The North Face

The North Face is a global force in the outdoor industry. Named after the coldest, most unforgiving side of a mountain, the company is known for their extensive line of high-performance apparel, equipment, and footwear. Their products are designed for outdoor activities, especially extreme ones, like mountaineering, climbing, hiking, skiing or snowboarding. These are the circumstances where you need high quality equipment that can stand to the elements and the extreme temperatures.

The brand was founded in 1964 by Susie and Doug Tompkins as a small mail-order retail company and two years later, they started designing their own brand of technical mountaineering apparel and equipment. Today, The North Face is a renowned brand for professional extreme athletes, but also a commercial outdoor brand in the fashion industry.

The North Face Jackets and Outerwear

The company's research, design and development group collaborate with fabric engineers throughout the world to develop new technologies, to create gear that will be reliable even in the world's most inhospitable and challenging conditions. The North Face jackets feature the Thermoball Insulation technology, the synthetic insulation mimicking the capability of down. The fibers of this fabric trap heat in small air pockets, enabling the jacket to hold its warmth, even when it’s wet.

Their production was revolutionized with Fuseform technology, a weaving process that that blends thicker, more durable threads with lighter, lower-density fibers in high-wear zones, effectively reducing overall weight, but providing all the durability and protection needed.

Backpacks, Tents and Sleeping bags

The North Face outdoor equipment and camping gear has been tried and tested in the harshest environments. Dependable at the campground and on the trails, backpacks and tents combine durability with comfort allowing all avid hikers and camping enthusiasts to achieve peak performance.

The North Face store opening in 1966 was an event that few could match, with Grateful Dead and Joan Baez performing, and the bodyguards from Hells Angels making sure than no one that wasn’t on the guestlist enters. Through the 1960’s the company was sponsoring expeditions to some of the most far-flung, still largely untouched corners of the globe. This launched a proud tradition which continues in full force today and constantly reinforces The North Face mantra - Never Stop Exploring. Today, the North Face maintains strong links with the outdoor community through its sponsored athlete program.

But all not was bright as shiny as the beginning. Through the years the company have had lots of ups and downs, being very close to the bankruptcy at one point. But, thanks to the VF Corporation, they have managed to pull through showing real resilience and endurance correspondent to the brand image.

Whether you love it or hate it, there is no doubt that The North Face is a leader in the realms of performance clothing, footwear, and equipment, with a longstanding relationship with adventure seekers all around the world.