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Dec
Tested at 8,000 Meters: Simone’s Everest Expedition with HeatPerformance® Heated Clothing
When you think of extreme cold, you imagine biting winds, altitude sickness, and temperatures plunging far below freezing. But how well do heated gloves and socks really perform when it truly matters?
Mountaineer Simone Molter put HeatPerformance® to the test on the most demanding terrain imaginable: the route to the summit of Mount Everest — a journey that ultimately took her to 8,849 meters.
HeatPerformance® ULTIMATE — her companion during the 23-hour summit push
The toughest test began during the ascent from Camp 3 to the summit: a grueling 23-hour climb, mostly in freezing darkness at around –30°C and strong winds.
Simone wore the ULTIMATE heated gloves non-stop. Her findings:
- perfect fit with excellent freedom of movement
- easy to operate, even with tired hands
- dual heating on both the inside and outside
- 6–7 hours of battery life, even in extreme cold
- surprisingly warm even without the batteries inserted
- durable and robust enough for carabiners, ropes and fixed lines
Because she had accidentally left her THIN gloves at Base Camp, she wore a thin merino liner underneath the ULTIMATE gloves — yet even so, her hands stayed warm enough to continue climbing safely.
“Your gloves protected my fingers from cold damage!” — Simone Molter
During the climb above 8,000 meters, Simone relied on the HeatPerformance® ULTIMATE heated gloves to keep her hands warm in the extreme cold.
Close-up of the HeatPerformance® ULTIMATE gloves on the summit of Mount Everest (8,849 m).
HeatPerformance® POWER — the socks that protected her toes at 8,300 meters
The POWER socks are our thickest and warmest model, and Simone used them inside her triple-layer expedition boots. They were so warm that she didn’t even need to activate the heating mode during the summit push.
But during an unexpected extra night in Camp 3 at 8,300 meters, when temperatures dropped to around –30°C, they became essential: they prevented the onset of frostbite in her toes.
“The socks are very warm even without the batteries — they saved my toes from frostbite during the night at 8,300 m.” — Simone Molter
Simone at the highest point of Mount Everest, where the ULTIMATE heated gloves helped her withstand the extreme cold.
Close-up of the HeatPerformance® ULTIMATE gloves that kept Simone warm during the freezing summit push on Mount Everest (–30°C).
HeatPerformance® THIN — lightweight liner gloves for flexibility and versatility
Simone used the THIN gloves on the lower sections of the mountain and during everyday routines such as having breakfast in camp.
Her comments:
- perfect fit
- lightweight and flexible, ideal as a liner glove
- three heat settings, clearly visible at a glance
- comfortable for short activities in –10°C and strong winds
She had originally intended to wear them as inner gloves underneath the ULTIMATE during the summit push, but due to a small mistake they were left behind at Base Camp. Still, she emphasizes their value during trekking days and camp routines.
View of the North Face of Mount Everest during Simone Molter’s expedition.
Break moment at North Base Camp, where Simone used the HeatPerformance® THIN liner gloves during acclimatization.
A product series that passed the ultimate test
Simone’s conclusion is clear:
“These products are not only suitable for the Alps, but also for Himalayan expeditions.”
Our heated gear kept her warm in situations where every mistake can be life-threatening. The fact that our products proved their strength under such extreme conditions makes us truly proud.
Want to experience what heated gear can do for you?
Do you have any questions about our products? Feel free to reach out, we’re always happy to help you personally.
