The North Face

In 1966, two hiking enthusiasts founded a small mountaineering retail store in the heart of San Francisco's North Beach. The company soon became known as The North Face, a retailer of high-performance climbing and backpacking equipment. (The name was selected because in the Northern Hemisphere, the north face of a mountain is generally the coldest, iciest, and most formidable to climb.) In 1968, The North Face began designing and manufacturing its own brand of high-performance mountaineering apparel and equipment, and in the early 1980s, extreme skiwear was added to the product offering. By the end of the decade, TNF became the only supplier in the United States to offer a comprehensive collection of high-performance outerwear, skiwear, sleeping bags, packs, and tents.

Using all types of proprietary technology, TNF provides jackets and coats, pants, bags, and shoes with the quality, durability, and above all else, functionality that's required for outdoor adventure. Throughout the years, the jacket and outerwear division has set the standard in the industry. With styles such as the Denali Jacket and Vest, the Apex Bionic jackets, and the Nupste jackets, TNF proves time and time again that they are at the forefront of high-performance apparel.

Their dedication to footwear is no different. With the different categories of trail running, hiking, mountaineering, and most recently ultra running, their shoes division continues to raise the bar for innovation and quality in their shoes. Using proven technology such as Gore-Tex® and Gore-Tex® XCR®, their insulated footwear can sustain use in low, sub-zero temperatures, and with the innovative Boa® technology, users can have a precise fit with the ability to adjust quickly and on the fly. All features that make The North Face shoes a leader in the technical footwear arena.

The North Face’s dedication to quality can also be seen in their gear and equipment. Their sleeping bags are constructed with a high fill of goose down for warmth and multiple lengths. The daypacks and expedition packs, such as the Recon and Jester, are rugged, durable, and can hold all of your gear. The tents are built to withstand extreme temperatures on Everest and Mt. Rainier. If you have a desire to test the limits, The North Face equipment will help you on your adventure.