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 prefered the Buffalo hood, the montane one is way to big for the velcro on the collar so never really fitted right. Please help UKClimbing continue to provide varied and free content by becoming a UKC Supporter, or UKC Supporter Plus which 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. Aperture at cuffs is not so well designed has it does not expand enough even though the Velcro fastening system is designed to accommodate.

Montane Extreme Jacket | LD Mountain Centre

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).My montane extreme is the big dogs knob. Warm, tough, a good fit, the toasiest hood in the world and all for 80 notes. I do still carry a hard shell if the weather looks grim but I rarely use it. They are pulled into shape by the tightening cords, so I think whatever size fitted would shape up nicely. Now with the hard shell system I use, I also don't walk in wearing the shell. I carry one standard weight fleece one very light fleece (as well as a base layer). That way my bag is fairly light and unbulky wrt the clothing in it and I have a good choice of clothes to wear during the day depending on the conditions. Very warm, highly weatherproof, fast drying, relatively unrestrictive, useful venting options, cavernous hood, reasonably priced. Cons

MONTANE EXTREME JACKET - Silvermans

I agree for walking soft shell is very often better than hard. personally for climbing I just don't find that. You still know you’re wearing a bulky garment, but it’s a non-restrictive bulky garment, if that makes any sense. Fully adjustable and removable pile lined helmet compatible mountain hood with three point adjustment and wired peak Outer fabric: Just as crucial as the durable insulation is the outer fabric. A tough yet lightweight Pertex Quantum outer fabric provides total windproofing and a high degree of water resistancy, protecting you from the elements when the conditions turn for the worse. Despite its tough credentials, this fabric is lightweight, soft to the touch and super easy to take care of. Polardri rip-stop reinforcements are added to the elbows to increase durability even further if you're particularly hard on your kit. Because the adjusters are small. Trying to adjust them whilst wearing heavy mitts is frustrating work. This is another design feature I’d change.The side venting zips never worked for me, I ended up taking a separate fleece for the walk in as was always over heating. I think they are much better if they have a zip all the way down the front you can open. This size chart features leg length measurements that increase in length as the waist size increases. This size chart is appropriate to this pant, but may be different for other pants. New legwear in the range from February 2023 onwards feature an updated size chart.