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

Women's Clothing

Dachshund Brown/Demitasse Brown

11.0 Shellista II Mid Boot - Women's

Monks Robe Brown/Demitasse Brown

Flax/Walnut Brown

10.0 Shellista IV Mid Waterproof Boot - Women's

TNF Black/TNF White

Meld Grey/Emberglow Orange

Maui Blue/TNF Black

Activist FUTURELIGHT Hiking Shoe - Women's

Silver Grey Leopard Print/Silver Grey

Nuptse Mule Bootie - Women's

Flax/TNF Black

10.5 Sierra Sport Lace Waterproof Boot - Women's

New Taupe Green/TNF Black

TNF Black/TNF Black

Shellista IV Shorty Waterproof Boot - Women's

Meld Grey/Dark Eggplant Purple

VECTIV Exploris Mid FUTURELIGHT Leather Hike Boot - Women's

Evening Sand Pink/Cafe Creme

Skeena Sandal - Women's

Shaded Spruce/Mauveglow

Back-To-Berkeley III Textile Waterproof Boot - Women's

TNF Black/Transantarctic Blue

Flight VECTIV Guard FUTURELIGHT Trail Running Shoe - Women's

Monks Robe Brown/Arrowwood Yellow

Sierra Mid Lace Waterproof Boot - Women's

Starlight Blue/Sprucestone

VECTIV Infinite TW Trail Running Shoe - Women's

Nuptse II Waterproof Bootie - Women's

Gardenia White/Vintage Khaki

Back-To-Berkeley III Sport Waterproof Boot - Women's

Ballard III Chelsea Waterproof Boot - Women's

Shaded Spruce/Chamois Orange

VECTIV Taraval Shoe - Women's

Meld Grey/Transantarctic Blue

TNF White/TNF Black

VECTIV Enduris Trail Running Shoe - Women's

TNF White/TNF White

Recovery Slip-On Knit II Shoe - Women's

Tin Grey/TNF White

Sweet Violet/TNF Black

Nuptse II Strap Waterproof Bootie - Women's

Back-To-Berkeley Redux Remtlz Lux Boot - Women's

Woodrose/TNF Black

VECTIV Infinite TW Limited Trail Running Shoe - Women's

Tnf Black/Zinc Grey

Chilkat 400 Boot - Women's

Flight VECTIV Trail Running Shoe - Women's

Pink Tint/Mineral Grey

Havel Shoe - Women's

<a href="/rc/memorial-day-sale?promo=mds1_20" class="">Memorial Day Sale Is Here! Shop Up To 60% Off</a>

Top Brands

Shop The North Face

Shop Patagonia

Shop Mountain Hardwear

Brands

Clothing

Footwear

Accessories

Activity

Women

Boys' Clothing

Girls' Clothing

Toddler' Clothing

Kids

Activities

Shop Ski

Shop Hike & Camp

Shop Snowboard

Current Steal

Bike Gear & Apparel Under $100

Women's Shirts Under $25

Men's Shirts Under $25

60% Off Or More

Bargain Bins

Smartwool, icebreaker & More

Stoic, Backcountry & More

Mammut, Helly Hansen & More

Black Diamond & Outdoor Research

Brand Steals

Category Steals

Men's Bike Apparel & Shoes

Women's Bike Apparel & Shoes

New Markdowns

${defaultPageTitle} - Up to 70% Off

Sale

Prices

Size

Colors

Activity