The North Face
From the beach to the mountains
The outdoor brand is named after the coldest, most unforgiving side of the mountain – the North Face. Ironically, the company was founded on the beach in San Francisco in 1966. Even then, however, the small shop sold mountaineering articles and backpacking equipment. Just two years later, the company began manufacturing its own mountaineering clothing and equipment.
Early on, The North Face equipped enthusiastic outdoor athletes and supported expeditions to the remotest corners of the world. A tradition that continues to this day. Since the 80s, extreme ski clothing has also been part of the outfitter's product repertoire. The collections now included high-performance leisure and ski clothing as well as sleeping bags, backpacks and tents.
In the 1990s, the brand expanded its range to include sportswear for backpackers, hikers and trail runners. The focus here was on fit and functionality. Finally, the brand also added its own trekking and trail running shoes. Today, The North Face is one of the top outdoor brands in the world with its comprehensive range of high-performance clothing, equipment and footwear.
High performance outdoor clothing
To produce innovative and high-performance outdoor clothing, The North Face is constantly working on new technologies. Besides insulation with Primaloft, the manufacturer has developed a new synthetic alternative to down. The ThermoBall technology is as light and warm as down, but still keeps you warm when wet. ThermoBall jackets can also be packed up extremely small and stored in your own pocket.
For endurance sports that make you sweat, the FlashDry technology ensures cool and dry wearing comfort. The fabric fits the body like a second skin and transports moisture to the outer material. Besides the shorter drying time and improved moisture management, Flash Dry XD also offers enormous durability.
The Gore-Tex membrane offers protection from rain and snow. The durably waterproof and breathable fabric can be found in jackets, shoes and gloves from The North Face.
Protecting the environment and resources
Like many other outdoor brands, The North Face places great emphasis on sustainability in the manufacture of its products. The European headquarters in Switzerland already runs on 100% renewable electricity, and by 2030 the company aims to replace 10% of its polyester and nylon volume with recycled textile fibres.
To avoid harmful chemicals such as PFC in its textiles, The North Face has now switched its new collections entirely to PFAS-free alternatives. The manufacturer also works with its suppliers and weaving mills through the environmental label bluesign to reduce the use of chemicals, energy and water.
The North Face is also committed to animal welfare: down products only use down that meets the Responsible Down Standard, ruling out force-feeding or live-plucking.
So that worn clothing doesn't end up in the trash, The North Face takes it back for recycling or refurbishment in its own stores through the Renewed programme.
(Photos: The North Face / Aaron Blatt / Will Saunders)
