Having bought many Northface items over 20 yrs. ago, and owning only one now-a softshell bionic jacket-I think their stuff is pretty good. Depends on what you buy.
I think their rap came about due to them "selling-out" to the mall culture. They were possibly the first big outdoor Co. to go mainstream, and many hated them for it. Now, however, how many other outdoor clothing companies produce overpriced shit,(albeit good shit), that is mostly fashionable that much of the mass buys? Many.
Diatribe over against elitism. Much of the Summit series is good, it seems.
Anker and others use it, including it seems, many on this site. Plus their tents.

Had my eye on the Prism Optimus down jacket for two years now. Tried on many other brands, and this one seemed the best for what I wanted.
My opinion, for what its worth.
Best o' luck with that potential pile of new gear!

Unfortunately your local REI or equivalent will only showcase the TNF lifestyle outerwear so I understand why many revile the brand. However the Summit Series items are designed and used by many of the best alpinists in the world (Anker, Ozturk) and rival anything else out there. Some of the really cool pieces I've worked with in the last few years have been the Triumph Anorak, Redpoint Optimus and Valkyrie Jacket. I'm prepared to answer uber-technical questions on garments of interest.

I have their mid-layer down "Thunder" jacket. It's pretty nice, fragile but that's the nature of the beast with that style layer. For a good discount it's worth it. The Himalayan jacket or suit is tempting to buy at a good discount if you will use something like that someday. Most of the summit series stuff should be pretty decent, at least from what I've seen of it.

Just got a Base Camp duffel for Christmas. Haven't used it yet, but seems well-constructed and burly. These bags have long been a fave for expedition travel.

Alpinisto wrote:Just got a Base Camp duffel for Christmas. Haven't used it yet, but seems well-constructed and burly. These bags have long been a fave for expedition travel.

Ditto. Mine survived the abuse of Aconcagua while many others didn't. BTW, flight/summit stuff are good, not as good as dead bird or patagonia, but they are definitely good stuff.

I guess Ive just had expierience with their lifestyle stuff.

I retract my statement

-CS

DanielWade wrote:Unfortunately your local REI or equivalent will only showcase the TNF lifestyle outerwear so I understand why many revile the brand. However the Summit Series items are designed and used by many of the best alpinists in the world (Anker, Ozturk) and rival anything else out there. Some of the really cool pieces I've worked with in the last few years have been the Triumph Anorak, Redpoint Optimus and Valkyrie Jacket. I'm prepared to answer uber-technical questions on garments of interest.

+1 on the Triumph Anorak, I own one and it is great for those times when you don't know if it is going to rain and you need a light waterproof shell just in case. Not too breathable but otherwise great. I also own a Cipher softshell (see profile photo), great for windy days as it has parts made of windstopper.

basecamp duffels are simply great.
Triumph looks awesome. 5.5oz waterproof shell.
redpoint optimus insulated jacket is a good belay jacket.

echo the thoughts on the tents and down jackets/suits if you need them.

Oh, and if you're going to be anywhere near a highschool or college campus you MUST HAVE a Denali fleece. Preferably in black.

Base camp duffle bags are the best thing TNF makes. If you are looking for outerwear, the summit series is where you want to be shopping.

The Redpoint Optimus for a belay parka is #1 in my books. Definitely a resiliant, do-all piece that will stow easy and keep you warm and toasty

The only North Face piece of gear I have that I like is this. I have gloves and a jacket, and they both really stink!

http://www.rei.com/product/785215