The only other North Face garment as warm as the Baltoro Jacket is The North Face Himalayan Suit, the outerwear worn by Everest and K2 mountaineers. Like the Himalayan Suit, the Baltoro Jacket is a highly specialized garment specifically designed for expedition mountaineering and arctic exploration. It's made with top-of-the-line, breathable, windproof and water-resistant Gore DryLoft® for optimal moisture transfer and downproof performance. The insulation is 800-fill power goose down, the lightest weight down with the best warmth-to-weight ratio. Inside the jacket is a Radiant™ Taffeta lining that reflects radiant heat back toward your body, increasing the warmth of the jacket without adding weight. A baffled sleeping bag-style construction evenly distributes the down insulation while eliminating cold spots. Along with the usual assortment of mountaineering pockets (itemized below) the Baltoro features distinctive features specifically designed to help you survive in the harshest conditions. A special antenna portal allows you to keep your radio warm inside a pocket while maintaining the best reception. A shoulder window pocket holds your altimeter and watch so you can easily monitor time and altitude at a glance. The full-coverage insulated hood is sized to accommodate an oxygen mask. If you're going to go to the top of the world, make sure you're equipped with the best jacket in the world: Don't pack your bags without packing The North Face Baltoro Jacket.
mconnell - Apr 10, 2002 10:30 am - Voted 5/5
Untitled ReviewThe only problem I have had was in a strong cross wind on Aconcagua. For some unknown reason, the hood opening kept tightening until I couldn't see where I was going. I would have to stop and readjust it every couple of minutes.
Note that I have an older version of this jacket that doesn't have the chest pockets, the wrist closures are different, etc. It still looks like it would be at least as warm as mine.