[Himalaya]

A friend of mine wanted a snow suit and i waswonderig what are the best stores in the UK to buy them and what prices they range from.

I live in Lancashire so if anyone knows any stores here do recommend them. The person will need it for over 4000metres above sea level ie high alpine meadows and pastures above the tree line where snow begins to melt in May.

[Mono]

What do you mean by a "snow suit"? If you mean a all-in-one then you can still find some aimed at skis that are waterproof and insulate, but most of the market has moved onto separate jacket and salopettes or hi top pants. You can get insulated one-pieces aimed at high altitude mountaineering but they are specialist kit and this is reflected in the price, and again most folk would rather be more flexible with jacket and salopettes. PHD make a couple of down suits and lots more down stuff http://www.phdesigns.co.uk/insulated...ng.php?cat=113 .

[Himalaya]

I had seen some for £20 in online searches before and now I check the prices of what you showed and they are way out of my league.

Basically I want a suit that can keep a friend of mine warm as he spends a few days at 4200 metres above sea level in the cold winter months. I have no idea about the technical sides of these suits at all.

The high altitude mountaineering suit one piece sounds ideal but the price might be a lot I fear.

When you mention separate jackets, hi-top pants and salopettes ..what does it mean and what are the fuctions of this stuff?

[alan_rymer]

Try thermal fishing gear. eg:http://www.for-christmas.com/thermal...ishing%20suits

[typo]

Himalaya,

A total guess here as I don't know the temperature range and the level of activity. Alpine in May. Probably T-shirts in the middle of the day and -5 at night. For a few days then it seems hard to justify high prices. I would have thought lightweight breathable shell type jacket and trousers, with a wicking thermal base layer, and two layers of thin fleece tops and bottoms would be sufficient.
Not the cheapest place, but they have quite a big range and plenty of branches.
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index...roups.overview

There are a lot of alternative Outdoor stockits and many stock cheaper brands.

For a bit of luxury then a down jacket is nice, and advised if they are going to stand around at -10C. These are good value
http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?...ategory_id=300
(look very carefully at the size/fitting details)
These don't like getting wet so make sure the jacket fits over the top if there is a chance of rain.

Quality ski stuff is another possible, but it is expensive. There are often high discounts at the end of the season. It might be worth waiting.

David

[rosbifs]

www.roughgear.co.uk

One more to try. I used to have a contct in Lancashire but never went to their shop - blast.

[andrew_s]

If you want cheap and warm, look at freezer suits (workwear for those working in cold stores).
They will be heavy and bulky to pack compared with outdoor gear, but that's only a problem if you have to carry them.

[rosbifs]

Originally Posted by andrew_s

If you want cheap and warm, look at freezer suits (workwear for those working in cold stores).
They will be heavy and bulky to pack compared with outdoor gear, but that's only a problem if you have to carry them.

Come along sherpa it's only 80kgs. And I bloody well left my sheepskin in blighty - be thankful. You want 3 pence a week! Who do you think I am?