Photo by - Matt Irving / National Geographic
2021 Best Mountaineering Down Suits
Down suits are probably the most visible aspect when coming across images of extreme high altitude mountaineering. They are also the must clothing gear along with other specialized clothing. But in this post, we are here to talk about down suits only. They don’t come cheap and aren't supposed to. These are highly specialized suits built to perform and protect climbers from extreme cold conditions in some of the most hostile places. On any high altitude expedition like Mt. Everest, Manaslu, Baruntse, or Ama Dablam comes with both good and extremely windy cold climbing days. Your down suit should be versatile enough to perform in both conditions. Below are some of the best down suits we can recommend for any climbers who are preparing for their 7000M - 8000M+ expeditions.
Probably the most famous and well know suit. With the brand North face which is well known for their adventure clothing products, their down suits are one of the best in the industry. North Face down suits is also worn by famous North face athletes like Renan Ozturk, Jimmy Chin, Conrad Anker. Probably because they are part of the team but also these athletes have helped the company to test and build these suits. Some of the down suit features
800 fill goose down offers superior warmth, while 700 fill goose down in the lower body provides compression resistance
Welded baffle construction eliminates cold spots and weak points that accompany needle holes
Extra-long, two-way center front double zip with full-length draft tube
Coated with durable water-repellent (DWR) finish for added water repellency
Full-leg zips finish in a horseshoe drop-seat configuration
Adjustable hood is fully baffled for reliable warmth and zero cold spots
Intuitive, sleek, and secure integrated suspender system
Korean adventure brand Black Yak is relatively new in the European market with their expedition suits. Their expedition suit is one of the most expensive almost double or even more than other leading expedition suit brands. From the high thermal efficiency to the multi-slider zippers with extended zipper pullers. Suit features
Double-stitched down chambers
performance-mapped insulation
High-tenacity 20 Denier CORDURA® fibers and CORDURA® fibers
750 goose down, 90/10 – RDS-certified
G-LOFT® synthetic insulation 120 GSM
Water protection lamination, Material mapped for performance, Stretch zone mapped for comfort
Insulated and baffled fitted hood and Auto-fitting hood
O2 set-compatible, Goggle-compatible
Windshield brim
Drought-free compression cuff
Glove/mitten fixing points
Kevlar®-reinforced seat
Kevlar®-reinforced harness/rock points
Outer snow gaiter with Kevlar® protection and gripper band
High altitude/ Expedition double boot-compatible
Hydration bladder-compatible
Kailas brand has been trusted and worn mostly by the Sherpa guides in the Himalayas. Partly because of the company supporting Sherpa climbing community in Nepal. People may lose their trust when it comes to China-made but Kailas has been specializing in mountain wears for quite some time and if the Sherpas have their full trust in them, rest assured we can be. Suit features
Fully taped seams for waterproof, windproof, and ventilation
DWR coating
Special treatment prevents down from shedding
Reinforced panels at elbows, knees, seat, and ankles
Waterproof front pockets
Low profile insulated hood with one-hand drawcord adjustment
Adjustable shoulder straps
Waterproof, breathable zippers at both sides of thigh
Oxygen-mask-compatible collar
Marmot - warm cube 8000M suit
Marmot is another well-known brand in the world of adventure. Their warm cube 8000M suit is that what you need on Icy winds, steep snow, and freezing cold conditions. When your adventures start with all of the above, you need gear that’s just as epic—and more. Marmot down Suit feature -
800-fill-power-down provides exceptional warmth, loft, and compatibility
Pertex Quantum® fabric is designed to protect from wind and improve the efficiency of insulation
Removable liner with WarmCube™ construction for ultra-comfortable warmth in extreme conditions when you need it
Adjustable suspenders with mesh back panel and front detach system for a customized fit and improved airflow
Attached hood with peripheral cord adjustment and insulated muff
4-way water-resistant center front zipper; 4-way rainbow seat zipper with stay-open hook
Dual internal mesh 1-liter water bottle pockets; Zippered hand and thigh pocket
Mountain Hardwear is another brand that holds a reputation when it comes to Hiamalayan gears and clothing. Their down suits has earned praises from many climbers. Some of the features of the suit are listed below
Q Shield™ Down: welded, watertight baffle construction
6-slider watertight rainbow rear-zip for easy on/off
Oxygen mask compatible collar
Low profile, insulated, fixed hood with one-handed drawcord for quick fit adjustments
Reinforced panels at elbows, knees, seat, and hem
90% Goose Down, 10% Goose Feather
British brand RAB is best known for specializing in their down-filled products. Down jackets for everyday lifestyle, adventures to the high Himalayan peaks. The Rab Expedition 8000 Suit has built on the best selling Rab Expedition Down Suit and has improved on an already class-leading down suit it has been designed for use in the harshest environments, specifically for use in extremely cold conditions at High Altitude and in the Polar Regions. RAB 8000M down suits features
Pertex® Endurance Outer Fabric and Pertex Quantum® Lining
850FP R.D.S. Certified European Goose Down (778g Size M)
Rab® Fluorocarbon free Hydrophobic Down developed in conjunction with Nikwax®
Box-wall construction, differential cut
Helmet Compatible down-filled Hood, wired peak
Front Zip Protection Flap
Extended LEngth YKK® front zip, 2-way zipper to allow toilet access
3 outer pockets, 2 internal mesh pockets
Full-Length YKK® side zips with multiple Pullers
Weight 1990g (size M)
Whichever suit you choose at the end the listed suits above are amongst the best in the industry. Fabrics and technology have progressed so far that it’s amazing to see how far these suits have come since the early days of the expedition. You can rest assured of the performance when it comes to its utility and then it comes down to the brand you prefer, colors, styles, sustainability values, and reviews.
Conclusion
Choose the best one that’s out there in the market. With adventure brands innovating and developing high-quality down suits you have more options now. We have listed some of the most famous down suits out there in the market today. We cannot stress this enough but quality (highest) matters. This is the last place on earth where you would not have adequate clothing gear. The game is extreme in the Himalayan altitudes so you’ll need the best of the best which are listed above.
Which mountaineering down suit will you buy for your upcoming extreme expedition? Please comment below :)
Suit up. Climb on.
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