The North Face

The North Face takes its name from the coldest, harshest side of a mountain, yet its story begins on a beach in San Francisco. In 1966 two hiking enthusiasts opened a small mountaineering shop, and END. credits Doug Tompkins with starting it all. The brand's motto is "Never Stop Exploring". Waterproof coats, windproof jackets, gilets and fleeces sit alongside hoodies, tees, hats and gloves. The Nuptse and Denali puffer jackets are the best known. Their bubbled shape suits expeditions, and it was worn by Notorious B.I.G. and Sean "Puffy" Combs too. That crossover has made the label a staple of gorpcore, where technical outdoor kit turns up on city streets.