The North Face

So, think about San Francisco in the autumn of 1966: streets buzzing with beatniks, rockers, dreamers, and a wild collision of counterculture and adventure. In the heart of all this, Doug and Susie Tompkins, armed with just a $5,000 loan and boundless ambition, opened the first North Face store at 308 Columbus Ave in North Beach. 

The launch party was anything but ordinary as the Grateful Dead turned up to play live, Joan Baez and Mimi Farina worked the fashion runway, and the Hells Angels handled security at the door. The place instantly became a gathering spot for adventurers, artists, and rebels. Not long after, Kenneth ‘Hap’ Klopp took the reins, deciding it was time to build—rather than just sell—the world’s best expedition kit. That spark of originality and sense of fun? It’s still stitched into everything The North Face makes today.

Did you know? The half-dome logo is inspired by Yosemite’s Half Dome, a legendary climbing destination and symbol of the outdoors.

Real adventure doesn’t just happen in glossy catalogues—it’s lived, tested, and retold around campfires, frozen bivouacs, and start lines in places most of us can only dream of. The North Face’s DNA is woven from decades of bold expeditions and boundary-pushing athletes who redefine what’s possible, season after season.

From Himalayan summits to polar crossings, The North Face kit has faced down the planet’s wildest places. Their jackets, tents, and packs don’t just look rugged—they’re trail-tested by sponsored athletes on the sharp end: legendary climbers like Alex Honnold (yes, that free-solo on El Capitan), alpinists, skiers, snowboarders, and ultrarunners who put new gear through heart-thumping, real-world conditions before it ever lands in store.

Why does this matter? Because The North Face gear in your hands is often a direct descendant of historic talents and trips—like the first all-female team to summit Annapurna, record-setting traverses of Antarctica, or ultra-marathoners smashing records on remote mountain trails. Each seam, zip, and fabric upgrade carries a story of trial, feedback, and triumph; if it’s good enough for the world’s toughest adventures, it’ll go the distance in your weekender bag too.

But it isn’t just about big names or distant peaks. The North Face celebrates all adventure—from urban explorers to backyard microadventures—championing the belief that getting out there, pushing your limits, and chasing everyday wild moments should be part of life for everyone. Their commitment to real-world testing means you're in world-class company: whether climbing, running, hiking, snowboarding, or simply exploring your own backyard.

So next time you zip up your favourite North Face jacket or shoulder a well-loved backpack, remember—you’re wearing a small piece of modern exploration history, built on the dreams (and daring) of athletes who never stopped exploring.

The North Face might be a heritage brand, but they’re always tinkering with new stuff. Gore-Tex? They’ve pioneered it since the early days. FUTURELIGHT? Imagine waterproof gear that breathes and stretches, so you stay dry but don’t feel like a baked potato. Even everyday fleeces use recycled polyester now, and the Bottle Source collection gives a second life to plastic from national parks.​

Way before “waterproof-breathable” jackets were a streetwear staple, The North Face led the charge with Gore-Tex. In the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, they were among the first to build technical jackets that kept you bone dry without making you feel like a damp sauna inside. The legendary Mountain Jacket, launched in 1985, took Gore-Tex to extremes—tested on Himalayan expeditions and cold-weather climbs—and set the benchmark for weatherproof kit. Pairing tough construction with a featherweight feel, it’s the jacket that made “go anywhere, do anything” truly possible.

Fast-forward to today, and The North Face is still reinventing “comfortable weatherproofing.” Their FUTURELIGHT tech uses nanospinning to create a fabric that’s not only waterproof and windproof, but also stretches, breathes, and moves with you—so you don’t overheat or get clammy even on tough treks. What’s really cool is how tailored FUTURELIGHT can be. The North Face designers fine-tune each item for its purpose, whether it’s a super-light shell for high-output trail runs or a bombproof jacket for Himalayan climbers. Every product is tested by athletes in the harshest environments, so you know it’s built to last.​

And beyond pure performance, FUTURELIGHT is also more sustainable. Many clothes use recycled materials, PFC-free DWR finishes, and less chemical-heavy lamination, showing The North Face’s commitment to planet-friendly design as well as protection.​ Strong enough for elite expeditions, yet so comfy and breathable you’ll want to wear it for casual walks, The North Face FUTURELIGHT is the poster child for what the next generation of outdoor gear can—and should—look like.

The North Face doesn’t stop at waterproofing—their classic fleeces (think Denali and Summit Series) have shifted to recycled polyester production, turning old plastic bottles into warm, stylish layers you can wear anywhere. It’s a simple swap that saves energy, reduces landfill, and keeps you cosy from mountain base to city street. Collections like Bottle Source take it up a notch by pulling plastics right from national parks—so every fleece has a bit of wild spirit stitched in.​

Beyond jackets and fleeces, The North Face has developed lighter, stronger tent fabrics, eco-friendly sleeping bag insulation, and even technical footwear designed for extreme conditions and urban adventures. That constant tinkering means they’re always ahead of the curve—ready to tackle fresh challenges and redefine what outdoor gear can do.​ Each new advance proves The North Face isn’t just about looking good out there, but about bringing world-class protection, sustainability, and clever design to every adventure.

The North Face packs decades of innovation, athlete-tested design, and outdoor know-how into every collection—from fleeces that keep you cosy on city strolls to expedition jackets built for the world’s wildest weather.

When it comes to layering, The North Face doesn’t just settle for “good enough”—they deliver a lineup of fleeces and hoodies built for all the wild cards the outdoors (or the city) can throw at you. Here’s a closer look at three must-try collections you’ll want in your everyday and adventure wardrobe.

The Glacier fleece is one of those pieces you’ll own for years and keep reaching for. Light as a cloud but surprisingly warm, the Glacier is made from recycled microfleece with that signature North Face comfort. It’s ideal for throwing on for that early-morning dog walk, as a layer under your waterproof jacket on a windswept hill, or even as a makeshift pillow on trains and trails. The simple design means it packs down small, so whether you’re hiking, travelling, or just dashing out for coffee, Glacier is always game.

Fancy a bit more plush? The Cornice fleece is all about extra warmth and clever features, like a snug funnel neck and handy half zip for quick venting or layering moves. If you’re wandering the woods, sitting out by a breezy campsite, or just need a reliable fleece to live in day to day, Cornice has you sorted. With a softer handfeel and classic North Face durability, this one’s a favourite for anyone who wants more comfort but still cares about performance (and looking good doing it).

When you want your fleece to serve up both warmth and a little streetwise edge, check out the Yumiori collection. This midweight beauty is perfect for brisk city mornings, after-ski chillouts, or layering up on the trail. Expect a stand-up collar, neat pockets, and a look that works way beyond the campfire. You’ll get all the technical know-how The North Face is famous for—plus easy, everyday style you’ll want to show off everywhere.

You spot a North Face jacket out in the wild—maybe on a mountain ridge, a bracing UK seafront, or just a city street—and it’s easy to see why these legends have such a following. The range at Cotswold Outdoor is absolutely stacked: you’ll find technical brilliance, trusted warmth, and enough style to make “just nipping out” feel like an adventure.

When winter really bites, grab the McMurdo Parka—a heavyweight hero loaded with synthetic and down insulation that’s ready for the worst the season can throw at you. Prefer something with a sleeker profile? The Diablo Down Jacket is all about serious warmth without overdoing the bulk, thanks to responsibly sourced down and that signature North Face fit.

Chasing flexible layers? The Nordend Insulated Jacket keeps those frosty mornings at bay with lightweight insulation and a stylish cut. The Carto Mono Triclimate 3-in-1 Hooded Jacket might just be your most versatile investment yet—wear the waterproof shell, the inner jacket, or zip them together for year-round, weather-anything confidence. Need packable warmth for daily commutes or cold morning walks? The Millerton Insulated Jacket nails the balance of durability, cosiness, and everyday good looks.

For an all-conditions go-to, the Ryeford Jacket blends athletic urban style with windproof, water-resistant tech—ideal for exploring town or trekking out of it. The Nervia Shell Jacket handles unpredictable weather with a lightweight, stowable build and sporty flair, while the Quest Zip-In Jacket delivers adaptable protection you can layer up or down, whatever the forecast.

If cold snaps are your cue to get out, reach for the Aconcagua 3 Hoodie Jacket, loaded with down insulation and a water-repellent finish—this one’s a hug in jacket form. The Antora Jacket is a fan-favourite wind-and-rain shell, perfect for UK drizzles and breezy climbs. And for year-round reliability, the Sangro Jacket stands up to passing showers and cooler weather, keeping your adventures on track.

When your legs are itching for adventure, North Face trousers are up for the challenge—country rambles, trail runs, or everyday errands. These aren’t just trousers; they’re the versatile, all-weather MVPs of any kit.

Take the ever-popular Exploration Trousers: lightweight, four-way stretch, and cut to move with you. They’re made from a tough yet supple nylon-elastane blend (often with over 50% recycled content), so you get all the durability you need with a lower impact on the planet. There’s DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish to shrug off showers, quick-drying FlashDry™ tech to wick away sweat, and a roll-up hem when you need extra air. Loads of pockets—zip and open—mean you’ll always have snacks, maps, and a spot for your phone.​

Prefer true technical prowess? The Quest Softshell Trousers keep you moving on brisk walks and damp days. Breathable, stretchy, and with semi-elasticated waists, they’re designed for big hikes and scrambly climbs, packing in weather resistance without ever feeling stiff or stuffy.​

Never underestimate the power of a really great T-shirt. The North Face makes tees that are so much more than a base layer: they’re your mountain uniform, your beachside cover-up, your “just nipping to the shop” go-to.

Most North Face T-shirts are cotton or cotton-blend for comfort, blended with durable, lightweight polyester for breathability and shape retention. That means softness on the skin, super-fast drying, and embroidery or water-based prints that stay sharp wash after wash. Styles range from crew-neck classics to sporty, relaxed fits, in every colour imaginable (and yes, there are bold logos if you want to show your TNF pride).​​

Sometimes, it’s the smallest kit that makes the biggest difference when you’re out facing the weather. The North Face’s range of accessories—beanies, hats, gloves, and scarves—bring together the brand’s legendary know-how in warmth, performance, and all-day comfort, finishing off your layering system with style (and a bit of fun).​​ 

The North Face beanies are icons for a reason, knit from super-soft acrylic and wool blends or lined with fleece for that just-right mix of warmth and breathable comfort. 

Never let numb fingers slow you down. The North Face gloves use clever tech like WindWall™ shells, ThermoBall™ insulation, and soft brushed linings to keep the cold out and comfort in—even when the mercury drops. Touchscreen-compatible fingertips give you full phone access on the move, while grips and reinforced palms mean you’re ready for scrambling rocks or grabbing ski poles without missing a beat.

If there’s one bag that’s achieved near-mythical status in the world of adventure, it’s The North Face Base Camp Duffel. That bold, cylindrical shape? You’ll spot it strapped to yaks in Nepal, tossed in the back of Land Rovers crossing the Sahara, or rolling across Heathrow’s luggage carousel. 

The North Face Base Camp Duffel is constructed from ultra-tough, 1000D recycled polyester with a rugged PVC laminate—translation: it just shrugs off rain, snow, mud, and rough baggage handlers. The bottom is double-reinforced with 840D recycled ballistic nylon, chosen for its resistance to punctures and wear—even after years of being dragged, stacked, and stomped on. All this is finished with eco-friendly, non-PFC DWR (durable water repellent), so you can venture out guilt-free.

What makes a North Face daypack a true all-rounder? It’s the fabric first and foremost: ultra-tough nylon and recycled polyester, chosen for their tenacity against scrapes, scuffs, and a surprise shower on the school run. The Borealis is wrapped in heavy-duty Cordura nylon (the stuff of mountaineering myths) meaning it shrugs off abrasion and keeps on looking sharp, no matter how many times you hurl it in the boot or rest it on rocky ground.  And because sustainability isn’t a buzzword here, many packs use recycled fibres, turning plastic from bottles into adventure-ready kit. The result? You get a bag that feels good, does good, and stays ready for rain or shine.

It’s not just rugged on the outside. There are clever compartments and padded sleeves for your tech, side pockets for water bottles, an external bungee stash for everything from wet jackets to yoga mats, and back panels designed for comfort on epic days or endless errands. Add in FlexVent™ suspension, breathable mesh, and adjustable straps, and you’ve got a pack you’ll barely notice—unless you’ve packed it with half your house (guilty).

Why stop with clothing? The North Face delivers on high-spec tents (like the Stormbreak and Mountain 25), sleeping bags, and other outdoor gear that can turn gnarly campouts into glamping—well, almost. The Stormbreak Tent is particularly popular for wild campers thanks to its roomy design, weatherproofing, and thoughtful features like easy-pitch systems and proper ventilation. Pair it with a Gold Kazoo Eco Sleeping Bag for a sustainable, feather-light sleep setup.