Summit Series™
Summit Series™ products are the ones that we develop for the most serious athletes. Summit Series™ products feature our athlete-tested and technically-advanced apparel and equipment. This premier collection is designed for expedition use from base camp to summit, where the extremes of weather, terrain and temperature demand the highest level of performance.

Summit Series™ Seamless Fabric
The North Face® Summit Series™ Seamless fabric with its enhanced thermal areas, provides additional warmth for body cold spots and muscle groups that loose heat during periods of rest while mesh in areas of high perspiration increases breathability. All this in a close fitting seamless construction with enhanced stretch to increase freedom of movement and decrease abrasion during activity. The fabric’s ergonomic fit also enhances transfer of moisture away from the body.

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Flight Series™
Answering the rising demand for fast and light gear, our RD&D team set out to make the most adaptable, packable and lightweight gear for our new Flight Series™. Developed for multisport athletes, the Flight Series™ features ultralight, multi-purpose apparel, equipment and footwear. This athlete-tested performance collection is designed for done-in-a-day and weekend adventures when fast and light packing is paramount.

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HyVent™

Hyvent is a superior, waterproof, breathable technology utilizing a polyurethane (PU) coating that consists of a tri-component mutli-layer formula for waterproof protection, moisture permeability and durability.

With HyVent™ technology, The North Face can now deliver the best waterproof/breathable technology for consumers who don't want to pay a premium cost.

We incorporated this technology by utilizing a polyurethane (PU) coating that consists of a tri-component multi-layer formula for waterproof protection, moisture permeability, and durability. This technology was lab tested in The North Face quality assurance lab to ensure the best possible durability and function. The average breathability achieved using HyVent™ is 650g/m2/24 hours on the Moisture Vapor Transfer Rate (MVTR) scale*. To test the level of waterproofness we subjected HyVent™ garments to 20 wash cycles* where on average they retained over 60 PSI on the waterproofing Mullens Test*.

It's important to note we do not rely solely on these figures: the final stamp of approval comes from the field, the only place to get an honest evaluation of what lab-tested technology can really do. "This technology keeps me out in the storms catching the best snow long after most people have gone inside," says skier and mountaineer, Rick Armstrong. "It's just as good-if not better-than anything else on the market." HyVent™ garments have been heavily field tested for over three years with outstanding proof of long-term performance. The North Face guarantees you cannot find a more waterproof/breathable technology anywhere for this price.

* MVTR testing per ASTM E96B Upright Cup Water Method.

* Wash Cycle-Machine wash warm (105°F) + detergent. Tumble dry low (145°F) for 40 minutes.

* Mullens testing per ASTM D751. U.S. Federal Standard 191A-55 requires a minimum of 25psi.

* These averages are based on the results of all Fall 2002 HyVent™ fabrics. Individual results will vary depending on the weight and construction of each face fabric.

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Hyvent™ Alpha Fabric
Laminate composed of microscopic holes that enable perspiration to pass to the outside of the garment without condensing into liquid, resulting in extreme waterproofness with a high level of breathability.

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ZIP-IN Feature
The North Face's zip-in system is featured on many of our shell jackets. Layering (by adding or removing garments to control temperature) is the most effective way to stay comfortable in a range of weather conditions and activities. Fast and easy layering is taken to new levels with our zip-in technology.

Many of our jackets and vests zip into each other to create a one-piece insulated outer layer. Simply look for the zip-in compatible icon.

* Zip-in one of our fleece or insulated styles into one of our shell jackets to create a one-piece insulated outer layer - you pick the pieces to fit the conditions.
* Compatible zipper lengths match up the outer shell with the insulating layer.
* Jacket cuffs are secured together with a loop and snap closure system to prevent shifting and twisting.

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The GORE-TEX® outerwear line offers four different shells to match different needs and levels of activity.  Here we give an overview of the different shells:

GORE-TEX® Performance Shell: Designed to provide breathable comfort and durable waterproof protection, these shells are ideal for a wide range of outdoor activities.

GORE-TEX® Soft Shell: Constructed to be soft and warm with improved freedom of movement. Ideal for reduced layering in colder conditions.

GORE-TEX® PACLITE® Shell: The lightest, most packable waterproof, windproof, and breathable jackets, GORE-TEX® PACLITE® Shells are ideal when weight and space are critical. 

GORE-TEX® Pro Shell: Engineered to meet the physical demands of outdoor professionals and serious enthusiasts. Ideal for extended and extreme conditions, delivers superior levels of breathability, water repellancy and durability. 

For more information please visit www.gore-tex.co.uk

Gore-Tex® fabrics lead the industry in providing durably waterproof / breathable protection. The Gore-Tex® membrane is completely impervious to rain, sleet and snow, while allowing perspiration to pass through it. The Gore-Tex® membrane is permanently bonded to outerwear shell fabrics. A single square inch of the Gore-Tex® membrane contains 9 billion microscopic pores - each pore is 20,000 times smaller than a raindrop but 700 times larger than a molecule of water vapor - so while water can't pass through the fabric, perspiration can.

The North Face uses Gore-Tex® fabric in many of its outerwear pieces, not only because of its waterproof / breathable capabilities, but because it is rigorously tested for durability. Abrasion and flexing tests are done in laboratory conditions that exceed even the most extreme weather environments. This testing ensures that Gore-Tex® PacLite™ fabric, Gore-Tex® XCR™ fabric, Gore-Tex® 3-ply fabric and Gore-Tex® 2-ply fabrics are as durable as they are waterproof.

Gore-Tex® PacLite™
Gore-Tex® PacLite™ fabric is the newest technology from Gore. Offering great waterproof / breathable protection in extremely wet conditions, PacLite™ fabric is the lightest weight, most compressible fabric of its kind.

Weighing 15% less than equivalent 3-Layer Gore-Tex® fabric garments, PacLite™ fabric garments are ideal when you need a shell that is truly light weight, breathable and packable.

Used in our most technical Expedition shells, this revolutionary fabric uses an innovative layer of tiny dots which protects the laminate from wear and eliminates the need for a separate, heavy inner lining.

Gore-Tex® XCR™ fabric
Perched on the cutting edge of technology, The North Face introduces Gore-Tex® XCR™ fabric, a revolution in breathable fabrics. Designed in conjunction with W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Gore-Tex® XCR™ fabric (extended comfort range) is durable, waterproof, windproof, and extremely breathable. In fact, our Gore-Tex® XCR™ fabric is much more breathable in its two-layer form than tradition Gore-Tex® 2-Ply fabric, and is nearly twice as breathable in its three-layer form than our traditional Gore-Tex® 3-Ply fabric. The bottom line: unparalleled comfort. Gore-Tex® XCR™ fabric increases the breathability of your outerwear without compromising waterproofness or adding weight. Look for Gore-Tex® XCR™ fabric in our Summit Series Outerwear Collection.

Three-Layer Gore-Tex® XCR™ fabric
The most durably waterproof/breathable fabric available, The North Face 3-layer Gore-Tex® XCR™ fabric is nearly twice as breathable as its traditional 3L Gore-Tex® fabric counterpart. 3L Gore-Tex® XCR™ fabric uses a taffeta liner to protect the Gore-Tex® membrane, making it durable, lightweight, waterproof and extremely breathable.

Two-Layer Gore-Tex® XCR™ Fabric
A versatile and extremely breathable fabric, 2-layer Gore-Tex® XCR™ fabric is much more breathable than its traditional 2-layer Gore-Tex® fabric counterpart. 2-layer Gore-Tex® XCR™ fabric construction uses high-wicking mesh and brushed fabrics to create a versatile, waterproof and extremely breathable garment.

Gore DryLoft®
Given that the outdoors can be unpredictably wet, The North Face uses Gore DryLoft® fabric for superior water-resistance in a select number of our down insulated jackets and a suit. The Gore DryLoft® membrane is laminated to the backside of the face fabric, providing the best possible barrier against moisture while keeping your outerwear lightweight and compressible.

WindStopper® Fleece
With its unique wind-blocking ability, WindStopper® Fleece fabric is twice as warm in a 20 mph wind than traditional 200 weight fleece. This lightweight fleece is popular for spring skiing or other activities where wind protection is essential.

TKA 100 Weight Fleece
A lightweight high-performance microfiber fleece with a luxurious finish. TKA microfleece provides lightweight warmth next to the skin, or in a layering system. This 100% polyester fabric is engineered to be both durable and resistant to pilling. It offers warmth when wet, launders well and packs easily.

TKA 200 Weight Fleece
A mid-weight high-performance fleece that is ideally suited to function as a mid-layer. This 100% polyester pill-resistant fabric is warm and breathable, and has a great warmth-to-weight ratio. It can be worn as a layering piece or by itself as a warm, casual outer layer, a great alternative to a cotton sweatshirt.

Gore-Tex® LightFast Fabric
Gore-Tex® LightFast is a light duty 3-layer laminate that combines a high level of breathability in a soft, supple, lightweight package. This laminate package was developed by request from The North Face to meet the need for an exciting minimalist design that is protective and comfortable across a wide range of highly active conditions. In short, the perfect spring-weight performance waterproof/breathable jacket.

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Soft Shell Garments

Soft shell garments combine the reliable protection of a shell with the comfort of a mid-layer. These jackets and pants keep the enthusiastic comfortable without the need for bulky, restricting layers, making them ideal for most active pursuits and weather conditions. The North Face's soft shell garments are made with unique, soft, quiet stretch fabrics that are highly abrasion resistant and allow for a wide range of motion. As these garments are very breathable, wearers can be incredibly active and remain comfortable.

A soft shell technology breakthrough. Apex™ is a signature material, researched and developed exclusively by The North Face. Apex™ makes the fleece/shell combination possible through its proprietary blend of characteristics. Apex™ offers the dynamic duo of a tightly woven abrasion-phobic face for protection, and a soft-brushed interior for performance and comfort. Apex™ technology is built to stretch for comfort and mobility and is treated with our Durable Water Resistant (DWR) finish.

Apex™ features are nylon constructed and woven for stretch enhancement to achieve the balance between weather resistance and breathability. The average air permeability rating for these fabrics is below 20 CFM.

Apex™ is finished with DWR to increase water shed. DWR is laboratory tested for durability and extended wash and wear according to the standard AATCC 22 Water Repellency Spray Test. All Apex™ fabrics meet The North Face standard rating of 90 (70 after a specified number of home washings) for long-term durability.

All Apex™ garments keep you dry in a thick fog or light rain environment. Apex™ garments are built for warmth. The tightly woven fabric face creates a hard barrier to the elements of cold weather, while the soft-brushed interior allows for a soft warm-next-to-skin feel. The brushed interior also promotes a microclimate, allowing for superior moisture management and continued climate control.

Apex™ Aerobic Fabric
Our lightest, stretchiest and most breathable Apex™ soft shell fabric. Ideal for high-output aerobic activities in cold, dry climates. Apex™ Aerobic fabric is performance-fitting soft shell fabric that protects you from the elements while providing temperature regulation. CFM 20+.

Apex™ Universal Fabric
Our most versatile all-around soft shell performance fabric. Apex™ Universal fabric features stretch, high breathability, water resistance and thermal capability. Ideal for moderate aerobic activity in mild climates. Use as a protective outerlayer or insulating midlayer. CFM 5-20.

Apex™ Weatherblock Fabric
The maximum in soft shell weather protection. Fully laminated with a breathable membrane. Virtually waterproof except for seams and 100% wind resistant. Ideal for low to moderate aerobic output in the worst weather conditions.

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Polartec® Power Stretch® fleece fabric is engineered to provide four-way stretch with Lycra® for maximum freedom of movement. A durable nylon/Lycra® face resists wind and abrasion while a low-pile velour back provides a luxurious hand next to the skin that wicks moisture away from skin making it ideal for layering.

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HelioLite™

The North Face® Flight Series™ bags, both down and synthetic, are designed and built around the concept of moving fast and light. Ever conscious of weight and performance, The North Face® now utilizes proprietary HelioLite™ and HelioLite™ HD Fabric as the top shell fabric in its Flight Series™ bags. Innovative HelioLite™ is the best of all possible worlds: It's ultralight and downproof, provides an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and is lighter and more compressible than other available fabrics. HelioLite™ is used in the superlight synthetic bags, insulated with warm and compressible PrimaLoft^® insulation, while HelioLite™ HD is the shell of choice for Fligt Series ™ down and Polarguard® bags. Whichever bag you choose, Flight Series™ bags are now lighter and stronger.

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Boa Lacing System

The Boa Lacing System provides a unique glove-like fit on performance footwear. The precision Boa reel allows minute and repeatable adjustments to closure force. The replaceable ultra high strength stainless steel lace cables slide easily through the patented elongated lace guides to distribute closure force perfectly and create Dynamic Closure™. This unique closure automatically micro- adjusts with foot movement to eliminate pressure points, kind of like a suspension system. The resulting fit is unique and unattainable with shoelaces. Plus the mechanical system never loosens or changes.