ISPO Award Winner 2023: The North Face Himalayan Suit

Women have been standing on peaks and pushing the boundaries of alpinism for decades - all in gear that wasn’t made for them. With a female-led design team and athlete Dawa Yangzum Sherpa, The North Face now reimagined their iconic Himalayan Suit from the ground up taking a women’s perspective. Adapting the fit and insulation system for women’s bodies, removing unnecessary extra weight and adding features like the internal vest system were critical during the design process. »The development of The North Face's first Women's Himalayan Suit was a labor of love and commitment to female athletes around the world," says Erica Cottrell, Senior Design Manager at The North Face. "Through the years we have worked tirelessly with our female athletes to bring the most advanced and innovative suit for alpinists to the market.«

The Women Himalayan Suit is packed with technological features for high-altitude expeditions. It’s FUTURELIGHT™ shell with Spectra® Ripstop is both waterproof and abrasion-resistant in the forearms, buttocks, and lower legs, providing protection from rock chips and sharp mountain gear. The team also worked with insulation mapping and adjusted baffle shape to provide targeted warmth specifically for women's bodies. Cloud Down construction helps reduce cold spots while still maintaining packability. With a 900 fill ProDown™ that retains loft in wet conditions and offers high-level warmth and compressibility, the suit keeps warm even under gnarly conditions. The targeted use of stretch synthetic insulation coupled with a breathable lining in the collar, inner front placket, back panel and inner thighs for zonal temperature regulation still do their part in steep ascents or during movement.

The length of the front zipper was reduced for less bulk, and an asymmetrical placement protects against oxygen mask condensation and freezing. It is two way and easy to be zipped closed or open, even with gloves on. On the inside, the suit features a FLASHDRY™ Vest which provides a better and more comfortable fit as well as accessory storage. It features two secure-zip pockets and two stretch-mesh pockets for carrying water bottles. The vest construction was inspired by a traditional running vest, features two side release buckle closures and gives a balanced fit during movement. It also feels comfortable and holds everything in place when dropping the top of the suit in higher temperatures.

The half moon shaped back zip with multiple zippers allows for easy access when needing to pee without having to take the full suit down. Storm-sealed sleeves with stretch wrist cuffs and thumb loops prevent drafts and keep out wind and snow. A double-layer lower leg construction allows the shell to fit independently over the boots for extra snow protection. Finally, the glove compatible zippers are extremely durable and cold-tested to withstand extremely low temperatures.

• Women-specific design features such as half-moon back zip for additional comfort
• Breathable-waterproof FUTURELIGHT™ membrane for weather protection and temperature regulation
• Cloud down construction and heat mapping for additional warmth and less cold spots
• Self-equalising suspended vest with storage for supplies and side-release buckles for comfortable fit
• Oxygen mask compatible front zip and hood that is fully adjustable for seamless compatibility with helmets and oxygen masks