The North Face
Named for the most challenging side of the mountain, The North Face has equipped explorers since 1966 to reach their dreams. Driven by the mantra of Never Stop Exploring™, our expeditions inspire us to test the outer limits of performance and possibility. In 1966, a young climber named Doug Tompkins used his savings to start a revolution. A humble shop in San Francisco soon became a cultural trading post where the Grateful Dead played live, the Beat Generation shared new ideas and a who’s who of American climbers stopped in after traversing Yosemite. Developed as a practical solution for bulky gear, the Ruthsack was one of the first internal frame packs ever created. Lightweight and ultra-functional, the pack revolutionized hiking by making it accessible to all. “Backpacking,” as we know it, was born. Since day one, we’ve done business differently. From repurposing surplus Vietnam-era materials, to advocating for wilderness preservation, our choices are aimed at protecting the places that we love. This commitment drives us forward.
Named for the most challenging side of the mountain, The North Face has equipped explorers since 1966 to reach their dreams. Driven by the mantra of Never Stop Exploring™, our expeditions inspire us to test the outer limits of performance and possibility. In 1966, a young climber named Doug Tompkins used his savings to start a revolution. A humble shop in San Francisco soon became a cultural trading post where the Grateful Dead played live, the Beat Generation shared new ideas and a who’s who of American climbers stopped in after traversing Yosemite. Developed as a practical solution for bulky gear, the Ruthsack was one of the first internal frame packs ever created. Lightweight and ultra-functional, the pack revolutionized hiking by making it accessible to all. “Backpacking,” as we know it, was born. Since day one, we’ve done business differently. From repurposing surplus Vietnam-era materials, to advocating for wilderness preservation, our choices are aimed at protecting the places that we love. This commitment drives us forward.