The North Face

About The North Face

Established in 1966, North Face is an outdoor clothing and equipment manufacturer founded by Doug Tompkins, a climber and environmentalist. His first small store in San Francisco was a regular stop for climbers heading to Yosemite and the high Sierra Mountains of California.

Among The North Face’s original designs were some of the first internal frame backpacks, far more versatile and comfortable than traditional external frame packs. In 1975, The North Face released the first dome tent, lighter and stronger than other designs at the time. It was the prototype of modern backpacking tents that now dot alpine lakes and campgrounds everywhere.

Rain jackets and classic insulated layers

Key features of The North Face rain jackets are their proprietary fabrics, which are some of the most technically advanced of any brand. Both DryVent and FUTURELIGHT fabrics are engineered to be fully waterproof, windproof and breathable, but are still light and easily packable.

For cold-weather adventures, The North Face offers a range of insulated jackets with down insulation and synthetics such as ThermoBall that rival down for warmth and compressibility. Their puffers include the iconic Nupste jacket, one of the most recognizable pieces in the brand's lineup. (FYI, Nupste is a mountain in the Khumbu region of Nepal, about 2km from Everest.) The retro appeal of this 1996 classic style is undeniable and part of the enduring appeal of all TNF clothing, whether it’s worn on city streets or mountainsides.

Kids’ styles from The North Face

Clothing, outerwear and accessories, these styles are all about performance. They stand up to kids’ adventures everywhere from the summit of chairlift II to the farthest reaches of the soccer field. Parents can trust The North Face kids' gear to keep young adventurers dry, warm and grooving outdoors.

Outdoor gear for mountain specialists

The North Face tents, backpacks and sleeping bags are known for their durability, comfort, and functionality. Climbers and hikers seek out their packs for well-balanced suspension and thoughtful designs. Skiers and alpinists depend on their bomber expedition tents and sub-zero sleeping bags in high-mountain settings and extreme conditions. And anyone who likes to move fast down a trail, looks for TNF footwear and its reliable out-of-the-box comfort.

Conservation Alliance

In 1989, The North Face co-founded the Conservation Alliance, a non-profit organization committed to protecting the world’s wildest places. Now a global network, the organization represents hundreds of businesses and industry leaders, all sharing the mission of safeguarding the environment for future generations.