About The North Face
Founded in 1966 by hiking enthusiasts Douglas and Susie Tompkins in San Francisco, The North Face began as a small mountaineering retail store. The name refers to the notoriously challenging north-facing routes in the northern hemisphere. Two years later, the brand was acquired by Kenneth Klopp who expanded it into a full-fledged outdoor gear company specializing in high-performance apparel and equipment.
Today, The North Face is a global powerhouse in the activewear market. They offer jackets, apparel, footwear and outdoor gear for men, women and children. The company is currently headquartered in Alameda, California and owned by parent company VF Corporation, which also owns brands like Vans, Timberland and Dickies.
The North Face has factories across the Americas, as well as in Europe and Asia. They use cutting edge technology and testing to create innovative fabrics and construction methods aimed at pushing the boundaries of outdoor performance. The brand has also implemented several sustainability initiatives:
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They aim for 100% of products to use recycled, renewable or responsibly-sourced fabrics by 2025 (apparel) and 2030 (gear/footwear)
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All down products are RDS (Responsible Down Standard) certified since 2014
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They launched the "Renewed" collection featuring refurbished and repaired products to reduce waste
When it comes to social initiatives, The North Face founded the Exploration Fund in 2010 which provides grants to nonprofit organizations focused on getting more youth outdoors. They also regularly donate products and funds after natural disasters around the world.
North Face Winter Jackets Review
The North Face is perhaps best known for their extensive outerwear collection designed to stand up to the harshest alpine environments. This includes insulated winter jackets, waterproof shells, softshells, parkas and more.
I analyzed over 50 North Face winter jackets for men and women to provide an in-depth assessment across 4 key criteria: features and technology, fit and sizing, price and value, and customer reviews. Here is an overview of my top picks:
Men‘s ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate Jacket
Features: 3 jackets in 1 with zip-out midlayer, waterproof and breathable DryVent fabric, 800 fill power responsibly sourced ThermoBall insulation, multiple pockets and adjustable hood/cuffs
Fit: Standard athletic cut
Price: $$ (typically $349)
Reviews: 4.7/5 stars across 300+ reviews praising lightweight warmth and versatility
This 3-in-1 winter jacket system features an outer waterproof shell, midweight insulated layer, and packable inner puffer jacket. It‘s designed for ultimate versatility across a wide range of winter activities like skiing, snowshoeing and mountaineering. Customers love the innovative moisture-wicking ThermoBall insulation which mimics natural down clusters using recycled plastic bottles.
For a more budget-friendly option, check out the Venture 2 Jacket. It retains the waterproof shell and breathability at a lower $99 price point.
Women’s Arctic Parka II
Features: Knee-length parka with 550 fill down insulation, DryVent outer fabric, fixed hood with removable faux fur, multiple exterior and interior pockets
Fit: Designed to contour the body for a flattering feminine silhouette
Price: $$$ (typically $300)
Reviews: 4.6/5 stars with praise for exceptional warmth and weather protection
The North Face Arctic Parka II is built keep you warm and dry through harsh winter storms without sacrificing style. It‘s filled with responsibly-sourced 550 fill down for maximum loft and heat retention. The outer fabric features a DWR (durable water repellent) finish to prevent moisture saturation while allowing internal water vapor to escape. Customers love this winter parka for its ability to stand up to sub-zero and wet conditions while looking great. It runs true to size.
For something more lightweight, I suggest The North Face‘s Thermoball Eco Jacket which uses imitation down cluster insulation. It compresses easily into its own pocket for easy transport.
Kids‘ Thermoball Full Zip Jacket
Don‘t leave the little ones out in the cold! The North Face makes high quality jackets for kids as well. The Thermoball Full Zip is designed with 600 fill power insulation encased in durable, ripstop fabric. It‘s lightweight, compressible and water resistant – perfect for winter activities. Fully seam sealed construction prevents heat loss through needle holes. It features elastic cuffs, chin guard and an adjustable hood for superior weather protection. Available at $$ in a wide range of bright, fun colors.
Popular North Face Backpacks
A great jacket needs an equally great backpack! As pioneers of technical outdoor gear, The North Face understans what packs need to endure. I evaluated some of their most popular backpack models across these metrics:
- Storage capacity and compartments
- Suspension and support features
- Durability and materials
- Special features and purpose
- Price and value
- Customer reviews
Here are the highlights:
Borealis Backpack – 28L
Price: $$ (typically $89 on sale)
Key Features: FlexVentTM injection-molded shoulder straps, padded mesh back panel with spine channel, large main compartment, padded laptop and tablet sleeves, bungee system for external attachment
Reviews: 4.6/5 stars for comfort and durability
An extremely versatile daypack equipped for school, work or travel with protective laptop sleeve and tablet pocket. The contoured shoulder straps minimize strain for all day carry. It fits a 15 inch laptop.
Terra 65 Expedition Pack – 39L
Price: $$$$ (typically $199)
Key Features: Opti-FitTM harness system automatically adjusts to your torso length, dual aluminum external frames, hideaway ice ax loops, removable lid converts to sling pack
Reviews: 5/5 stars for heavy load support and customization
Built for multi-day backpacking trips and mountaineering expeditions. It features adjustable torso sizing, ventilated back panel to prevent sweaty backs. Durable, waterproof fabric stands up to the elements. Integrated top lid/sling doubles your carrying options.
Isabella Daypack – 17L
Price: $$ (typically $79)
Key Features: Women-specific shoulder straps shaped for narrower shoulders, stash pockets at sides, extras like key clips and cosmetic case
Reviews: 4.8/5 stars for comfortable women‘s-specific fit
Designed specifically for the female frame with curved shoulder straps and adjustable sternum strap. It features a 17L capacity with padded sleeve to hold a tablet or small laptop for work or school. Front organizer pocket keeps essentials easily accessible. The Isabella daypack comes in fun colors like Moonlight Ivory or Zinc Grey.
How Does North Face Compare to Competitors?
The North Face occupies an interesting spot in the outdoor gear market – positioned as a premium/technical brand but without the luxury price tag of high fashion names.
Compared to other premium outdoor brands like Canada Goose, Moncler or Patagonia – North Face runs $100-300 less expensive for comparable down jackets and shells. However, the performance and quality is still top-notch thanks to their technical expertise and R&D capabilities.
They offer a wider range of products like backpacks, shoes and equipment whereas the luxury brands focus more exclusively on apparel. The North Face is also more athletically styled in their designs compared to the fashion-forward looks from CG, Moncler etc.
When it comes to sustainability, North Face has made impressive progress but still lags behind Patagonia which uses 100% traceable down, organic cotton and recycled fabrics across their entire product line.
Overall, I would say North Face provides outstanding performance, quality and durability for more reasonable prices compared to the overpriced luxury labels. They are on par sustainability-wise with mainstream outdoor brands, getting better but with room to improve. More fashion-focused folks may prefer sleeker designer looks found at CG, Moncler etc.
Should You Buy It? My Verdict on North Face
The North Face has earned its place as an iconic American outdoor brand trusted by mountaineers, athletes and weekend warriors alike due to their proven reputation for performance, innovation and quality across their apparel, footwear and gear.
Their winter jackets and apparel stand out from competitors for seamlessly blending technical engineering with athletic aesthetic. Pieces like the ThermoBall Triclimate and Arctic Parka can battle the most brutal weather extremes while looking great. Their legendary Summit Series gear is worn by extreme alpine climbers and polar explorers.
They offer an impressive variety of stylish, durable and weatherproof products specialized for snow sports, training, hiking, camping, climbing, trail running and urban commute. Their backpacks and shoes are also top rated thanks to customized support systems and sole technology.
Considering their credentials, reputation and 50+ years in business – I would confidently say North Face apparel and gear is well worth the investment. Their products literally safeguard human achievement in some in the world‘s most extreme environments.
While individual pieces tend to cost more than basic brands – the level of technology, testing and construction is beyond compare. $300-400 for a winter parka or shell jacket seems expensive until you realize it will protect you reliably for years in conditions that no one in their right mind would face without the proper gear!
For shoppers on a tighter budget, I suggest watching for seasonal sales to score discounts. Or check out their impressive Renewed collection of refurbished items at up to 60% off retail prices. Items here are inspected and repaired by The North Face to like-new quality while preventing waste.
When it comes to sizing, be sure to carefully consult the size charts and product details. Some jacket models like the Gotham run slim while others like the McMurdo parka feature a relaxed fit. Compared to daily street clothes, you generally want to size up in technical wear to allow room for layering underneath.
Current North Face Promotions
Here are some of the best ways to save on North Face gear:
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Check out sale items in their web specials section – discounts up to 40% off original prices
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Sign up for email list and get 10% off your first order
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Buy discounted gift cards from third party sellers to save 5-10%
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Take advantage of seasonal sales around back-to-school, holidays, new year
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Browse their Renewed outlets for steep discounts on refurbished items
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Students get 10% off certain purchases
The Last Word
Whether braving icy peaks or tackling the daily commute, The North Face has you covered with high quality, rugged and weatherproof jackets, apparel and gear designed for peak performance in any environment. Their winter jackets stand out with bombproof construction plus packable insulation technology like ThermoBall and Heatseeker to seal in warmth without bulk. Signature pieces like the McMurdo parka and Denali fleece helped establish TNF as the leader in technical outdoor apparel.
While paying $300-400 for a single jacket feels steep, it‘s a worthwhile investment considering you‘re getting an essential, durable tool built to safeguard human achievement anywhere on the planet – whether scientists surveying Antarctica or you, marching across campus on the way to chemistry.
I hope this comprehensive brand review for The North Face helps explain whether their products are worth the investment for your specific needs and budget. Feel free to reach out with any other questions!
