OP - I've had both. The Montane has a few extra whistles and bells, but for me the Buffalo Big Face was a far better fit so worked better. I'd try to find both to try on and buy which ever fits the best (trim - you don't want excess space in it which my montane has).

Buffalo or montane extreme smock - UKClimbing UKC Forums - Buffalo or montane extreme smock - UKClimbing

Also soft shell failed too many times for me in Scottish conditions as the spin drift kept melting on the outer layer and eventually it would soak through and I would be damp and unhappy. So you still need to carry a hard shell anyway. Also consider if the walk in is in rain which isn't at all unusual. They are pulled into shape by the tightening cords, so I think whatever size fitted would shape up nicely. I own both, and i'm selling both! For me the Buff wasn't as warm as the montane. It was also a poorer fit with it lifting when i lift my arms etc. When you compare it side by side with the Montane, the Montane stands out as a quality product. So if you are going to stand around you need to layer up, however with the none accommodating cuffs that's going to be a problem with a long sleeved t shirt and a pullover (all cotton base)

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Fit is fairly important with pertex/pile. It’s generally not as supple as other insulation stuff (down or primaloft) so won’t conform to your body as easily. I haven’t bought any pertex/pile in years but the montane stuff fit my skinny frame better than the buffalo stuff. i disagree. buffalo has been fantastic for me and wear it in preference to layers most of the time. I prefered the Buffalo hood, the montane one is way to big for the velcro on the collar so never really fitted right. The rest of the time it’s all you need, and a few hours of ordinary rain isn’t going to bother it IMO. Fully adjustable and removable pile lined helmet compatible mountain hood with three point adjustment and wired peak

Montane | Mens | Hydrogen | Extreme | Jacket | Shadow - Trekitt Montane | Mens | Hydrogen | Extreme | Jacket | Shadow - Trekitt

If you just want a no-nonsense mountain bike at an attractive price point, the Canyon Neuron AL 6 is a very good answer. I genuinely love winter mountain biking. Here are the items that help me maintain my loving relationship with The Filth. Traditionally with pile-Pertex, that protection’s come at the price of mobility, but while the Extreme’s certainly not some sleekly-tailored torso-hugging stretch soft shell, the tweaks to the cut and the articulated sleeves in particular means that ease of movement – reaching up or out in particular – feels fine. I also find that on windy days there is normally a lot of spin drift and constant bombarding with spindrift eventually makes the soft shell fail with me, then I end up damp and unhappy On non windy days if its dry then you really don't need a soft or hard shell and if its snowing then again I'd end up damp in a soft shell. So for me there were rarely conditions when having a soft shell was beneficial. The Montane is a superb fit and better thought out than the Buff. The hood is very good and fits over a helmet.I have a buffalo special 6 shirt and my friend has the montane extreme. Both were used last March on an impromptu night out without sleeping bags and both worked very well: the weather was -3C and it was very frosty.