The North Face
・ Launched: 1966
・ Country of Origin: United States
・ Known For: High-performance outdoor apparel and equipment, innovation in cold-weather technology, mountaineering heritage
Founded in 1966 in San Francisco by Douglas Tompkins and Kenneth "Hap" Klopp, The North Face began as a small retail and mail-order operation selling high-performance climbing and camping equipment. Named for the coldest, most unforgiving side of a mountain, the brand quickly became synonymous with exploration and pushing the boundaries of outdoor potential. The North Face pioneered revolutionary designs and technologies in outerwear, tents, and sleeping bags, earning a reputation for exceptional durability and protection in extreme conditions. Over decades, it has evolved from a specialist mountaineering brand into a global icon, recognized for blending cutting-edge performance with versatile lifestyle appeal, while remaining committed to inspiring and enabling exploration worldwide.