The North Face Himalayan Suit (2008)

The Himalayan Suit is a 800gr. fill goose down one piece suit especially developed for coldest conditions on the planet. Although it is a one piece only (this is a useful feature, as there is no loss of heat between the jacket and the pants), it can be dressed and removed in just seconds. The outside tissue is wind-stopper and also the zip is made with protection from wind and cold well in mind. Wearing the cap and closing every zip tightly, only the eyes, the fingers and the feet remain outside (however, I've noticed that it is more comfortable to leave the zip open on the face and wear a good balaclava below).

Using the Himalayan Suit, I didn't have any problem with the cold, even after several hours outside at -40 and -50. I have to say that at -20 the suit is perhaps too warm and can be used only for light hiking, but below -35 it is just perfect and has guaranteed an excellent protection to both myself and my camera. One time, after a 1 hour hike at -52, I had to open the front zip up to the stomach, as I've started to feel too warm and slightly wet. Below the suit I was wearing only two layers of wool everywhere (but I think that just one layer may be fine as well).

Northface really went backwards after they got bought out by VF Corp in 1999/2000. They dropped alot of the original mountaineering products, along with it the 1998 suit which was their top of the line. The newer suits just aren't as warm, and in the worst weather imaginable, the hood on the new ones doesn't cover your face as well as the older one, if your wearing your climbing helmet at the same time.