Canoe with a View : : Canadian Open Canoe forum

A quick review of what I feel is the best fleece I own.

Some say it could be a copy of the Buffalo smock, all I know it is called the Montane Extreme Smock.

Web site here with all the techno stuff of it.

I have been hankering for one of these smocks for quite a while now and I am not disappointed. I have used it whilst canoeing dog walking and whilst watching Nancy horse ride in sub zero conditions and it has allways kept me warm.

I tend to wear a high wicking t shirt underneath.
Here I am wearing it on the Shugbough circuit, please note the "vents" either side of my elbow (no its not fat)

The side "vents" are zips that open up the smock from the hem to the arm pit. The "vents" at the front triples up as a hand warmer, vent and a pocket. This feature has a layer of pile at the front and a layer of pile at the rear held in place by a mesh.
Then you have the front zip.
here I am all nearly zipped up and warm,


I have not tried this smock in rain but if it as good as the salopettes it will have a drop in thermal efficiency when soaked but you won't freeze as it still maintains some thermal properties.

Ok now for the down side.


The hood, although really warm is a bit restrictive for me, ok for static use or when bivi'ing, but I like to see what's going on when I turn my head. Fortunately it is detachable.

It is a bit bulky.

Cheers
Tim

Nice one Tim, dont remember you saying anything during the paddle, if you did please forgive me, its always interesting to hear reviews on clothing as with respect to all concerned, more emphasis is on the Canoe, paddle or packs etc, and if we really want to enjoy our outings we really must dress appropriately, I think footwear is my problem at the moment, my Muckboots being the best so far, one problem, just one Flexibility especially when kneeling, it just a compromise, Sorry Tim I seem to have hi-jacked your post, But thank you for the review and link.
Best Regards Bill

(18-02-10 08:53 AM)Canalvoyageur Wrote: [ -> ]Nice one Tim, dont remember you saying anything during the paddle,

Hi Bill, no I didn't have been meanin to review the top for a while and got round to doing it this morning

(18-02-10 08:53 AM)Canalvoyageur Wrote: [ -> ]I think footwear is my problem at the moment, my Muckboots being the best so far, one problem, just one Flexibility especially when kneeling, it just a compromise, Sorry Tim I seem to have hi-jacked your post, But thank you for the review and link.
Best Regards Bill

Me too, my "muck boots" are warm enough and as you say not comfortable when kneeling. No worries about hi jacking thread

Cheers
Tim

Excellent review Tim It now reminds me that I'll have to shell out on my own meagre canoe wardrobe. The "Frostbite" in my attire will show all the cracks The free works fleeces are c p!

I agree with what you say about the warmth of these tops Tim. I have the Montane Eight smock (same kind of design but with tougher outer fabric, higher collar design and a built in unlined hood that fits over a helmet) and Caroline has the extreme smock. We both use them for sitting round the fire in the evening and they are really toasty.
I've worn mine several times for winter mountaineering and it really does the job. On one occasion I had ice forming on the outside of the garment and my rucksack from blown spindrift and was perfectly toasty (whilst moving) with just a base layer underneath.
I've also worn it in steady rain for a few hours and it coped fine. As the rep explained it to us when I was working in an outdoor shop pile pertex garments are designed for active people. As you are excercising you generate heat and this drives the wetness from the inside to the outside. Thus it forms an equilibrium with the water trying to come in and your body heat driving it out. However if you stop and are inactive you lose this balance and the water can come in leading to you getting cold and wet. So as he put it they aren't as suitable (in rain) for people taking life at a more leisurely pace. I tend to carry a lightweight shell for stops and incase of emergency when I'm not moving much. Also I tend not to wear pile pertex if I'm leading groups as then I'm not moving so fast and generating enough heat for the garment to function to its best. For a hard day in the hills with mates in winter it is unbeatable though (for me anyway).

(18-02-10 08:23 AM)Tim Wrote: [ -> ]I have not tried this smock in rain but if it as good as the salopettes it will have a drop in thermal efficiency when soaked but you won't freeze as it still maintains some thermal properties.


Cheers
Tim

Chris, I did try my Buffalo salopettes in the Wye a couple of years back in May, after being a "victim" in a CST I stood round for a while after and only got chilled when I took them off, so yes I was soaked and yes I was warmer than without, again I have paddled in the pouring (cold) rain in the salopettes again I felt cooler and damp but not as cold as I would have done had I trousers. With this in mind I stand by what I have written, but also take on board what you have written in that they work better when working hard whilst wearing them.

It is good to have others comments be they good or bad on these reviews, with them it gives the reader a broader idea of the product.

Cheers
Tim

I quite agree Tim that the pile does retain warmth even when wet. I was just pointing out that if you are active the garment will keep the weather out and keep you comfy. If you aren't active then the weather will eventually find its way in.
As I say I use mine all the time and love it. It's good to hear that the sallopettes are as good. I've always wanted to try a set.

(19-02-10 05:03 PM)chrisj Wrote: [ -> ]As I say I use mine all the time and love it. It's good to hear that the sallopettes are as good. I've always wanted to try a set.

TBH Chris, the Salopettes are fine for canoeing, but in the recent cold spell (it was definitely minus something) I took the dog a walk with the sal's and smock, not walking fast or hard at all, I had to have ALL of the zips (bar the relief) undone and I was still too hot. I guess the "high altitude" moniker gives it away. It would have to be bl*bleep*dy cold to walk in them. But hey thats me I used to hill walk in the welsh mountains in winter in a pair of Ron Hill'ys t shirt fleece and Buffalo Windshirt. Still got the windshirt had it nigh on 20years. This is a testament to Pertex.

see here modelled by my evil twin

photo nicked from BB
Cheers
Tim

Good review Tim

I really like the look of the Montanes, I've picked one up a few times in shops but never taken the plunge.
My Buffalo Spec 6 is coming on for 10 years old soon and it's still as good as the day I bought it, it soaks up a bit more water on the shoulders and sleeves but I can sort that out.
If/when the Buffalo gets retired I'll be investing in the Montane.

I'm tempted by the salopettes, are they good for sitting in bilge water all day ?

(19-02-10 06:43 PM)Shewie Wrote: [ -> ]If/when the Buffalo gets retired I'll be investing in the Montane.

MMmm methinks your in for a long wait Buffalo stuff seems to last forever,

(19-02-10 06:43 PM)Shewie Wrote: [ -> ]I'm tempted by the salopettes, are they good for sitting in bilge water all day ?

I would go for water proofs if your going to be kneeling in water all day,
Or go for both, I have used my sal's under my Palm Viper trousers.

No probs

Cheers
Tim

I had a feeling that the sallopettes might be a bit too warm particularly when combined with the top. That's what always put me off getting a pair. I usually combine my top with paramo aspira trousers which works really well. I think I'll be sticking with that. Thanks for saving me some money Tim.

(19-02-10 10:46 PM)chrisj Wrote: [ -> ]. Thanks for saving me some money Tim.

That's what I like about reviews,they can save you money......but also cost you a fortune when it a case of "I REALLY NEED ONE OF THOSE!"

Cheers
Tim