The North Face

The North Face started life in 1966 as a small climbing and backpacking shop in San Francisco, founded by outdoor enthusiasts who simply wanted to make better gear for the mountains. Since then, it has grown into one of the most recognisable names in the outdoor industry — balancing a reputation for high-end technical innovation with widespread mainstream appeal. Whether you’re planning a Himalayan expedition or heading out for a weekend hike, chances are you’ll come across The North Face gear on the trail.

Today, The North Face range covers a huge spectrum of outdoor equipment and clothing. From highly technical mountaineering jackets, expedition-grade sleeping bags and waterproof shells to everyday fleeces, lifestyle hoodies and trail running shoes, they offer something for almost every type of outdoor user. With such a broad offering, The North Face reputation naturally spans a few worlds. Their entry-level gear has been embraced by the streetwear crowd, becoming a style icon well beyond the hills. But their top-end technical equipment — particularly the Summit Series — remains firmly geared toward serious climbers, mountaineers and endurance athletes who need gear tested to the highest standards.

One of the brand’s real strengths lies in its deep relationships with professional athletes. Feedback from climbers, alpinists, skiers and ultra runners feeds directly into the design and development of The North Face’s most technical ranges. Innovations like Futurelight — a highly breathable and waterproof membrane — have emerged from this close collaboration with elite users, offering genuinely impressive performance in challenging conditions.

If you’re searching for the best The North Face gear for outdoor adventures in Britain, our The North Face gear reviews bring together jackets, trousers, footwear, packs and more that we’ve properly tested across a variety of real-world conditions. Whether you’re planning a winter hike in the Highlands, fast-packing a trail in Wales or just need something reliable for everyday outdoor life, our The North Face reviews help you cut through the noise and find kit that’s genuinely up to the task.

The GBAC’s Take

We’ve found The North Face gear to be generally reliable and well thought-out — as long as you choose carefully from their range. While some of the lower-end products lean more towards fashion than function, their Summit Series kit and anything using Futurelight fabric has consistently impressed us. Their close ties with real-world athletes clearly feed into their better designs, making them a smart choice when performance matters.