Montane extreme smock

I have the Extreme Smock and have used it in winter in the mountains here in Japan. It definitely runs hot when you're moving, so in anything above about 10º I tend to get too warm to be comfortable in it. I'd also recommend what Buffalo, the originators of Pertex/ Pile clothing, suggests: that you use this gear next to the skin and without a base layer, unless you can find a thin, mesh base layer. The pile works best when up against the skin and does a fantastic job of dealing with your sweat. If you do start to get cold it is better to wear something over the Extreme Smock, rather than taking it off and putting something on underneath. I use a synthetic fill vest sized one size up and a MontBell Versalite Rain Jacket.

Your Paramo Cascada Trousers are my favorite rain pants. I'm curious why you don't use a Paramo Rain Jacket with insulation underneath for the top? It deals with rain better than the P/P system and is more versatile in terms of what you can wear. If you are running too hot you can wear just the Paramo jacket alone and it will still keep you relatively warm, deal well with your sweat, and feel just like a shirt.

That said, the P/P system requires a whole new way of thinking about rain and getting wet, versus staying warm. It's like a wetsuit, you don't dress to keep the moisture off, but to keep the all-important heat in. For people used to the "Guaranteed to Keep You Dry" concept, it takes some getting used to.

Hi Miguel,
I've been looking at the buffalo stuff, maybe the teclite would work…

I have a 15 year old paramo rainjacket but it is heavy. I was looking at ditching the rain proof, and going with one garment that could be boosted by a couple of light carried garments. My other options is a Third Element Paramo, but the Buffalo/Montane is cheaper… :-) Everyone I know who has opne swears by the buffalo system

Some information on Buffalo/Montane Extreme/DriClime garments at:

http://www.psychovertical.com/?cuthecrap

and

http://www.psychovertical.com/?thebestsoftshell

I have the Buffalo Tecmax shirt and Special 6 shirt. They are strictly cold weather tops for me. Good venting options are important in my opinion when wearing Pertex/Pile garments. I like the full length side zips for instant cooling on steep climbs. Next to skin is better, as the pile lifts the sweat quickly from your bare skin. It is too easy to overheat if wearing stuff under them. Better to carry an overlayer for camp use and rest stops.

I tend to use P/P gear for daywalks only. The different approach they take to keeping comfortable means you can end up with a sodden garment in your shelter when camping. They keep you warm when active, even when wet, but i don't want a wet garment in my tent when i stop walking for the day.

Thanks for the thoughts guys. Looks like I'll be better off upgrading my paramo jacket to one of the new lightweight smocks and combining that with an insulated vest and the BPL merrino hoody

My needs might be different from yours Julian. My insulated clothing is part of my sleep system, so it needs to stay dry. I only wear my Paramo Aspira smock on daywalks for the same reason.

I'm a big fan of Buffalo and Paramo gear for cold weather use, and i wouldn't like to give the inpression it isn't good gear.

Thanks Mike, I think the P/P stuff is just too warm. I wear my paramo all the time, it is just showing its age now and there are lighter alternatives. For sleeping, in the past, I have boosted the temp with a base layer and fleece (changing to merino and insulated top). I'm ordering an MLD 3 season quilt, so i think I'll be ok. I am really looking to wear as much as possible and carry as little so I was thinking of P/P plus extra insulation. I'm sure it would work but just too warm! My paramo has about the temp range I want. The new paramo smock seems to have a lot of venting options, so that over a base layer to be boosted by an insulated jacket should be ok…just more expensive that P/P. Although, like you, I'll probably get one for cold weather day hikes. I appreciate the feedback!