The North Face

“I read a lot of threads about equipment and you all talk about a lot of brands, but I hardly ever hear TNF. Do they not make good equipment? is it to high priced? or what?”

“I have a few articles of clothing made by TNF, but no gear. I think most will agree here that people who buy North Face, generally do not hike and onlt wear the stuff to give the illusion that they do.

I own and pair of convertible pants and a couple of fleeces. I have wore all items into the backcountry several times and have had no problems. I cannot speak for the gear (Packs, sleeping bags, tents).

Some one will chime in.

Are you looking for something specific or just asking a general questions?”

“Just in general. Where I live I am very limited on stores to shop for backpacking equipment and the only one that does carries a lot TNF stuff. I have a TNF tent and like it a lot. It is not a backpacking tent but it works for car camping. I am looking for a new pack and sleeping bag. With this being the only store in my area if I want to "shop local" TNF will be my only choice.”

“What about ordering off REI.com or simular websites?

My cousin has North Face's Cats Meow 20 degree sleeping bag and likes it. They make a small 1 person tent that I have looked at, but I cannot remember the name off the top of my head.”

“I have a few TNF items, convertible pants that stayed wet for 2 days in the ADK's, don't buy them. A day pack with a broken buckle (it's not bad), and the Tadpole 23 two man tent. I really like the tent, as for the other stuff, look else where.”

“I have a couple of pieces of TNF clothing and a sleeping bag. All have performed well. I haven't seen any of their tents, packs or boots that I would buy.”

“i have tnf perguine tent, it's a large 2 person tent and i like it alot. i also have a sleeping bag from them, no problems.”

““I have a few TNF items, convertible pants that stayed wet for 2 days in the ADK's

In TNF defense, not much actually stayed dry during those two days.”

“Nothing wrong with TNF.
I've had bags and tents by them, no problems.
Tech clothing I can get cheaper with other brands but for casual around town stuff I have some TNF stuff I like.”

“TNF tech wear. I have cordura pants, tech polypro tees, knit pullovers that have lasted 10 years with heavy use and are still good enough to wear as a tourist in Switzerland. Awesome stuff.”

“North face makes some good, high end, alpine stuff. Not so much packs, but tents, clothing and the like. They also have a lot of designer/urban stuff as well. I have some north face stuff, but in general it is just overpriced for what it is. Also, they are not really into the ultra light market.”

“At the risk of biting at a troll -

IMHO, TNF generally makes good products that generally perform well. They were made a fad by the school kiddies in the recent past. That turns some users away. However, just because you see a rapper wearing a TNF down jacket in a video doesn't mean it's not light, built to last, or won't keep you warm on Blood Mountain in Jan.

TNF is expensive but no more so than most other name brands like Arc'teryx, Mountain Hardware, Patagonia, etc. All that stuff is expensive.

If you really want to buy locally then compare items online, find the best piece of gear that you can afford and that will suit your needs (regardless of brand), and then ask your local shop to order things for you. If they can't do it then you should not feel guilty when you don't give them the business. You have given them the opportunity to serve you.

Shop around, read reviews, ask questions online about specific items. TNF makes a good everything but I don't think they make the consensus-best anything. You will look like a drok if you show up on a trip entirely outfitted in TNF gear.

With all that said, I don't think my pack contains any TNF items when I go out. Not because I don't like them, but because I'm not doing any alpine climbing and they're gear generally isn't light enough for my taste.
last edited: 7/28/05 11:19:18 AM”

“I use a SPRINGBOK backpack from The North Face. About 4000cu. in. it's a medium pack with good features. It's a good backpack, I like it. I got it on sale at www.sierratradingpost.com and for the money I'm a satistfied TNF customer.

My local chain Hudson Trail Outfitters carries The North Face and their newer stuff looks like it has some nice little detail enhancements compared to my SPRINGBOK, same as any other manufacturer would have year-to-year.
last edited: 7/28/05 11:28:37 AM”

“Thanks for all your input. I just wish I lived closer to somewhere I could touch, feel, and see other stuff. It's kind of like looking at a Playboy magazine. It's nice to look at the pictures but sometimes you just need to feel the merchandise.”

“You are allowed to move, you know. ;)

I can't see buying a pack or boots without trying them on first.”

“Just out of curiosity, what part of Iowa are you from?

TNF, I like their sleeping bags & some of their clothes, but their tents tend to be sorta heavy, & all of their stuff is expensive (IMO) unless you find it on sale.”

“The good news is there will be huge sales when TNF stops being the brand of the moment.”

“TNF has been the brand of the moment for several years, LOL! foreigners, i'll tell ya what.

my BF has had 2 TNF sleepy bags for like a million years, they've held up well...we still use them. and we've both had jackets for years that have done well.”

“South East IA. If I stand on a hill I can spit either in Missouri or Illinois.”

“i have some TNF clothes and a down parka (greenland i think it's called) that i absolutely love... but i never had any tents or bags by TNF.”

“i had the TNF Canyonland tent. Can't complain. I still have it, and use it for the kids.


bought me some TNF pants before the Sierra trip, and they are okay too. [a little heavy thou]”

“gemini, you little troll, are u coming up this weekend for drunkfest????”

“troll? you are calling me a troll???

scorchy...i don't think so...too far to drive, and I am out of $$$...oh, and lets not talk about that I have family down here who would prolly tie me up and throw me in front of a train if I would tell them that I will be gone for the weekend. :D”

“““I have a few TNF items, convertible pants that stayed wet for 2 days in the ADK's

In TNF defense, not much actually stayed dry during those two days.”
lumberzac
11:34:37 AM
7/28/05

Yah ~ I was going to say "and it had nothing to do with the mass amount of rain we had that weekend...or the stream fording...or the fact that BackSlacker couldn't stay on his feet when crossing the bogs. hehe”

“I've got a few pieces of TNF gear that I've been using for over 10 years. My 1989 (?) superlight sleeping bag is still holding up well - its a simple ripstop nylon shell with down insulation. I modified it with a fleece neckcollar to help increase its warmth. I also have a Tadpole tent I bought around 1992(?). A little tight for two persons, but a great large 1 person tent for shoter length hikes.

Only negative I know is their 'improved' versions tend to be heavier than the originals - example, my 10+ yr old Tadpole tent is about 3/4 lb lighter than the current version.”

“yes, i've noticed that TNF "improved" gear IS getting heavier... and pricier too, or is that just my imagination?

gem, YOU SUCK!”