The North Face, from the mountains to the city
The The North Face page brings together down jackets, fleeces, coats, and bags from the brand founded in San Francisco in 1966. Pieces born for mountaineering and expeditions, like the Nuptse or the Denali, later embraced by the streets of New York and Paris, which maintain the technical materials and robustness required in the mountains.
Pieces designed for expeditions, adopted by cities around the world.
Born in San Francisco in 1966
The North Face opens its doors in 1966 in San Francisco: Douglas Tompkins and his wife Susie launch a climbing and hiking gear shop. Two years later, Kenneth "Hap" Klopp takes over the business, and the brand starts making its own sleeping bags, tents, and clothing. Its name refers to the north face of a mountain, the coldest, iciest and often hardest to climb side in the northern hemisphere. The logo, designed in 1971, features the stylized silhouette of the Half Dome, the famous granite monolith in Yosemite National Park. Since 2000, the brand has been owned by the American group VF Corporation.
Nuptse and Denali, two expedition icons
The fleece Denali appears in 1988 in the Expedition System, a range designed for high mountain use: it carries the name of the highest peak in North America, in Alaska, and stands out with its nylon sections on the shoulders, elbows, and pockets, which resist the abrasions from backpack straps. The Nuptse down jacket follows in 1992, named after a neighboring Nepalese peak of Everest. Its large down chambers limit feather migration and give it that volume that is so recognizable. Adopted by New York hip-hop in the 1990s, it has become a classic of urban wear.
Base Camp Duffel and backpacks
The Base Camp Duffel was created in the late 1970s to carry expedition gear to base camp and was reinforced in the mid-1980s with a highly durable ballistic nylon, which earned it its name today. Its large D-shaped zip opening, shoulder straps that convert it into a backpack, and side handles make it a travel companion as much as for the mountains. Among backpacks, the Borealis has established itself for everyday use, featuring a padded laptop pocket, side mesh pockets, and an elastic cord at the front to secure a jacket. The fabric can be cleaned with a sponge, without a washing machine, to preserve its coating.
The other lifestyle brands
The other brands, Rains, Herschel, Eastpak, New Era, Urban Classics, New Balance, adidas, Puma, Veja and others, are gathered on the brands page.
New arrivals and good deals
The new arrivals feature the latest releases, the promos showcase discounted items, and the products shipped in 24h are prepared and sent out within 24 hours. The good deals, clearance, and sales complete the offer.
Frequently asked questions
What country is The North Face from?
The North Face is an American brand, founded in 1966 in San Francisco, California. Initially a climbing and hiking shop, it equipped climbers before establishing itself in the city.
Which down jacket from The North Face should I choose?
For extreme cold in the city, the Nuptse with its bulky down remains the reference. For mid-season or as a middle layer under a jacket, a Denali fleece, lighter and more breathable, is more than sufficient.
What size should I take in The North Face?
The fit is rather loose, American style. Take your usual size while leaving enough room for a sweater underneath, as compressed down insulates less effectively. For a child, rely on height in centimeters rather than age.
How do I wash a The North Face down jacket?
In the washing machine, at low temperature, with a special down detergent, then in a gentle tumble dryer with two or three clean tennis balls to restore loft. Avoid fabric softener, which clumps the feathers.
Which group does The North Face belong to?
Since 2000, The North Face has been part of the American group VF Corporation. However, the brand retains its own identity, balancing mountain gear and urban wear.
