DNA STRANDS
ATHLETE TESTED
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ATHLETE
TESTED.
EXPEDITION
PROVEN.TM
ATHLETE TESTED
Revolutionary then.
Iconic now
Buckminster Fuller
Sally McKoy
SUMMIT SERIES TECHNOLOGIES
Waterproof fabric provides an impenetrable moisture barrier for guaranteed dryness.
Lightweight fabrics help regulate body temperature and keep you comfortable.
Helps reduce landfill waste and the use of virgin materials.
Lofty down insulation keeps you cosy in cold conditions.
This piece can be packed into its own pocket for light travel.
Quick-drying fabric moves moisture to the surface to evaporate.
Lofty down insulation keeps you cosy in cold conditions.
This piece can be packed into its own pocket for light travel.
Lightweight fabrics help regulate body temperature and keep you comfortable.
Insulation reduces heat loss and increases warmth, even in the coldest temperatures.
Quick-drying fabric moves moisture to the surface to evaporate.
Quick-drying fabric moves moisture to the surface to evaporate.
Layering System
First layer.
Keep your core warm and dry.
Cold Weather Layer
• Best for high output activities in frigid conditions.
• Performance-driven to push away sweat with advanced yarn technology
• Lightweight and durable for performance year after year.
Our technology:
Warm Weather Layer
• Best for high output activities in mild conditions.
• Pushed moisture to the surface for quick-dry performance.
• Soft against your skin for all-day comfort.
Our technology:
Second layer. Adds warmth layered or on its own.
Down Insulation
• Best for getting out in cold, dry conditions.
• Lightweight warmth that packs down small.
• Made with feathers certified to the Responsible Down Standard.
Our technologies:
Synthetic Insulation
• Best for cold conditions when getting wet is likely.
• Dries quickly when soaked through.
• Continues to trap body heat even when wet to keep you warm.
Our technology:
Fleece
• Best for active adventures in the cold.
• Breathable and moisture wicking in high output.
• High wear-resistance for dependable warmth, season after season.
• Available in different weights for a variety of temperatures.
Our technology:
Protects against the elements.
Shell
• Best for layering over a warm mid layer in unpredictable weather.
• Breathable, lightweight and easy to pack.
• Shields you (and your inner layers) from wind and moisture.
Our technologies:
Insulated Shell
• Best for consolidating layers.
• Breathable-lightweight weather protection.
• Extra warmth for comfort in low temperatures.
Insulated Jacket
• Best for outings on dry (but cold) days.
• Down or synthetic jacket that sheds light moisture.
• Adds warmth wherever you go.
• Available in different weights for a variety of temperatures.
INSULATION
NATURAL INSULATION Goose Down
DOWN CONSTRUCTION
FILL POWER
Its basically the warmth-to-weight ratio
The higher fill power takes up more volume and can hold more air.
PRO DOWN
RDS
INSULATION SYNTHETIC-THERMOBALL
• Warm even when wet
• Light and packable
• Sustainable
Independent testing has shown that ThermoBall Eco has similar warmth to goose down. As a result, ThermoBall Eco can offer the low weight, loft, warmth and compressibility of down with the wet weather insulating performance of synthetic insulation. Thermoball Eco is used in nearly all product categories from apparel to footwear
SHELL
Using laminate technology to provide waterproof protection
found across all construction types.
DryVent™ fabrics are engineered to be fully waterproof and breathable. The outer face of the textile is treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish that helps form droplets and repel water from the surface.
Each multi-layered textile is engineered to allow water vapor to pass through from the inside to the outside.
Dryvent™ can be found in all three construction types and across product lines made for protection on the trail, in the city and in the snow.
BREATHABLE-WATERPROOF OUTERWEAR TECHNOLOGY
BREATHABILITY
WATERPROOF
SOFTNESS
FOCUSED
DURABILITY
Exceptionally durable waterproof-breathable protection.
Whether you're climbing the highest peaks, hitting the slopes, hiking with friends or exploring downtown , GORE‑TEX garments cover a wide range of styles for a huge range of activities, every single one complete with the GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY promise.
Durably waterproof, exceptionally breathable and totally windproof. Designed to provide trusted comfort and protection so you can make more of everyday.
Footwear
Forefoot
Consists of 5 toes “Phalanges” and 5 proximal long bones “Metatarsals” that make up the Metatarsus, where the foot leaves the ground.
Rearfoot
Consists of the heel bone, also known as the Calcaneus, which has a layer of fat that acts as a natural crash pad.
Midfoot
Arch of the foot that acts as a natural shock absorber
ON TYPES OF GAIT
The modern trail runner is typically looking for a lighweight, form fitting shoe that is waterproof and tuned to the activity.
They require the confidence to go farther, with specialized functionality and classic style.
These consumers need a pair of shoes that can withstand the rigors of multi-day hikes with confidence.
They intend to hike to happy hour, with an appreciation for modern styling with a solid fit and versatile function.
These consumers appreciate the “all-in-one” shoe that they can wear hiking, training, or just day to day.
Depending on the season, you’ll see insulated boots in fall and sandals in spring.
(typically used as a very firm midsole or for protection of the shoe)
(used as a shank to protect root, rock, or stone bruising. Can also be used in the heel for protection)
(used as a midsole, acts as a very soft foam for comfort)
(Lasts are the building blocks of shoes and determine overall fit)
(typically used as a very firm midsole or for protection of the shoe)
ANATOMY OF A SHOE
Let’s breakdown the different components of a shoe. Each component must be carefully considered when building a shoe to make sure the features match the end use.
ON ANATOMY OF A SHOE
Upper: consists of nylon, mesh or leather.
Waterproof membrane(on waterproof versions): DryVent or FUTURELIGHT technology made of polyurethane.
Midsole: typically made out of an EVA or PU.
Outsole: made out of blown rubber.
UPPER MEMBRANE
Waterproof membrane (on waterproof versions): Dryvent or Futurelight technology made of polyurethane.
The feet contain about 250,000 sweat glands -the highest concentration of sweat glands compared to any other part of the body. On a daily basis, these sweat glands can produce around 8 ounces of perspiration. Incorporating our most breathable waterproof technology, FUTURELIGHT, will drastically improve comfort on the trail especially in the spring and summer months. One of the biggest differences when wearing a FUTURELIGHT shoe is the breathability. Before, moisture vapor pressure had to be built up before it could leave the shoe. Now, with FUTURELIGHT, air and moisture vapor is able to pass through the nanospun membrane freely.
The lightweight membrane offers stretch to make it incredibly comfortable on foot. Being so thin and pliable, this new footwear membrane improves the fit enhancing comfort for all day wear.
FUTURELIGHT technology is 100% waterproof. The same membrane used in apparel is now in footwear. We tested FUTURELIGHT shoes by flexing them thousands of times to prove their durability and waterproofness.
Whether you're climbing the highest peaks, hitting the slopes, hiking with friends or exploring downtown, GORE‑TEX garments cover a wide range of styles for a huge range of activities, every single one complete with the GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY promise.
Durably waterproof, exceptionally breathable and totally windproof. Designed to provide trusted comfort and protection so you can make more of everyday.
UPPER INSULATION
Insulation is crucial in the winter. We offer several different types of insulation based off end use and design.
Synthetic insulation is mostly used due to its durability and warmth when wet.
MIDSOLE
Midsoles give us the cushion and support that makes our shoes so comfortable.
A midsole can be of one material or more and made of rubber or foam.
he footbed offers comfort with minimum packout. They are removable, which allows customers to use a different orthotic. These are also washable! OrthoLite® offers different versions, many with recycled or bio-based materials.
OUTSOLE
• Unique outsole compound provides traction on wet and dry terrain
• Purposeful lug orientation delivers optimal ground-surface contact
• Lugs’ technical design gives you support from heel plant to toe-off EXTS is offered in styles designed from hiking and lifestyle footwear. The outsoles (examples shown to the right), diff er based on activity and terrain to off er optimum traction. Another added benefit of EXTS is that the material is made of at least 42% bio-based formula derived from renewable plant based sources.
FOOTWEAR FAQ'S
Can I wash them?
Power Further
Power is energy, given a purpose.
VECTIV transforms your energy into momentum, to propel you further.
TRAIL RUNNER’S PROBLEM
Running Fatigue. 39% of runners do not finish UTMB. Of those that did, they experienced 40% fatigue in their legs.
TRAIL RUNNER’S INSIGHT
Make me better. Athletes expect footwear to enhance & improve their performance.
TRAIL RUNNER’S SOLUTION
VECTIV. PowerFurther.VECTIV technology turns energy into momentum to propel you forward.
1. NATURAL SHOCK REDUCTION
The natural cushioning of the arches of the foot combined.
2. FOOT STRIKE OPTIMISATION
Rocker of VECTIV™ shoe optimises position of foot during landing providing a better tensioning of the arch of the foot during stance.
4. SHOCK REDUCTION
The previous three steps combine to offer a 10% reduction in tibial impact with no compromise on energy efficiency. This results in stress reduction in joints and bones especially in the downhill and flat sections without reduction in performance.
Efficiency
High-rebound foam midsole + VECTIV rocker construction.
Comfort
Light weight superfoam for unparalleled cushioning.
Stability
3D VECTIV footplate + SurfaceCTRL™ grip.
Our formula for faster
How do make the most advanced footwear technology even more stable, comfortable and efficient?
VECTIV™ 2.0 features three key updates, each designed to deliver improved on-trail performance.
3D Footplate
Redesigned to deliver to same propulsion as the original with greater stability on rough terrain, our advanced VECTIV™ footplate features a forked construction not just at the front but also at the rear for improved lateral displacement. The Summit VECTIV™ Pro also features forefoot wings to secure the foot in place.
Responsive foams
Shoes tailored to your local trails. Each shoe in the VECTIV™ 2.0 family features a performance rocker-midsole made with durable EVA foam or a combination of super critical foam and EVA foam. The Summit VECTIV™ Pro features an ultralight proprietary blend that balances durability with high rebound and enhanced cushioning.
Traction outsole
Made with a hard-wearing rubber compound, our SurfaceCTRL™ outsole guarantees reliable grip all surfaces with angled 3.5mm lugs for traction on tough terrain. For traction on particularly wet and soft ground, the VECTIV™ Infinite 2 features 5mm lugs to help maintain momentum.
ATHLETE PREFERENCES
Equipment and Luggage
This is the iconic, super tough expedition duffel. It offers all the features you need plus legendary durability. The Base Camp Duffel has been the most trusted duffels for the gym, travel, and expeditions for years.
FABRIC: body- recycled 1000D polyester with phthalate-free PVC
coating / boot - 840D recycled ballistic nylon with non-PFC DWR finish /
SIZE: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
FEATURED BENEFITS
Extendable luggage handle with patented side-release buttons.
Hard shell back to maintain shape and protect extendable handle.
Self-cleaning wheels
INTERNAL POCKET
SECONDARY POCKET FOR SHOES
LARGE OPEN STORAGE WITH INTERNAL COMPRESSION STRAPS
Packs can come in a couple different frame styles depending on the end use and need of the customer. Here are some of the common pack designs:
EXTERNAL FRAME
External frame packs are typically made out of aluminum and the frame is exposed on the pack. It offers great breathability but are typically heavy and not flexible. TNF has discontinued using this type of design.
INTERNAL FRAME
Internal frame packs sit flush against your back and have the aluminum or steel frame on the inside of the pack. They are typically lighter in weight and can hold large volumes.
FRAMELESS
Frameless packs do not have a steel or aluminum frame and instead might have a thin foam sheet or no sheet at all. These are extremely lightweight but only come in small volumes meant for fast and day use.
PACK LID
Detachable lid that holds quick access items and gives the pack structure.
OUTER POCKET
Also called a beaver tail pocket. Allows user to stash gear outside of the pack for quick access.
HYDRATION COMPATIBILITY
Many packs have a dedicated hydration sleeve inside the pack with a port for the hose to thread out and stow on the shoulder strap.
WATER BOTTLE POCKET
Expandable water bottle pockets on either side of the pack.
TORSO ADJUSTMENT
Adjustable harness that customizes fit to the user based on length of torso.
LOAD LIFTERS
Straps that control the load and how far/close the pack sits to the back.
STERNUM STRAP
Straps that connect the shoulder straps and brings weight more to the center.
BACK PANEL
Foam and/or mesh layer that sits directly on the back.
HIP BELT
Belt that allows weight to be distributed to the hips and takes weight off the shoulders. Pockets are located on the belt.
CARRY SYSTEM
HOW TO FIT A TECHNICAL PACK
Fitting a customer for a pack is great customer service and is extremely valuable in making sure the customer has the right fit and will be happy with their purchase. Shed your fear of fitting a pack by following these steps:
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S FIT
It’s very important to know that there is a different fit between men’s and women’s packs. Let’s highlight why that is and how we design for those differences.
On a skeletal level, a woman’s pelvis is tipped forward, causing more curvature of the lower spine. The torso height is also typically shorter as well as the shoulders being more narrow.
HOW TO PACK A TECHNICAL PACK
Having a properly packed backpack is essential to a comfortable carry as well as making sure you can fit everything in your pack for the trip.
Start placing your heaviest items toward the back panel such as the stove. You want to make sure you have the heaviest items closer to you to keep your center of gravity.
SLEEPING BAG ARCHITECTURE
Sleeping bags typically come in two different shapes; mummy and rectangle.
MUMMY BAGS
Mummy bags are contoured to the body to cut down on materials so there is major weight savings and ensuring maximum warmth efficiency. These types of bags are most used in the backcountry because of their weight savings.
RECTANGLE BAGS
Rectangular bags have a roomier cut to them. They are meant to try and mimic your home sleeping set up. These will typically be used for car camping, backyard camping or any activity where you don’t require compression. Rectangular bags are also great for people who feel claustrophobic in the mummy bags.
SLEEPING BAG
Let’s breakdown the different components of a shoe. Each component must be carefully considered when building a shoe to make sure the features match the end use.
HOODWrapped insulation at the top of the bag to prevent heat loss. Cinches are placed around the hood to tighten around face.
DRAFT COLLARAn insulation tube placed along the collar bone to prevent heat from escaping from the top of the bag.
PHONE/WATCH POCKETMany bags include an interior pocket to help keep personal items close (and warm - which can save battery life!)
TEMPERATURE RATINGSLocated on the upper part of the bag opening.
GLOW-IN-THE-DARK ZIPPERMakes it easy to locate your sleeping bag at night.
DRAFT TUBEAn insulation tube placed along the zipper, so heat doesn’t escape from the zipper.
VAULTED FOOT-BOXDesigned to allow for natural foot positioning while sleeping.
SLEEPING BAG CONSTRUCTION
BAFFLE CONSTRUCTION
Stitches from the outside shell to a piece of inner mesh and from the inside shell to the same inner mesh. Baffle construction reduces cold spots in a sleeping bag and is more thermally efficient than stitch through construction.
CYCLONE CONSTRUCTION
Vertical baffles allow for less stitching to save weight and enhance compressibility. With fewer seams pinching the synthetic insulation, the insulation shingles maintain more loft, which means a warmer bag with less material. (Found in Snow Leopard, Cat’s Meow and Lynx)
ANTI-COMPRESSION PADS
In all TNF down sleeping bags 1,6°C or below we put thin sheets of synthetic insulation in key areas at the bottom of the sleeping bag. These key areas experience compression from the users weight and the anti-compression pads provide extra warmth to reduce cold spots and add extra protection from the elements (cold ground, wetness/leaks).
SLEEPING BAG INSULATION
Tent poles are an integral part of the tent.
We partner with DAC who is considered to have the best poles in the industry.
Here’s some info about the company and the poles we use in our tents.
WASH A SLEEPING BAG
Taking care of your sleeping bag is essential to extending its life. If you take care of your sleeping bag properly, yo can have a sleeping bag for years. Here are some tips to tell your customers on how to treat their bag:
INSTRUCTIONS
2. Use a front load washer. If one is not available, you can use a top loader just disengage the agitator.
3. Use a down or synthetic wash and avoid standard laundry detergent. Down and synthetic washes are very mild detergents that are gentle on the down.
4. Follow the care instructions on the bag for water temperature and spin cycle.
5. Load the bag in a large dryer on low heat. Add a couple tennis balls to redistribute the insulation around and make sure it doesn’t clump. It could take over an hour for the bag to dry.
TEMPERATURE RATINGS
Comfort: the temperature at which a standard female can expect to sleep comfortably in a relaxed position.
Limit: the temperature at which a standard male can sleep for eight hours in a curled position without waking.
Extreme: the minimum temperature at which a standard female can remain for six hours without risk of death from hypothermia.
COLOR CODING
At The North Face, we design our sleeping bags with the store associate and customer in mind. We want to make sure there is purpose behind the design of our sleeping bags. That’s why we color code almost all of our bags and stuff sacks to indicate whether the insulation is down or synthetic and what temperature the bag is rated to.
LIGHT GREY
Accent colors means synthetic insulation is used.
DARK GREY
Accent colors means down insulation is used
TAN
Accent colors means recycled insulation is used.
COMPRESSION SACK
Our packaging for sleeping bags is not only a space saver in your store, but also a great tool to know what you’re showing the customer without even needing to open the stuff sack.
Check out these helpful hints on the packaging:
FIT AND LENGTH
TEMPERATURE RANGE
LIGHT GREY =
SYNTHETIC INSULATION
BAG SHAPE
FABRIC COLORS USED
TENT ARCHITECTURE
Tents can come in many different architectures depending on the needs of the customer.
Here are some of the common tent designs:
A-FRAME
Simple, lightweight and inexpensive tents that require staking and provides limited amount of headroom due to sloping walls.
Ex: Tuolumne
MODIFIED A-FRAME:
An A-Frame design with a center hoop pole, a ridgeline pole, or curved sidewalls to create more interior space and stability.
Ex: Eco Trail 2
DOME TENT
Spherical design that optimizes floor space while maintaining high strength from wind.
Ex: 2-Meter Dome
SINGLEWALL
Uses one layer of fabric for both waterproofing and breathability. This makes them extremely lightweight and durable, perfect for any expedition.
Ex: Assault 2
TENT ANATOMY
Let’s breakdown the different components of a shoe. Each component must be carefully considered when building a shoe to make sure the features match the end use.
POLES: Used to give the tent structure. Typically made of aluminum, fiberglass or carbon.
FOOTPRINTTypically sold separately (check TNF.com). Placed under the tent floor to prolong the life of the tent.
TENT FLOOR The most durable and water-resistant fabric on the tent body.
GROMMET Metal holes that hold the pole in place.
STAKESPlastic, metal or aluminum spikes that help secure your tent to the ground.
RAINFLYWaterproof outer layer to keep everything inside the tent dry.
VESTIBULE Space between the body of the tent and the fly to store items while keeping dry and keeps the interior of the tent clean.
GUY LINES Rope lines that can be tightened and staked in windy conditions to secure tent.
TENT FEATURES
DAC POLES
Tent poles are an integral part of the tent. We partner with DAC who is considered to have the best poles in the industry. Here’s some info about the company and the poles we use in our tents
• Thirty years of experience crafting high-performance aluminium tubing
• Over 150 patents
• Created DAC proprietary alloys designed specifically for tent poles
• Invented the proprietary
• Green Anodization processGreen Anodization eliminates much of the fuel, energy consumption and water waste needed for conventional aluminium anodization
• DAC recycles all aluminium craps to create new consumer goods
TENT TYPES
Here are the components that make up most tents. Next time you set up a tent, identify these pieces and what it does for the tent.
TIMELINES PRODUCT