Behind the design
Designed by a female-led team and built specifically for women, the new Himalayan Suit is the result of a multi-year project.
It has always been the icon of The North Face.
But the original Himalayan Suit was really designed for men. You’ve got to feel confident in your suit. It’s your best friend out there. It’s life and death so as designers we had to rethink everything. We packed all of the innovation and technology that we have within The North Face really to provide a suit that is expedition-proven.
CHANELLE JOLY
SUMMIT SENIOR TECHNICAL DEVELOPER
With growing numbers of women in alpinism and mountaineering, it’s really important to have a suit that’s built for them. Where you have your pack, the shoulders were too wide on the men’s. The torso was too long. Getting the new women’s suit right was so important so with Dawa meant we had the perfect partner.
ERICA COTTRELL
SENIOR DESIGN MANAGER
Athlete tested.
Expedition proven.™
Since ’94, the Himalayan Suit has set the standard in thin air environments. To relaunch it in 2023, we worked someone who does the same, team athlete Dawa Yangzum Sherpa
Dawa Yangzum Sherpa
TEAM ATHLETE
Dawa Yangzum Sherpa grew up in a Himalayan village with no electricity or running water. But by age 9, she knew she would someday summit Mount Everest. She accomplished her dream at age 21, before going on to become the first Nepali woman, and one of just over 100 women worldwide, to earn certification as an IFMGA Guide.
Dawa was part of the first all-female team from Nepal to reach the summit of K2. She also made a first ascent on Mount Langdung in her home Rolwaling Valley and has attempted Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest peak.
