2024 BEST MOUNTAINEERING DOWN SUITS
In this blog article, we have carefully curated a selection of the finest mountaineering down suits available in 2024. These suits are specifically designed for climbers planning their upcoming expeditions to 7000M - 8000M peaks, whether on their Everest expedition (Spring season) or for the autumn season departures, or even next year for both the Spring and Autumn seasons. They are essential gear for anyone targeting iconic peaks such as Mt. Everest, K2, G2, Cho Oyu, Manaslu, or Annapurna’s. It's important to note that mountaineering down suits are not typically updated every year by brands since they are not items climbers purchase frequently.
When it comes to extreme high-altitude mountaineering, down suits are highly recognizable and play a crucial role in ensuring climbers' safety and comfort in harsh environments. These suits are purpose-built to protect against extreme cold and are essential for tackling some of the world's most inhospitable conditions.
We understand that down suits are significant investments and not inexpensive. However, their performance and protective capabilities make them worth every penny. They are meticulously designed to withstand the challenging conditions encountered during high-altitude expeditions, including both favorable and extremely cold and windy climbing days. Therefore, it's crucial to select a down suit that offers versatility and can adapt to various conditions. The recommendations in our selection consist of top-quality down suits that are highly regarded within the mountaineering community.
Equip yourself with the finest down suits as you embark on your high-altitude adventure, and face the challenges ahead with confidence and utmost protection. These suits are designed to meet the demands of ambitious climbers and ensure their safety and comfort throughout their expeditions.
MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR - ABSOLUTE ZERO down suit (Our Favourite)
The Mountain Hardwear Absolute Zero Down Suit for extreme altitude climbing has maintained its exceptional quality and performance, remaining unchanged from previous models. Despite its consistency, it continues to be recognized as one of the best down suits available in the market.
This suit sets itself apart with its outstanding durability, superior warmth, and exceptional functionality, making it an indispensable companion for mountaineers embarking on challenging expeditions. It is designed to withstand the harshest conditions encountered at high altitudes, providing reliable protection and comfort throughout the climb. The suit incorporates key features such as oxygen mask compatibility and a unique internal suspender system, enhancing its functionality and ensuring ease of movement during high-altitude pursuits.
This testing process confirms its ability to excel in extreme environments, providing mountaineers with the utmost confidence in their gear. With its unmatched durability, exceptional warmth, and innovative features, the Mountain Hardwear Absolute Down Suit delivers the ultimate high-altitude climbing experience.
NORTH FACE - Summit Series, Himalayan Suit
Summit Series, Himalayan Suit, is The North Face’s latest down suit. This exceptional suit has undergone extensive research and has been redesigned based on valuable feedback from renowned athletes such as Herve Baremasse and Dawa Yangzom Sherpa. During the 2023 Everest\Lhotse expedition, many climbers had the opportunity to test and wear this suit, further validating its performance and reliability.
The suit also incorporates advanced technology integration, including strategically positioned FUTURELIGHT™, which combines 900-fill ProDown™ with synthetic insulation and Spectra® materials. These materials provide exceptional durability, while the DWR finish adds an extra layer of protection against the elements. This innovative combination maximizes thermal efficiency, keeping climbers comfortable and shielded from the cold. The suit's design also includes a double pouch for conveniently carrying water bottles, adding a practical and thoughtful element to its functionality.
Furthermore, the Summit Series Himalayan Suit prioritizes packability, unrestricted mobility, and secure storage. These features are crucial for climbers facing challenging summit pushes, where every detail counts. With its exceptional design and cutting-edge features, this suit is the ultimate choice for climbers seeking reliable and high-performance gear for their ambitious mountaineering endeavors.
PHD, Expedition double suit. -35C or -50C (Best for Custom Fit)
PHD Designs may not be the most widely recognized brand, but it is highly regarded for its custom-made design and the option of a double summit suit. This makes it the perfect choice for those seeking tailored solutions, especially for individuals with taller stature and longer legs. The inner down suit provided by PHD is exceptionally warm and effective, and the additional second layer adds an extra level of warmth for those who seek it. The double suit option offers versatility, reduced weight, and enhanced comfort and mobility compared to single suits.
The inner suit is specifically designed to be worn from lower camps to the summit, serving as a functional and comfortable base layer. When the conditions demand it, the 2-piece outer suit can be easily added for the summit push. Innovative features, including heat-pad pockets at the wrists, a harness tie-in slot, lanyard clip loops, and a flared storm baffle, have been incorporated to enhance functionality and performance. For expeditions that require extra durability, the optional Dri-LX outer fabric is available.
PHD Designs offer two amazing choices of down suits.
Warmer version: Operating temperature typically reaching -50°C (-58°F), recommended for no-oxygen ascents on 8000m peaks.
Standard version: Operating temperature typically reaching -35°C (-31°F).
EVEREST OUTFIT (Most Affordable option)
Everest Outfit, a Nepalese brand, offers the Khang-Ri summit suit at an affordable price of just $800 per suit. This makes it an excellent choice for climbers who are seeking a summit suit on a reasonable budget. While Everest Outfit also provides custom design options, it's important to note that the price for such suits is slightly higher than their standard offerings, although still more affordable compared to PHD Design suits. Keep in mind that custom orders require a lead time of approximately 4-6 months to be ready. If you prefer a custom-designed Khang-ri down suit from Everest Outfit, the best approach would be to visit their store in Nepal, where you can have your sizes measured and arrange for the suit to be delivered to you. The Khang-RI summit suit from Everest Outfit features double RECCO technology, adding an extra layer of safety and reliability to the suit.
The Khang-RI summit suit, crafted and tested in Nepal, remains largely unchanged from its previous model, which received recognition for being worn by Everest ice fall doctors and route setters. This acknowledgment further affirms the suit's reliability and suitability for extreme conditions. Kami Rita Sherpa, a distinguished mountaineer and the 28th Everest Summiter, personally led a successful spring 2022/23 Everest/Lhotse expedition wearing the suit and can attest to the quality and performance of the Khang-RI summit suit made by Everest Outfit. The suit has undergone rigorous testing and gained the endorsement of professionals like Kami Rita Sherpa, instilling confidence in its capabilities.
RAB - Expedition 8000 suit (Best Value)
RAB, the renowned British brand, has established itself as a leader in the market for its high-quality down products. When it comes to down suits, RAB offers exceptional warmth and performance at an unbeatable value. While most down suits on the market approach the $2000 mark, RAB provides their down suit at an affordable price point of $1300. This makes it a top choice for climbers who are looking for a down suit that combines quality and value.
The RAB down suit has earned the trust of past and present climbers, solidifying its reputation as a reliable and high-performing option. Crafted with the input of esteemed athletes and explorers, RAB ensures that their gear meets the highest standards of performance and durability. The experiences and insights of these professionals have been instrumental in the design and development of RAB's down suit, ensuring that it delivers on the demands of extreme environments. Trust RAB to provide you with a down suit that will keep you warm and protected during your high-altitude expeditions.
HIMALI - 8000M Down suit
The Himlai 8000m Down Suit is a remarkable addition to our 2023 and 2022 list, earning its spot based on its trusted performance and rigorous testing by Sherpa guides on Everest and other extreme altitude peaks.
Designed with meticulous attention to detail, the Himlai 8000m Down Suit features a robust Pertex® Diamond Fuse ripstop nylon shell. This tightly woven fabric offers exceptional durability, while the microporous coating repels precipitation, keeping you dry in adverse weather. Embracing the lightweight warmth philosophy, this suit incorporates RDS certified 900 fill-power HyperDRY™ Down, providing premium insulation for your high-altitude pursuits.
The expedition suit's double chest zippers are thoughtfully designed to work together, effectively blocking out wind and maintaining functionality without unnecessary weight. Additionally, the bright contrasting color designs ensure visibility, allowing you to stand out even in harsh environments.
What sets Himlai apart is their recognition of Nepalese guide members such as Tendi Sherpa, Mingma G (Winter K2 2021), Nima Tenji Sherpa, and Pasang Sherpa, among others, on their pro-team page. It is commendable to see Himali acknowledging the contributions of Nepalese Sherpas, who play an integral role in mountaineering expeditions. Our heartfelt kudos go out to the Himali team for this much-deserved recognition.
The Himlai 8000m Down Suit is a testament to its design and the expertise of the Sherpa community.
BLACK YAK - WATUSI EXPEDITION DOWN SUIT (Most Expensive)
The BLACKYAK WATUSI EXPEDITION DOWN SUIT has maintained its exceptional performance over the past two years, solidifying its reputation as one of the best suits available. This suit exudes a powerful and captivating aesthetic, making it a standout choice for mountaineers in 2023. This suit is one of the most expensive choices and it is not custom-made to order but its outstanding features more than compensate for this.
The suit's design incorporates High-tenacity 20 denier CORDURA® fibers, 750 cuin goose down, and RDS-certified 90/10 G-LOFT® insulation with 120 GSM. A waterproof lamination ensures optimal protection against the elements, while strategically placed stretch zones maximize comfort and freedom of movement. The suit also boasts an insulated and ergonomically designed hood, self-adjusting hood, O2 Set compatibility, and goggle compatibility, among other innovative features.
With the BLACKYAK WATUSI EXPEDITION DOWN SUIT, climbers can have full confidence in its exceptional quality and design. This suit allows them to focus solely on their mountain objectives, knowing that every detail has been carefully considered to support their success. BLACK YAK's unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation is evident in this suit, delivering top-tier performance gear for the most demanding expeditions.
Embarking on an extreme expedition requires the best gear, and the expedition suits listed above are certainly worth exploring. While personal preferences play a role, it is important to remember that these suits have been tested and worn by climbers during their expeditions. Unlike regular clothing lines, expedition suits are not updated every year.
When choosing the right suit for your adventure, consider factors such as utility, brand preferences, colors, styles, sustainability values, and reviews. With adventure brands constantly innovating and developing high-quality down suits, you now have more options than ever before. Quality is paramount, and in the harshest Himalayan altitudes, you need the very best gear available.
Now, it's your turn to make a choice. Which mountaineering down suit will you select for your upcoming extreme expedition? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Suit up. Climb on.
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