The North Face

When you think of movements born in San Francisco in the late ‘60s, the high-performance outerwear movement probably isn’t at the top of your list. That is, however, exactly when and where it all began. Back then, Alpinists were forced to use equipment they picked up from the local Army surplus store. There were hardly any manufacturers focused on outdoor equipment in the private sector. That was about to change in a big way. In 1966, Doug Tompkins and his wife Susie decided to open a high-end ski and camping gear storefront at 308 Columbus Avenue in San Francisco's North Beach. They called their shop The North Face, a nod to the storied face of the Eiger and one of the most difficult climbs in the Northern Hemisphere. The store quickly became a hangout for local outdoor enthusiasts, and the legend was born. In 1968, Kenneth ‘Hap’ Klopp acquired The North Face and shifted the company’s focus from retail sales to the design and manufacture of outdoor clothing and equipment. The first manufacturing facility was squeezed into the back of The North Face store in Berkeley. Just a year later, a full-blown factory was opened to produce specialized gear and outerwear. Having established itself as a leader in outdoor apparel and equipment, The North Face began to sponsor expeditions to far flung, untouched locations at every corner of the globe. This launched a proud tradition of exploration that has continued for more than 50 years and solidified the brand’s standing as a leader in the outdoor industry. By the early ’80s, The North Face had expanded its product offering to the world of extreme skiing. Jackets, pants, gloves, and even beanies from The North Face were designed to withstand the harshest weather on the most unforgiving peaks in the world—a far cry from the mostly basic offerings from other manufacturers. By the end of the decade, The North Face became the only supplier in the United States to offer a comprehensive collection of high-performance outerwear, skiwear, sleeping bags, backpacks, and tents. The North Face entered the sportswear market in the ‘90s with its Tekware line. This innovative collection was designed to provide rock climbers, backpackers, hikers, trail runners, and outdoor enthusiasts with the ultimate fit and function. As the ‘90s drew to a close, the Half-Dome logo was a common sight at ultra-marathons. In response, The North Face launched its own line of trekking and trail-running shoes to complement its hiking, backpacking, and winter boots and to outfit the outdoor enthusiast from head to toe. Today, almost 50 years since its humble beginnings in San Francisco, the North Face offers an extensive line of men’s and women’s outdoor gear and clothing. Whether you’re looking for a hat, a windbreaker, a down jacket, or even an expedition shelter for a month at basecamp high in the Himalayas, The North Face can provide you with gear built to meet your needs and much more.

Shop the latest The North Face jackets, coats, clothing & gear at Backcountry.com. Check out popular lines such as the Osito, Denali, Venture, and more.

The North Face - Outdoor Apparel & Gear

The North Face, like the athletes who wear it, represents strength and endurance. The North Face is the most venerable and ubiquitous brand in outerwear and equipment. Like a protected stash of powder, here are The North Face goods: waterproof shells, plush fleece jackets, warm down coats, winter boots, tents, packs, and much more. We are a preferred The North Face seller. So if you seek The North Face gear, we have the largest selection anywhere online. Shop here first to find the outerwear and equipment you're looking for.

When you think of movements born in San Francisco in the late ‘60s, the high-performance outerwear movement probably isn’t at the top of your list. That is, however, exactly when and where it all began. Back then, Alpinists were forced to use equipment they picked up from the local Army surplus store. There were hardly any manufacturers focused on outdoor equipment in the private sector. That was about to change in a big way.
 
In 1966, Doug Tompkins and his wife Susie decided to open a high-end ski and camping gear storefront at 308 Columbus Avenue in San Francisco's North Beach. They called their shop The North Face, a nod to the storied face of the Eiger and one of the most difficult climbs in the Northern Hemisphere. The store quickly became a hangout for local outdoor enthusiasts, and the legend was born.
 
In 1968, Kenneth ‘Hap’ Klopp acquired The North Face and shifted the company’s focus from retail sales to the design and manufacture of outdoor clothing and equipment. The first manufacturing facility was squeezed into the back of The North Face store in Berkeley. Just a year later, a full-blown factory was opened to produce specialized gear and outerwear.
 
Having established itself as a leader in outdoor apparel and equipment, The North Face began to sponsor expeditions to far flung, untouched locations at every corner of the globe. This launched a proud tradition of exploration that has continued for more than 50 years and solidified the brand’s standing as a leader in the outdoor industry.
 
By the early ’80s, The North Face had expanded its product offering to the world of extreme skiing. Jackets, pants, gloves, and even beanies from The North Face were designed to withstand the harshest weather on the most unforgiving peaks in the world—a far cry from the mostly basic offerings from other manufacturers. By the end of the decade, The North Face became the only supplier in the United States to offer a comprehensive collection of high-performance outerwear, skiwear, sleeping bags, backpacks, and tents.
 
The North Face entered the sportswear market in the ‘90s with its Tekware line. This innovative collection was designed to provide rock climbers, backpackers, hikers, trail runners, and outdoor enthusiasts with the ultimate fit and function. As the ‘90s drew to a close, the Half-Dome logo was a common sight at ultra-marathons. In response, The North Face launched its own line of trekking and trail-running shoes to complement its hiking, backpacking, and winter boots and to outfit the outdoor enthusiast from head to toe.
 
Today, almost 50 years since its humble beginnings in San Francisco, the North Face offers an extensive line of men’s and women’s outdoor gear and clothing. Whether you’re looking for a hat, a windbreaker, a down jacket, or even an expedition shelter for a month at basecamp high in the Himalayas, The North Face can provide you with gear built to meet your needs and much more.

rootNode

Surf

Swimwear

Beta Blue Lichen Print

Military Olive Retro Dye Print

Meld Grey Mountain Camo Print

Class V Belted Printed 7in Short - Men's

Banff Blue Retro Dye Print

Aviator Navy Fly Reel Print

Sharp Green Tropical Camo Print

Class V Printed Pull-On 5in Short - Men's

Goblin Blue

Spring Bud

Sharp Green

Horizon Red

Vintage White Valley Sun Print/Vintage Indigo

Norse Blue

Twill Beige

TNF Black

Class V Belted Trunk - Men's

Rococco Red Ashbury Floral Print

Class V Pull-On Trunk - Men's

Monterey Blue

Wander 9in Short - Men's

Movmynt Short - Men's

Banff Blue

Meld Grey

Tandoori Spice Red

Wander Short - Men's

Rainwear Ready For Adventure

Embrace The Forecast

New Arrivals

Plan Your Spring Escape—Road Trip & Camp Essentials

Clothing

Footwear

Accessories

On Sale

Training

Women

Shop Kid's New Arrivals

Gear

Kids

All Activities

Camp

Paddle

Bike

Activities

Brands

Basin + Range

Stoic Camp

Camp Colorful with Stoic

Backcountry

Stoic

Exclusive Brands

Stoic On Sale: Up To 60% Off

Featured Deals

Womens

Mens

Sale

Community

Advocacy

Partnerships

Ambassadors

See All Stories

Introduction to Ski Mountaineering

How To Buy A Bike In 2021

How A Winter Kit Made The Perfect Trip

Explore Blog

${defaultPageTitle}

Activity

Size

Recommended Use

Colors

Responsibility

Embrace The Forecast