Buffalo

When it first appeared, the Buffalo Double P System was unique in concept and design. It has since copied by many firms, but never bettered in simplicity or performance.

Although Buffalo Double P System looks a bit like part of a layering system, it actually has nothing in common with layering systems at all. In fact Buffalo DP is more akin to a wetsuit. It works by being far more breathable (because it is not waterproof - shock! horror!) but being warm and windproof and very quick to dry. It is best used in winter conditions where temperatures are 0ºC and below but it will deal very well with rain if need be. To work at its best it should be worn close fitting (but not too tight) and next to the skin and no thermal underwear should be worn (shock! horror2!) If you do wear thermals you will a) probably buy your Buffalo too big so it won't work without them, b) overheat on the walk in and get all sweaty when you will then find that your thermal won't wick as well as the Buffalo's fibre pile and, finally, c) when it rains your thermal will get wet and won't wick as well as the Buffalo's fibre pile. In over ten years of using Buffalo for Scottish winter climbing one of the keenest winter climbers at Needle Sports (photo right) has never carried waterproofs or found them necessary in Scotland in winter!

Click for the full story of Buffalo and how it Works.

Please note that whilst we try to keep good quantities of Buffalo DP in stock, they often sell out, especially when it is cold - so if you definitely want it, try and order a couple of months ahead if possible.

Finally, there are many other products on the Buffalo website which we do not stock - we can obtain any of these to order on the understanding that they are not returnable.

Photo: A great day for Buffalo! Walking out from the Shelter Stone after two bivis and a successful ascent of Route Major (IV, 5) on Carn Etchacan, Cairngorms. The climber is wearing High Altitude Salopettes, a Big Face Shirt (special limited edition in red) and a Belay Jacket and Hood, and the weather was foul! By the time the Cairngorm Plateau was reached the Buffalo wearer was so warm he had to remove his Belay Jacket whereas his companion in "breathable" waterproofs was seriously cold despite having put his spare layer on. On reaching the car park, the Buffalo wearer was dry whereas the Layering System user had to get changed as his under garments were soaked with sweat.

Buffalo DP System:

Buffalo - Men's Big Face Shirt

£129.99

Buffalo's Big Face Shirt is brilliant for all types of winter climbing.

 

Buffalo - Men's Special 6 Shirt

£119.99

Designed for walking and general mountaineering.

 

Buffalo - Men's Tecmax Shirt

£139.99

The best in comfort and performance, intended primarily for professional use and ideal for instructors who have to spend much time stationary.

 

Buffalo - Men's Mountain Shirt

£109.99

Designed for walking and general mountaineering.

 

Buffalo - Ladies' Mountain Shirt

£109.99

Designed for walking and general mountaineering.

 

Buffalo - Ladies' Active Shirt

£119.99

Designed for walking and general mountaineering, the Active Shirt is two inches shorter than the Special 6, and made in Performance 5, but otherwise similar to the Special 6. It is also made with softer, less shiny ripstop outer fabric that many women prefer. It is identical to the Ladies' Mountain Shirt in other respects.

 

Buffalo - Patched HA Salopette Half-Zip

£129.99

Buffalo HA Salopettes are the bee's knees in terms of warmth on those blustery north-facing stances. The Half-Zip are far superior for Scottish Winter use where they are donned on getting out of bed and ventilation may be needed on the walk-in, as the zips can be opened easily whilst on the move thus allowing perspiring thighs to cool off.

 

Buffalo - Patched HA Salopette Full-Zip

£129.99

Buffalo High Altitude Salopettes are the bee's knees in terms of warmth on those blustery north-facing stances. The Full-Zip can be zipped on over other clothing without removing boots but cannot be ventilated easily. This may make them more suitable for High Altitude use in the Greater Ranges but they are not so good in milder climes such as Scotland in winter.

 

Buffalo - Special 6 Trousers

£89.99

A Double P trouser with full length side zips.

 

Belay Jacket

£104.99

The Belay Jacket is simple, lightweight and functional. Pull it straight on over any buffalo shirt when you are cold. Can also be used as an excellent windproof pile jacket in its own right.

 

Buffalo - DP Hood

£22.99

A simple hood that velcros onto any Buffalo Shirt or Jacket.

 

Buffalo - Expedition Hood Black One Size (XL)

£31.99

Designed for winter ice climbers, the Expedition Hood features a wired visor, volume adjuster and in situ mouth guard for super snug belays. One size only (XL) to accomodate helmets but with the volume adjuster should fit most people.

 

Buffalo - DP Mitts

£22.99

Simple mitts that are incredibly light and effective.

 

Buffalo - Supporters

£19.99

Fiendishly uncomfortable and bizarre looking creations in shiny black Pertex and fluffy black pile.

 

Buffalo - Baby Buff (No VAT)

£59.99

Ideal snuggly kit for the baby/youngster whose parents take them into the great outdoors in either papoose, push-chair or carry-cot.

 

Buffalo Lightweight: Buffalo lightweight clothing is designed for warmer conditions and does not need to be worn next to the skin. It is more part of a layering system though can still be used with the DP System. Thus many climbers find a Big Face Shirt worn over a Techlite Shirt and Techlite Salopettes a good combination for winter climbing.

Buffalo - Men's Teclite Shirt

£129.99

High activity or mild weather alternative to the DP Shirts, where less insulation and maximum wicking is required.

 

Buffalo - Teclite Salopette

£119.99

Full length side-zip salopettes for those who prefer a lighter weight salopette, or something to zip over their powerstretch tights on arrival at the crag. Great for activities like ski touring.

 

Buffalo - Teclite Trousers

£59.99

Lightweight cold weather trousers for the serious or professional outdoor person.

 

Buffalo - Teclite Jacket

£124.99

A lightweight, versatile jacket in the Teclite range of products for high activity use or milder weather.

 

Buffalo - Buffalo Wind Shirt

£59.99

A very effective ultralight windproof layer that allows your body to breathe far more effectively than a "breathable" waterproof.