Rab stuff but I'm slightly put off by all the different variations, what's the difference between a Borealis and a Vapour Rise? Does it matter? They'll be on sale somewhere so you can just buy both and add to the worlds stockpile of unused fashion or sell it on and keep the wheels of commerce spinning. I'm as bad as anyone but I'm trying to be better. I have a Rab windshirt which has all the breathability of bin bags but it does have a pocket so that's in its favour and if I'm not exerting myself it does the job and it does pack small. I also have a ME waterproof which never fills me with confidence that it'll actually keep the rain out, it's pretty boxy and it feels like a crisp packet and it might just split or tear at any moment. And here's the thing, both of these items were bought after recommendations on here, so that shows you what that's worth.
Sorry about the stream of consciousness rant but I'm feeling a bit fed up with the ways of the world at the moment and this talk of Buffalo shirts has me yearning for simpler times and emptier wardrobes.
Does that Highlander smock use fleecy stuff throughout, or are the arms a quilted-type material?
I looked at the Rab stuff but I’m slightly put off by all the different variations, what’s the difference between a Borealis and a Vapour Rise?
Borealis doesn't have a lining, it's just a stretch woven softshell fabric, unlike the VR which are a variation on Buffalo type jackets.
I have a Rab windshirt which has all the breathability of bin bags
Borealis is very different, It's super breathable compared to pertex or similar tight weave windshirts. Quite often use it with just a Brynje mesh or thin baselayer when it's too warm for my Montane Alpha (modern pertex pile)
Does that Highlander smock use fleecy stuff throughout, or are the arms a quilted-type material?
It’s a fine fleece pile throughout, not the thicker Sherpa style fleece, with ripstop Pertex. For £45 squids it’s a great jacket, I’m really happy with it. It does have a hood folded into the collar, but it’s rare that I bother with hoods on jackets, I’d rather just wear a hat, but at least the option is there.
I just looked at the prices of buffalo, the mitts are now sixty ****ing quid! I think mine were about nine.
They are pretty good, but bloody hell
Does that Highlander smock use fleecy stuff throughout, or are the arms a quilted-type material?
I was going to try to take a photo of it turned inside out, but it’s difficult to actually see details, but effectively it looks like a regular fleece jacket when you do, apart from being a pullover smock. It’s my go-to jacket now, I’ve got it by the side of me ready to go out a bit later, excellent bit of kit, quite honestly.
I looked at the Rab stuff but I’m slightly put off by all the different variations, what’s the difference between a Borealis and a Vapour Rise?
Vapour rise all have some kind of 'thermal and wicking' lining.
There is light ('Ridgeline'), medium ('Alpine Light') and heavy ('Summit' - closest to a Buffalo in my view). A few older 'Guide' Jackets which seem halfway between Summit and Alpine Light). See here for best description/comparison with pics: https://www.ukhillwalking.com/gear/clothing/softshell/rabs_new_vapour-rise_range-13037
I have an Alpine Light on the back of my chair now, it is the jacket I wear the vast majority of the time. Light pertex woven outer - it is like 98% windproof, only the heaviest of blasts gets past it. Lining is akin to a thick baselayer with '3d' surface to it or various weights and weaves depending where on the jacket it is. It is thin - but when moving I find it with a baselayer is great down to about freezing, I add a wee thin fleece if about freezing or lower, but you have to be moving to keep warm. Silly breathable. Shrugs off showers if I keep spraying with DWR.
Mrs_OAB has a VR Summit and a Montane version - outer is the same, has handwarmer pockets, but the lining is a fluffy high loft fleece. Properly warm, even on winter icy days, particularly when moving, but really breathable still (so much more than a usual puffy jacket or hardshell)...
The only bit I do not like about mine is the lack of handwarmer pockets...