Taking their name from the most challenging side of any mountain, The North Face has been equipping explorers around the globe since 1966. We're proud to now welcome The North Face into our brand roster for coming season, just in time for the colder months ahead. Check out a brief history rundown behind the brand & some standout pieces from their latest collection below.
The North Face - A Brief History
The story began in 1966, with a young climber named Doug Tompkins investing his savings to ignite a movement. A modest shop he grew in San Francisco transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, hosting live performances by the Grateful Dead, fostering the exchange of ideas from the Beat Generation, and welcoming a roster of prominent American climbers fresh from their adventures in Yosemite.
Designed as a practical answer to the challenges of carrying bulky equipment, in 1969 the first creation, the Ruthsack, emerged as one of the earliest internal frame backpacks. Its lightweight and highly functional design transformed hiking, making it more accessible to everyone. This innovation marked the dawn of modern backpacking as we recognise it today.
One of their earliest sponsored expeditions took place in 1972, when adventurer Ned Gillette led a 30-day, 300-mile journey along the Koyukuk and Itkillik Rivers. This Alaskan adventure exposed them to the developments surrounding the Alaskan Oil Pipeline, leading to a published appeal in their 1967 catalogue from Friends of the Earth, urging action to halt the pipeline and safeguard Alaska's wildlife.
Five years later, an initiative aimed at keeping skiers warm in extreme conditions resulted in the launch of GORE-TEX products within The North Face outerwear collection. This marked the arrival of the first truly dry, breathable gear designed for all weather conditions.
The 1980s brought the launch of some of the brand's most iconic pieces. Extreme Gear, featuring GORE-TEX fabric, made its debut in the skiwear market. Skiers Scot Schmidt and the Egan Brothers, part of the "Extreme Team," put these products to the test during their adventures and often appeared in Warren Miller's ski films.
In 1985, The Mountain Jacket and Pants were introduced, delivering the same comfort and freedom of movement to climbers and trekkers as they did to skiers. With GORE-TEX integrated into each piece, this suit laid the foundation for an entire line of expedition apparel designed for weather protection. By 1989, the Denali Jacket emerged, compatible with the Mountain Jacket and quickly became a staple. Lightweight, durable, and exceptionally warm, its reputation grew as it was worn in various environments.
In 1992, the brand introduced its most iconic and recognisable piece - the Nuptse Jacket. Named after the Tibetan term for "west peak," Nuptse is situated a mile southwest of Mount Everest and regarded as the western peak of this mountaineering paradise. Featuring a ground breaking design of the time that minimised down shifting while maximizing warmth, the Nuptse Jacket quickly achieved iconic status.
The legendary Nuptse continues to be a cornerstone of their lineup, featuring a design inspired by the slopes of the 1990s. The 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket showcases a boxy fit, distinctive shiny ripstop material, signature oversized baffles, and a hood that can be tucked away for added warmth and protection in chilly, wet conditions.
The Denali Jacket is a true classic, first crafted for climbers in 1989. This season's iteration brings back the beloved retro color blocking that defined the original, now made from 100% recycled fleece. It's designed to be pill-resistant, lightweight, and warm, making it easy to maintain. With numerous zipped pockets for storing essentials and an adjustable hem to retain warmth, it's perfect for crisp autumn days.
Inspired by one of the longest non-polar glaciers globally, the Himalayan Baltoro Jacket combines a timeless mountain design with a stylish, contemporary print. Perfect for chilly days, its plush recycled down insulation provides the warmth you need, whether you're out exploring or commuting. Plus, it features multiple pockets for your phone and keys. With a WindWall- lining, you'll be shielded from harsh winds when the weather gets rough.
Check out our full The North Face collection below, available online & in-store now at Stuarts London.
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