PSA - Montane Extreme (like Buffalo) 50% off

I do not need a new jacket
I do not need a new jacket
I do not need a new jacket
I do not need a new jacket
I do not need a new jacket
I do not need a new jacket
I do not need a new jacket
I do not need a new jacket
I do not need a new jacket
I do not need a new jacket

Great PSA though. Was thinking about getting one of these earlier in the year, but the above applies

I do not need a new jacket
I do not need a new jacket

Seriously good jackets. I have an Extreme and a Montane Hydrogen which is the lighter pile and pertex version - also on 50% off at Sportshoe. I've sold most of my other jackets as these two cover 99% of conditions.

As the owner of a Buffalo Special 6, that doesn’t work for me at all. I really like having a chest pocket along with a full-width hand-warmer pocket. Having worn mine through two winters, pretty much continuously from December to March, the only reason I won’t be wearing it for work now is that we’ve been issued decent breathable hi-viz jackets that I can layer easily underneath.
It hasn’t been cold enough to start wearing the Buffalo yet, though.

Montane Hydrogen

Mrs_oab lives in hers. It's meant the Montane down puffa jacket never gets worn now. The hydrogen is much more breathable, a wider range of temperatures and doesn't feel clammy.

Great kit for sitting or standing around in in cold damp conditions.

I do not need a new jacket

That's what I thought until I saw this post... just bought one; it was my 51st last month and I'd been struggling for something to buy and say it was from my wife - that struggle is now over!

Thanks for the PSA @RustyNissanPrairie

Couldn’t resist, my old Rab is showing it’s age! great PSA, thanks OP.

Montane Hydrogen
Mrs_oab lives in hers. It’s meant the Montane down puffa jacket never gets worn now. The hydrogen is much more breathable, a wider range of temperatures and doesn’t feel clammy

Women's
https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/mon2637/montane-hydrogen-direct-women%27s-jacket/#sku-mon2637

Mens
https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/mon2616/montane-hydrogen-direct-jacket/#sku-mon2616

https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/mon2614/montane-hydrogen-direct-jacket/#sku-mon2614

These don't feel as 'good value' as they are thinner/lighter than the Extreme but they work for more weather conditions as the Extreme is a really warm jacket. The sizing on the Hydrogen is a little smaller than the Extreme - I wear a XL in the Hydrogen in line with other Montane stuff and a large in the Extreme.

How do these size up? Looking for a jacket which will predominantly be used hanging around at kids football etc through the winter. Therefore will be wearing a normal top underneath rather than a base layer - is there enough space or should I size up? I’m a medium in most tops - skinny chest/long torso/chimp arms.

How do these size up? Looking for a jacket which will predominantly be used hanging around at kids football etc through the winter. Therefore will be wearing a normal top underneath rather than a base layer – is there enough space or should I size up? I’m a medium in most tops – skinny chest/long torso/chimp arms.

Not really how these jackets work - they need body heat to drive moisture out with capillary action so ideally are worn with nothing underneath. If you are stood still then they are not as warm as a down/puffa jacket. They are only water resistant and not like a membrane/goretex jacket - they do get wet but stay warm.

From what I googled before I bought mine last year pile and pertex is Marmite but for me it works far better than membrane/Goretex as they don't need the faff of constant TX treatment to maintain the DWR.

I'd buy one but my current one that I bought in 2005 is still awesome.

It's now my 'getting around at toddler pace' jacket for cold conditions.

Cheers RNP.

Thanks RNP. After some really windy and cold days out on the fells recently, I decided to buy one soon anyway. This is just very good timing for me.

I used to have the Extreme smock but sold it to someone on here many years ago as I lost weight. Sadly I've put that weight back on now. My excuse is Montane XL used to be 45" chest but now it's a svelte 44"..😎

Didn't need one but bought as an early Christmas present for myself. Thanks for the PSA.

I used to have the Extreme smock

I bought the jacket after Googling it to death as it vents more than the smock - you can have the zipper fully open but close the jacket on the velcro tabs to let air in/heat out and also the 2main pockets are mesh lined 'temperature regulators'. It's also apparently easier to put on than the smock if you get the correct snug size.

I’m a jacket whore 🙂 Blue extreme for me !! Cheers

Thanks. Been thinking about one of these for a while.

@shortbread- fanylion,
I bought one several years ago, and i have chimp arms too, but am built a bit stockier than you describe. I had to send it back because ,from memory, it was plenty long enough in the arms but the body portion was way too tight around the chest and back, I couldnt make my hands touch in front of me without feeling that I was gonna pop the back seams, if that makes any sense to you.
This is the extreme smock version Im talking about, I dont know if the fit is similar in the jacket version, sorry.
My buffalo fits just fine though as you have plenty of adjustment built in to the design.

damn you OP, you're just feeding my habit, like a jacket dealer! green XL extreme on the way

for my self justification i've been thinking of replacing my buffalo special 6 for a while to the jacket version for better venting - never liked the short neck zip and event with side zips open i'd overheat doing anything other than a walking the dog.

at that price i can probably sell on my special 6 and end up pretty cost neutral on the new jacket!

i have however just been informed by sofagirl that we are having a jacket rationalisation / amnesty this evening and some have to go!

Some good deals on that site- thanks RNP! That might be my Xmas present sorted...

Montane Prism also half price if anyone needs a warmish layer

How do these size up? Looking for a jacket which will predominantly be used hanging around at kids football etc through the winter.

It's what I bought one for years ago when they were reduced. I'm usually a small in anything but I went with a medium because I found when I bought my Montane Featherlite jacket that a small was much too tight across my shoulders.

Not really how these jackets work – they need body heat to drive moisture out with capillary action so ideally are worn with nothing underneath

I can't get my head around this as it goes against how I have worn jackets my entire life! So you are bare chested under the jacket? So when you go inside and leave your jacket at the door..?

I’ve had mine for about 2 years. Can’t help with size, mine is a small and I’m a small chap.
I wear
Mine with a long sleeve base layer for cold wet days walking the dogs. Also never wore them topless underneath….nor my Buffalo and I’ve been wearing them for over a decade.

""""""I can’t get my head around this as it goes against how I have worn jackets my entire life! So you are bare chested under the jacket? So when you go inside and leave your jacket at the door..?""""""

Yep - dump tshirt at door put Extreme jacket on. It works in a wider temperature range than if you wear a base layer as it allows quicker dumping of heat. You also dont get any feeling of being wet if its seriously hammering it down as there's no base layer stuck to you - its the pile directly against your skin working to pull moisture away by capillary action.

I will however generally wear the Hydrogen with a base layer just because its not as thick/warm as the extreme.
If you read the small print of Buffalo its how they recommend them worn.

I googled this subject to death as I was sick of membranes not working but couldn't get my head round not wearing anything underneath Buffalo/Montane/Pile&Pertex

https://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/gear/wearing_buffalo-180754

I have had one for close to 2 years, great for gentle activity, dog walking, family stroll on a cold wintery day. I wear it with a regular top of some form under it - I think my family would be a bit horrified if i took my jacket off in pub/cafe/wherever and was bare chested beneath it !

I guess for proper 'extreme' use then the buff approach is efficient but for normal life...

for day to day, mooching around, standing about in the cold and damp usage, buffalos (and i assume the montane extreme, as it's effectively the same thing) work fine with a layer / layers underneath - so no fear of exposing yourself in the pub (at least not because of your jacket choice). it's only when you're doing higher intensity activity causing you to sweat (which you will in a buffalo) that your apparently not meant to wear anything underneath as it interferes the wicking of sweat away from your body. when i have used my buffalo in these situations (sub zero winter hikes) i've tried it both without and with a decent wicking based layer and couldn't really notice much difference, other than with a base layer it kept bit of the initial wind-chill off the soft flabby bits when using the side vents

Brynjie style base layers work, but no good for the pub

Bloody hell, I have got to stop looking at threads about jackets!!

I seem to have an obsession with jackets, anyone else? lol

Yup I’ve got more jackets than the wife !!!

Me too!!!

I seem to have an obsession with jackets, anyone else?

when it comes to jackets I strongly adhere to the old forces adage ‘one is none, two is one’. But then again I’m pretty sure I’m the Goldilocks of upper body-ware which results in multiples of similar function jackets in different ‘weights’

I do not need a new jacket

Nor did I... Still, I've ordered one. Cheers for the PSA.

I strongly adhere to the old forces adage ‘one is none, two is one’.

That's merely another way of saying N+1 🙂

I seem to have an obsession with jackets, anyone else? lol

I too succumbed to this psa. It's diabolical isn't it - so many jackets for every eventuality. Wife stole my Buffalo hence why this was justified.

I have a Buffalo Special-6 for sale, worn twice, washed once, size 44, black.

Reason for sale: I needed a size 42 (with size 46 arms apparently).

I berate my missus for having so (too) many jackets. I'm not playing.

(Unless someone buys my coat in the classifieds).

"I have a Buffalo Special-6 for sale, worn twice, washed once, size 44, black.

Reason for sale: I needed a size 42 (with size 46 arms apparently)."

Pity. Im after another 46. The cycling one i have isnt really suitable for anything other than bike with its red lining, yellow body and purple arms and hood.

So comfy, but not nice to look at.

Actually I've just discovered one that looks worse.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125013551768?hash=item1d1b636a98:g:alYAAOSwMoVhh-oO

If anyone has a medium Hydrogen in the black with blue zips that is wrong size, I'll take it off your hands.

Cheers, I fell to temptation and brought one.
On slightly related PSA for those on strava Montane currently have a 50k running/walking challenge for the next 15 days or so which if you complete you get chance to win something plus a 20% online discount.

@dorset_knob, I have a black special 6 in size 42 if you're interested? It's too big for me, I have a 40 instead now

Sizing on the hydrogen jacket seems on the small size. I have Montane stuff in L that is perfect, but fortuitously got XL this time and wouldn't want any smaller.

I succumbed too: the medium 'Extreme' is mahoosive though. Will be returned for a small.

^ ^ this. I am M in almost everything but the M Extreme won't work on me as intended. Too baggy.
I kept it in the end as it's still incredibly warm for standing around in, but might be tempted to order an S.

Got mine today. Being 6'5" I ordered an XL but as per the above comments comes up pretty big. It's not often that the arms of clothes are too long.

I'll probably keep it and wear a thin fleece underneath as I'm too lazy to return it and order a L.

Other than that I really like it. Wore it on the dog walk this evening with only a t-shirt underneath. Was toasty warm and it was was allegedly 3°C

I did say - I'm Xl in usual Montane stuff but large in the Extreme.

Oops my XL arrived today and it's too big.

I've got a lot of Montane kit all size XL and it fits fine 🤦

Wore mine today. Loved it.

Usually a M but ordered a S. Gold fit when standing but slightly baggy when riding. Guess it is not designed for cycling.

Mine arrived today.. Aye, they’re farkin massive. I’m 6ft pushing 16 clem and the Large looks like I’m a child wearing my dads coat.. the arms are a good half a foot too long. Annoyingly it fits well across the chest so I’m worried the Medium will be too tight but it’s a lovey jacket so will probably return for a medium and hope that’s a better fit

I’m a small in all my other jackets so ordered a small in this. Fits well(on roomy side)with room for layer or two underneath 🙂

my XL turned up yesterday and impressed with it. Montane's stuff tends to be on the smaller side of sizing so always had to go for an XL when other brands a large would fit. this appears to be a fairly true to size XL so maybe that's why people are finding them too big? luckily i'm probably bordering XXL in normal montane these days! it's also montane's 'classic mountain' which is meant to be roomier compared to their active cut which much of their stuff is. i think montane design this a ice climbing / mountaineering belay type jacket - ie roomy to whack over other layers and longer arms and skirts to maintain coverage when when contorting yourself into uncomfortable positions.

impressed with how well made and thought out it is. a step up form the simplicity of the buffalo, whether that's a good thing or not time will tell. looks like it will last a life time. my only criticism would be the waist cinch cord runs more along your belt line and could do with being a little higher to help heat retention

Got mine today. Being 6’5″ I ordered an XL but as per the above comments comes up pretty big.

Is that the extreme?

Also; those that have bought recently - is the extreme too warm to just wear to the shops etc? I’ve read mixed things about it..

Ta

I’m 6’2” and 3/4 and 14.5 to 15.5 st (subject to curry intake).

I’m wondering what size oxygen I would need? XL seems sensible but the sizing issues are confusing me…

Also, extreme too er extreme for sprog walking / school run etc?

I have absolutely no need for any more jackets.... so obvs bought 2

is the extreme too warm to just wear to the shops etc?

lolz. Depends how hard you're shopping.

Just had mine on walking dogs for an hour. Only t-shirt underneath my dogs are sniffers so mostly standing about/slow walking. Temps here are 4 feeling -1 with wind. Felt comfortably warm 🙂

lolz. Depends how hard you’re shopping.

I mean, I really do want to wear something up a mountain occasionally but have to acknowledge that most of it's use will be taking sprogs to school, trips to the shop, walks etc

Has anyone found their extreme too hot for normal use?

I've had the Extreme in my basket off and on since seeing the PSA. However, I've decided it's likely too warm for me for any kind of activity as I'm a sweater, and I don't tend to stand outside doing nowt. Couple of thin layers under my Marmot Polartec Alpha jacket when walking the dog this morning convinced me I don't need a mega warm jacket to be worn over a tshirt. Looks a great deal though 😉

Sounds perfect for Cubs evenings. Ordered. Bastards.

Ordered the female medium version for my youngest daughter and it came today.
Sizing is perfect for a 5 foot 8 slightly built 16 year old.
Thanks for the PSA OP!

i think montane design this a ice climbing / mountaineering belay type jacket – ie roomy to whack over other layers and longer arms and skirts to maintain coverage when when contorting yourself into uncomfortable positions.

Really not because if it were a belay jacket you'd be carrying it around in your pack and, in all honesty, there are far better solutions for this. What's it's designed for is relatively low tempo activity in very cold, damp conditions, eg: Scottish winter. It's also carefully targeted at folk who have a curious nostalgic longing to be transported back in time to the 1980s when climbers would blunder back into bunkhouses at midnight after spending 36 hours strugging up some moderate Scottish route in horrendous conditions and spebd hours explaining that without their Buffalo smock/salopette combo they'd assuredly be dead. Anyway, it's good for what it is. Tends to be poor for mobility generally. And if you want something that does the same job in a more effective, 21st Century way, Polartec Alpha is the way to go. Not as warm, but much lighter, better for active use and not designed like a sack with a zip up the front 😉

@RopeyReignRider

It's the extreme. I'm a bit tubby at the moment at 15 stone but I'd imagine the large would be a better fit. But as I say I'll just bung a thin fleece on underneath and use it in the extreme cold. Too lazy to return it.

@jeffl

Thanks, I’m about the same weight ish , but a bit shorter so have ordered the extreme in Large.

We shall see tomorrow…

6'2" and 16st... XL just arrived and it'll be going back as it is indeed massive, I'm an impatient bugger so I'll just order a Large and return it.

@RopeyReignRider Hope this helps.

I'm also in the don't need one but ordered one anyway camp. Ordered yesterday and delivered today.

I've got an older Extreme Smock, this is slightly different (obviously excluding the big zip up the middle). Old one has a zip on hood, new one is Velcro, old hood face flaps popper back/open, this one doesn't. Older one has Pertex branding on it, this doesn't and the shell is pretty crinkly. The label says it's a "special". Nothing huge, but little differences that might explain why they're cheaper. Wonder if they're a batch for Mountain Rescue or a similar group?

It was about £80 with a discount code so no complaints. I really like them, wouldn't want to carry one round as an active layer or a belay jacket. But for cold outdoor stuff where you put it on, don't take it off and don't have to worry about nursing an ultralight jacket they're hard to beat.

Ordered the Hydrogen version.

No more useful PSA’s till after Xmas please!

My Hydrogen has arrived… and it’s too small. If anyone wants a Large Hydrogen in grey and wants to save the postage cost, let me know before I send it back on Monday.

My Hydrogen has arrived… and it’s too small.

So glad you've said this. I thought i was alone in thinking the sizing is smaller than I'd expect.

So glad you’ve said this. I thought i was alone in thinking the sizing is smaller than I’d expect.

No, I’ve got several montane items and this is a size smaller than everything else.

Either that or we've both put a bit of timber on 😀

Re sizing - I’m 6’2” and 3/4 , 15st 5, 46” chest and my Large extreme arrived… the large is definitely big enough but a slightly strange shape (snug on my back, arms perfect but the jacket is quite long). The XL would have been mahoosive.

It’s a heavy jacket and doesn’t pack down very small but looks pretty decent although it does make me look like I’m wearing a duvet (not the curries or owt)

I’ve yet to test it outside the living room…

Sooo….. Oxygen owners, how warm are they?

The extreme is super chunky and I’m now wondering whether I’d ever wear in anything apart from freezing conditions and it’s so warm.

Is the oxygen still fairly well insulated?

And the sizing is on the small side?

The Extreme is too warm for most stuff. I’m near the Pyrenees and it’s great for making a morning brew outside the tent or van in December but for actually going up the hills I prefer layers (because I’m running) or if it’s really bad weather the 90s Buffalo Mountain Shirt gets an outing as it’s lighter and the sides unzip.

Oxygen owners, how warm are they?

Do you mean the hydrogen one? I can't imagine needing anything warmer for any kind of activity short of skiing in really cold conditions. Too warm for running or cycling above freezing.

Sorry yes, the Hydrogen.

Is it now discontinued, I can’t see it on the montane site?

I think I’m going to have to return the Extreme as I can’t justify two jackets and it seems like it’s going to be too much for 80% of the time…

😐

Personally, I went for the Prism. Seems more practical

Has anyone found their extreme too hot for normal use?

The name "Extreme" give us a clue.

I missed the Montane while my son faffed over colour choice, so there's an Alpkit Morphosis on the way for cold paper rounds and days out.

The name "Extreme" gives us a clue"

Ha, yes indeed.... I thought it might be marketing "eXtreme"

Wore my buffalo smock for the first time since last winter, yesterday. Combo of being reminded by this thread and it being cold enough. What a cracking top. Hand warmer pocket really is ace

Got my Montane extreme this morning
Thanks for the PSA. I sized down for a close fit. Seems very warm. Perfect for standing around waiting for the old dog to catch up and the spaniel to finish sniffing every inch of ground in a 2 mile radius.