About The North Face

If you mention “The North Face” today, individuals of all ages know exactly who and what “The North Face” is all about. Since 1966 two San Francisco climbing enthusiasts Douglas Tompkins and Dick Klopp started a small store in North Beach, San Francisco. This store was designed to help serious climbers find quality backpacks and equipment.By 1968, they had begun producing their own line of backpacks using sewing machines in the back of the store. The North Face tents were some of the first to avoid a pole in the middle by using bendable rods that pushed out in their sleeves. This design increased the strength of the tents and allowed the wind to roll over them. The clothing and equipment lines are catered toward wilderness climbers, mountaineers, skiers, snowboarders, hikers and endurance athletes, all looking for products made of high quality that are also durable and long lasting. The North Face grew into one of the hottest brands of the era, operating in 60 countries. The clothing fabrics that The North Face uses, provides the warmth while also keeping out the wind, rain and snow if you happen to be on the mountain or climbing up the side. By the 1980’s innovative classics such as the Mountain Jacket, Gore-Tex clothing and an entire line of ski wear and gear continued keeping this outdoor company specializing in outerwear, fleece, shirts, footwear and equipment. By the 1990’s skiwear was added to the line and then eventually camping equipment. The North Face maintains strong links with the outdoor community through sponsoring athletes such as David Carrier Porcheron and Johan Olofsson and Lizzy Hawker, winner of the Ultra Trail Tour de Mont Blanc in 2005, 2008 and 2010 from the worlds of running, climbing, biking and snowboarding.