The North Face is a US outdoor brand that has been synonymous with functional clothing, footwear, and equipment for decades. Founded in 1966, the company has always targeted people who enjoy outdoor activities in demanding conditions. The focus is on durable materials, high functionality, and a clear focus on practical use in outdoor and mountain sports. With its distinctive logo, The North Face has long been known beyond the classic outdoor sector, but its product development remains closely aligned with the real needs of mountaineers, hikers, and adventurers. The brand does not see itself as a lifestyle provider in the narrow sense, but rather as an outfitter for situations where protection, warmth, and freedom of movement are crucial. This claim continues to shape the product range to this day.
The North Face was founded in 1966 by Douglas Tompkins and Susie Tompkins in San Francisco. Originally, it was a small store selling climbing and trekking equipment. However, the company realized early on that many of the products available on the market did not meet the requirements of demanding tours. This led to the decision to develop their own equipment specifically designed for extreme conditions. The name The North Face refers to the north face of a mountain, which is considered particularly difficult and challenging. This image became the symbol of the brand. In the following decades, the company grew rapidly and established itself internationally as one of the leading suppliers in the outdoor segment. Despite its global presence, the focus has always remained on technical development and practicality.
The North Face product range covers almost all areas of outdoor sports. This includes hardshell and insulation jackets, functional pants, shoes, backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags. The products are designed to perform reliably on alpine tours as well as longer trekking trips. Typical features of the collections are:
The North Face - Ventrix jacket
One of The North Face's innovations at Outdoor in Friedrichshafen is the Ventrix jacket. The special feature of this material is the insulation. The p... The North Face - Ventrix jacketThe North Face - waterproof jacket
A highlight this year from The North Face is the Apex Flex jacket. This highly waterproof jacket combines the advantages of a softshell jacket and a h... The North Face - waterproof jacketA central element of the brand is the continuous development of materials and technologies. The North Face works closely with athletes, mountain guides, and expedition teams to test products under real-world conditions. The insights gained from this are directly incorporated into the further development of the collections. In addition to classic outdoor clothing, the company is increasingly investing in new approaches to improve comfort, weight, and pack size. The goal is to provide high-performance equipment that restricts the user as little as possible while offering maximum protection.
The North Face has been intensively addressing the issue of sustainability for years. This includes the increased use of recycled materials, the reduction of environmental impact in production, and programs to extend product life. Initiatives such as take-back and recycling programs are designed to help conserve resources and reduce waste. At the same time, the company remains committed to developing products that are durable and do not need to be replaced after a short time. This combination of technical quality, responsible production, and a clear focus on outdoor use continues to shape the brand today. With this approach, The North Face has established itself as a major player in the international outdoor market and stands for functional equipment that performs reliably even under demanding conditions.