The brand’s clothing and equipment are the go-to choices for many hikers, skiers, travelers, and general outdoorsy types worldwide, but why is The North Face so darn so expensive!?
In this article, we will explore if The North Face is worth the high price and why…Let’s dive in
Why Is The North Face So Expensive?
The North Face clothing and gear can come with a higher price tag than its competitors but is not the absolute top end of the market. Many believe that their pricing is very competitive, given the quality and longevity of their products.
For those new to outdoor sports, the prices of high-end clothing and equipment may seem high but don´t realize the factors that have led to this price.
Here are a few factors that can lead to The North Face products being more expensive
Quality of materials
The North Face uses high-quality materials to make its clothing and gear. Using premium fabrics and advanced technologies to create products that are durable and can withstand some of the harshest conditions in the world.
Some of the high-end material technology used by The North Face is:
Gore-Tex
This is a waterproof and breathable fabric technology. Used in a variety of The North Face products, including jackets, pants, and gloves. It is designed to keep the wearer dry and comfortable in wet conditions.
DryVent Formaly HyVent
This is a proprietary waterproof and breathable technology. Used in a variety of The North Face products, including jackets, pants, and backpacks. It is designed to keep the wearer dry and comfortable in wet conditions.
FuseForm
This is a construction technology that uses a seamless blend of different fabrics. Creating lightweight and durable products. It is used in a variety of The North Face products, including jackets and pants.
FlashDry
This is a moisture-wicking technology. Designed to keep the wearer dry and comfortable by quickly wicking moisture away from the skin. It is used in a variety of The North Face products, including shirts, pants, and socks.
PrimaLoft
This is a synthetic insulation technology. Designed to mimic the warmth and softness of down feathers but is also water-resistant. It is used in a variety of The North Face products, including jackets, pants, and gloves.
The North Face is constantly innovating and inventing new technologies to better their product.
Research and development
The North Face invests a lot of money in research and development to design and test its products.
New products and technologies are tested by paid athletes on costly expeditions all around the world before hitting the consumer market.
This may seem extravagant but this testing and fault finding has massively improved products in a relatively short time frame. Improving factors such as:
- Weight
- Durability
- Size
- Packability
- Water/windproofing
- Breathability
Improving these factors allows athletes to go deeper into the wilderness, safe in the knowledge that they can rely on their equipment.
Brand reputation
The North Face has a well-established reputation as a premium brand in the outdoor industry. This reputation is built on the quality and durability of its products, and the company’s association with outdoor and adventure activities.
Distribution
The North Face has a strong distribution network. Selling their products in retail and online stores in almost every country in the world.
This model of business is the most popular method but can lead to North Face Products being more expensive to the customer.
Other distribution channels such as “direct to consumer” are available but mean that there are no physical stores. This makes it very difficult for consumers to try equipment on.
To ensure the customer receives the best advice along with the best fit and product that is suitable for them. The North Face sells most of its products through the retail market.
Sponsorship and charitable activities
The North Face sponsors outdoor expeditions and athletes and supports conservation and environmental causes such as:
- Adaptive Climbing Group
- Black Girls Trekkin
- Climbers of Color
- Disabled Hikers
- Diving With a Purpose
- Rezduro
- LandPaths
Such activities can drive up the price of the products but also goes a long way toward supporting the outdoor network and or natural environment. A percentage of every dollar spent goes back into the outdoor community and their playground.
Sustainability
The North Face is very active when it comes to sustainable working practices and heads several charities for a better tomorrow.
Such examples include:
The North Face Renewed
This program takes gently used North Face products and gives them a second life through a rigorous refurbishment process, reducing waste and keeping them out of landfills.
Eco-Friendly Materials
The North Face is committed to using more sustainable materials in their products, such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, and bluesign approved fabrics.
Climate Neutral
The North Face is a Climate Neutral Certified brand, meaning they have committed to measuring and offsetting their greenhouse gas emissions.
Responsible Down Standard
The North Face uses responsibly sourced down in their products, ensuring that birds are not force-fed or live-plucked in the process.
Sustainable Product Design
The North Face has a sustainable product design program that aims to reduce the environmental impact of their products throughout their lifecycle, from design to end of life.
National Park Partnership
The North Face has a long-standing partnership with the National Park Foundation, working together on conservation and sustainability projects, as well as supporting the next generation of park stewards through youth engagement programs.
Warranty And Return Policy
The North Face offers one of the best warranty and returns policies in the outdoor market. They are one of the few companies that offer a lifetime warranty on their products. This extended warranty allows The North Face to make its products more expensive. With customers knowing that if they buy good, they buy once.
The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product. If a product is determined to be defective, The North Face will repair or replace it at its discretion.
The North Face also has a return policy for products purchased through its website or at one of its retail stores. You can return or exchange an item within 60 days of purchase as long as it is in new and unused condition, with all original tags and packaging. If the item is defective or damaged.
What´s more, on all the above issues, The North Face will cover the cost of the return shipping.
A Brief History Of The North Face
The North Face is an American outdoor apparel and equipment company. It was founded in 1966 by Douglas Tompkins and Kenneth Klopp in San Francisco, California. The company began as a small retail store that specialized in selling mountaineering and backpacking equipment. The name “The North Face” referred to the coldest, most unforgiving side of a mountain, which is typically the north face.
In the 1970s, The North Face began to expand its product line to include more casual clothing and gear for activities like camping, hiking, and skiing. The company also began to sponsor expeditions to some of the world’s most remote and challenging locations, such as Mount Everest and Antarctica.
In the 1980s and 1990s, The North Face continued to grow and expand, both in terms of its product line and its reach. The company opened more retail stores, and its products became available in outdoor and sporting goods stores around the world
The North Face was acquired by the VF Corporation in 2000. An American multinational clothing and footwear company founded in 1899, which owns a variety of popular brands such as Vans, Timberland, Wrangler, Lee, and Nautica among others.
Since then, The North Face has continued to grow and expand, becoming one of VF Corporation’s most successful and well-known brands.
Does The North Face Cost More than Similar Brands?
The North Face is considered a premium brand, and its products are generally more expensive than similar products from other brands.
The company uses high-quality materials, advanced technologies, and sustainable practices when building its products, contributing to the higher cost. Additionally, The North Face is known for its strong reputation and brand recognition, which can also affect the price of its products.
That being said, other outdoor clothing and gear brands offer products at similar or even higher price points. Some examples include Patagonia, Arc’teryx, Mammut, and Black Diamond.
Does The North Face Have A Good Reputation?
Gaining the trust of professional mountaineers and adventurers worldwide is not an easy task. This trust means that The North Face can make its products more expensive. If it’s good enough for some of the best mountaineers then surely it’s worth it!
Often equipment or clothing failure in the deep wilderness can lead to life-threatening situations. For this reason, The North Face has honed its manufacturing skills to produce the highest quality products possible. Made with cutting-edge materials and tested by the world’s best sportsmen in the harshest environments such as Mount Everest and the North Pole.
Not all The North Face customers look to ice climb in the Himalayas thought, and their whole range, right down to socks and hoodies has a great reputation. Customers generally have positive experiences with the brand and their products, praising the quality, durability, and functionality of the clothing and gear.
They also have a strong presence in the outdoor and adventure community, sponsoring expeditions and athletes and supporting conservation and environmental causes. This may not benefit consumers directly but it is confidence inspiring to know that your new jacket has been tested by top athletes such as:
Is The North Face Trendy?
The North Face is primarily known as an outdoor gear and apparel brand. In recent years, the brand has also become known for its fashion-forward designs. The North Face has collaborated with several fashion designers and streetwear brands, producing clothing and accessories that blend outdoor functionality with streetwear style. Hooking up with such high fashion retailers can make The North Face products more expensive
The brand has also released collections that are specifically designed for urban use. Using the brand’s technical fabrics and construction techniques to create clothing that can withstand the rigors of city living. This clothing line is designed for everyday wear, such as jackets, fleeces, sweaters, pants, and more. With a focus on style and comfort for urban environments.
Additionally, The North Face has also been seen on the runway. Collaborating with high-end fashion designers, such as Junya Watanabe, and being part of fashion week events. This shows the brand’s effort to expand its reach and appeal to a wider audience. Including those who appreciate both fashion and function.
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