TNF debuts mountain kit and alpine footwear

Saying that human exploration in the high-alpine is evolving, the North Face has introduced a layering system of garments, along with a selection of lightweight footwear solutions. 

Footwear options will include an insulated climb gaiter, an approach boot, and a down bootie. The footwear system makes use of TNF’s Futurelight membrane, along with other technology, construction innovations and partnerships.

The garments in the layering system incorporate a number of new technologies. 

Among the technologies debuting with the Summit Series Advanced Mountain Kit is Cloud Down, which uses a discontinuous offset baffle construction for increased thermal performance in a lighter package. 

Another is 50/50 Down, comprising a series of down-proof baffles paired with a highly air-permeable face fabric, for a breathable down layer with less bulk. 

FutureFleece, a full-loop fabric construction made with octagonal-shaped yarn that has hollow cross-sections for higher thermal performance, is said to keep the wearer warm and comfortable for hours in harsh environments. 

Dot Fleece is an active base layer that pulls moisture from skin and expels it to the outside of the garment with hydrophobic inner yarns, as hydrophilic outer yarns pull moisture through engineered holes throughout the layer.

Finally, Futurelight, the brand’s most advanced breathable-waterproof outerwear technology, has been updated with enhanced air permeability to a waterproof membrane. 

Pieces from the kit will be available in May through select dealers and via the website, and the technologies and materials introduced through the kit will become more broadly available in autumn.