washing

Regular washing helps maintain the performance of Buffalo products and keep your friends. It restores the loft of the pile fabric and separates the fibres, revitalising the performance. In the eventuality of the pile becoming matted even after washing, the fibres can easily be restored by brushing to separate the fibres.

However, it is important to follow the washing instructions:


Do not dry clean.
Do not use fabric conditioner.
Maximum washing temperature is 40°c.
Idealy wash in Nikwax Tech Wash. Follow washing instructions
Use only a small amount of detergent and no conditioner, too much detergent can leave a residue, likewise conditioner. Rinse well.
Do not use 'Biological' detergents, as they can shorten the lifespan of the proofing and affect colour. If worried that too much detergent or 'Biological' has been used rinse thoroughly in clear water.
Always close touch and close fasteners.
All Texturised Pertex products (Travelite trousers etc) should be turned inside out before washing to reduce pilling.
Sleeping bags should be washed in an industrial machine such as in a laundrette.

reproofing

Contrary to common belief, the effectiveness of the Pertex and Pile System does not depend upon the proofing of the Pertex shell. This stain resistant treatment added to the Pertex in manufacture is water repellent and causes rapid run off of external moisture, most noticeable in the way moisture beads on the surface. The proofing does not inhibit the absorption of moisture by the Pertex, which is its essential function if the clothing is to work properly in regard to getting rid of internal moisture.

After repeated washing this proofing wears off. The Pertex will still transmit moisture and continue working as before, but will wet out much more quickly. To reproof the Pertex use a diffuser spray such as Nikwax TX Direct Spray On on the Pertex only.

Do not immersion proof as this stops the transportation of moisture and seriously inhibits the performance. Even in mild conditions this can be dangerous, as sweat cannot escape and cools very rapidly, causing hypothermia. In extreme conditions sweat can turn to ice with drastic consequences.

If accidentally immersion proofed try rinsing several times in 40°c clear water.

The Size Guide page gives you a detailed look at the sizes for our garments and will help you choose what you want.

repairs

Running repairs can be easily carried out using needle and thread, or nylon adhesive tape. For damage to the Pertex seal the edges of the tear by passing the fibres over a gentle flame such as a cigarette lighter to seal the fibres and prevent them fraying back. The tear can then be repaired by overstitching or by patching using a piece of the same fabric (again heat sealing the edges of the patch).

Pile fabric can be repaired by sewing the raw edges together using an overstitch with the seam outwards, with no need to heat seal the edges. Although the zips used throughout our products are of the highest quality, they are mechanical, and so it is possible that failure can occur.

On arduous expeditions or where sand or salt water are prevalent, zips can be protected by lubricating them with light oil, vegetable oil, or vaseline.


repair service

We operate a service for general repairs and zip replacements, but please ensure that any item is sent by Recorded Delivery, and that it is freshly washed. Any item not freshly washed infringes upon Health Regulations and will be returned unrepaired.

Upon receipt you will be notified as to what action will be taken and when your repair will be returned to you. For most repairs and zip replacements please contact us for a quotation before sending your garment to us.

For all zip replacements please unpick the old zip, as this cuts the cost of replacement considerably, but again call us first so we can access the problem first. For replacement of panels we will quote you after inspection. This does not affect your statutory rights.

We are currently very busy at the moment so repairs can take up to 6 week to turn around. If your repair can wait until the Spring, please send it then as we can get it back to you within a week in most cases.

specials

We recognise the obvious fact that our standard range does not fit everyone. As a result we operate a production line dedicated to making one off specials at extra cost, based upon our patterns. However, there are limits, the largest size of Shirt or Jacket we can make is to fit 54" chest, and the smallest male size to fit 34" chest. The largest size of Trouser is to fit 42" waist, and the smallest to fit 28" waist.

Your retailer will be happy to supply prices and order any items for you. For accuracy it is best to try on the nearest size to your requirement, and the retailer will then be able to advise how much needs adding or deducting from the dimensions.

In normal circumstances Specials take between 4 and 6 weeks, although at busy times this can be longer. You will be informed of how long when your order is placed.

We reserve the right to withdraw our Special service at peak times.