The North Face - New For 2009

We're just back from seeing the guys at The North Face for a quick look at what's new from the brand for spring 2009 and believe us, with a catalogue as thick as a telephone directory - below - there's an awful lot in the range.


We've picked out a few highlights though, starting with footwear and equipment, we'll bring you details of some innovative and interesting clothing later on. Generally though, it's worth bearing in mind that because the range is so large, there's a huge spread of kit catering for all sorts of users and activities from the quite general to the very specialist.

For this year, for example, the brand even has specialist mountain biking clothing alongside its more general multi-sport kit.

Fulcrum 35 - Summit Series Pack

We've always liked TNF's hydration packs, but the new Fulcrum looks interesting as well. It's a full-on rock climbing and mountaineering pack that bears certain similarities to the Black Diamond Demon.

Rather than draping your rope under the lid, there's a separate zipped rope compartment down the back of the pack which also has zip access to the main body of the pack. The compartment will take a 60 metre x 10.5mm rope with full-length zips making stowing straightforward.


There's lid access too, though the lid faces 180-degrees away from the norm, so the 'hinge' is at the back of the pack. There's some interesting fabric stuff going on too, with the sides of the bag made from tough but light automotive airbag fabric, the same stuff used for car air bags while the back and base use super rugged ballistics nylon.

Back system is EVA, there's a stowable hip-belt with gear loops and the whole bag packs down nice and small. There's also a hydration sleeve plus three-point haul loops for balanced pack hauling.

Looks like an interesting option for committed climbers. Weight is claimed at 1100 grammes, volume 36 litres and price is £90.

Adversary GTX shoe (m) / Minx GTX shoe (w)

The new Adversary GTX and Minx GTX shoes might have running shoe looks, but have been designed from the ground up to cater purely for walkers. The upper is a combination of suede, nubuck and fabric with a Gore-Tex liner. Also available in a non-Gore-Tex Leather Adversary or Minx version. All have a toe and heel protector to minimise abrasion damage.


The clever stuff is underfoot where TNF's running shoe technology has migrated across. That means there's an exclusive lightweight Vibram sole unit combined with Heal Cradle technology to support the heel using dual density EVA, an ESS shank for mid-foot stability and Snake Plate forefoot forefoot protection.


At 850 grammes (men's) and 722 grammes (women) they're not as light as a more running-biased shoe, but should be more durable and better suited to walking. Both men's and women's versions are priced at £90.