The North Face and Berghaus were established around the same time, in the 1960s, and are renowned all over the world for their products.
Both have invested in extensive research and development of outdoor gear for over 50 years. So, which is better for you?
This article will compare their outdoor equipment, so in the end, you’ll have a better knowledge of these two brands and will choose the one that suits you best.
1. The North Face
Origins and Brand History
The North Face official website
The North Face was founded by the climber Douglas Tompkins and his wife in 1966. It’s one of the world’s pioneering producers of durable, high-performance outdoor gear. Yosemite’s Half Dome in California inspired the brand name and logo.
In the northern hemisphere, the mountain’s north face is generally regarded as the coldest and most intimidating side for climbers. The founders meant to draw attention to their outdoor gear that bears the harshest conditions.
They first opened a small shop selling high-quality mountaineering gear in San Francisco. It became a cultural attraction point for American climbers and other diverse groups.
In 1969, The North Face developed its revolutionary rucksack, which made hiking accessible to all. Recently, the brand has collaborated with fashion brands to expand into casual and streetwear clothing.
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Materials Used and Production Details
The North Face is trusted by the toughest climbers and scientific expedition teams. The brand’s website even dedicates a section to showcase the genius behind the technology they developed over 50 years.
The North Face uses Gore-Tex for its clothing, which is commonly used by other outdoor equipment brands. Gore-Tex is impervious to rain and snow while allowing the sweat vapor to escape.
The North Face has its own invented material technology. Their website features the following technologies:
Read also: The North Face vs Helly Hansen Outdoor Gear: A Comparison
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Our Favorite Products
Let’s see two of our favorite The North Face products:
The North Face Borealis Backpack
Image from thenorthface.com
Check it out at thenorthface.com
The North Face Borealis backpack is designed for both urban and hiking settings. It has a wide variety of colors and won’t contrast with most outfit styles. It’s one of the most popular models because it serves as an all-purpose bag.
The Borealis backpack is generous when it comes to pockets, including a 15-inch laptop compartment. Its external pockets can hold your personal items if you can’t fit them inside.
The bag uses the FlexVent™ suspension system by The North Face for the back panels and shoulder straps. The design is gender-specific to accommodate the difference in shoulder length. Moreover, the Borealis is made with a nylon blend, both water-repellent and durable.
The North Face Jester Backpack
Image from thenorthface.com
Check it out at thenorthface.com
The Jester backpack offers a compartment capacity similar to the Borealis backpack. However, the Jester has a slimmer fit and doesn’t expand as much.
The significant difference between both bags is the material and the hardware used. The Jester backpack is made with polyester, which is lighter than the nylon used for the Borealis. The Borealis is heavier, but it’s also more durable.
The North Face’s Prices
The North Face can be considered a luxury brand for some of its outdoor gear, so it’s on the expensive side of the market.
For example, depending on the backpack model and the retailer you buy it from, the Borealis backpack can cost anywhere between $70 and $100. The Jester is offered in one size, which costs around $70.
Other products may cost you more, like their winter jackets.
So, the brand is generally not considered affordable even though you can find accessible products in its collections.
Are The North Face products worth it?
The North Face products are among the most reliable in the market. They can last for many years without looking old. We think they’re definitely worth your investment if you’re a frequent outdoor adventurer or traveler.
Read also: 11 Brands like The North Face: Our Top Alternatives
2. Berghaus
Origins and Brand History
Berghaus official website
In 1966, Berghaus was established by two mountaineers as an importer and distributor of quality outdoor equipment. Their shop was first opened in Newcastle, England. It quickly gained a reputation for introducing iconic gear in the UK market.
The brand holds a German name, which literally translates to “mountain house.”
In 1971, the founders created the first Berghaus rucksack (the Berg 172) in their new factory in Washington. Two years later, the revolutionary Cyclops rucksack was introduced. It was the first rucksack to have an internal frame worldwide.
Since its creation, Cyclops has gained immense popularity. It’s still featured in Berghaus’s Extrem range to date.
In 2019, Berghaus released its Dean Street range of clothing with more casual styles.
Don’t miss: 9 European Backpack Brands for Hiking and Outdoor Activities
Materials Used and Production Details
Like The North Face, Berghaus uses Gore-Tex as the primary waterproofing fabric for its clothing.
It was one of the first European outdoor brands to use this technology in its clothing.
Other implemented material innovations include Hydroshell™, Freeflow, AQ™2.5, and Argentium.
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You might also like: Arc’teryx vs Helly Hansen Outdoor Gear: Which is Better?
Our Favorite Products
By Berghaus, we have also picked two backpacks.
Berghaus Trailhead 65 Litre Rucksack
Image from berghaus.com
Check it out at berghaus.com
The Trailhead 65 is a competitive rucksack in its price range. It’s a durable bag at a fair price. The adjustable back system allows its users to adjust the fit and distribute the weight evenly.
Like most Berghaus rucksacks, the Trailhead is compatible with a hydration system. It’s comparatively heavy because of its size. But, the various compartments of the pack and its spaciousness are ideal for adventurers with a lot of equipment.
Berghaus Recognition 25L Rucksack
Image from berghaus.com
Check it out at berghaus.com
If you’re looking for a smaller backpack for daily errands, the Recognition is one of Berghaus’s best options. While it won’t fit the largest equipment, it’s still spacious for a day-hike.
The Recognition is part of the MADEKIND range, which is made from fully recyclable fabric. The wide straps distribute the pack’s weight on the shoulders to provide comfort.
Berghaus’ Prices
Berghaus offers a wide range of prices, but it’s generally not much cheaper than The North Face. The waterproof jackets are some of the most expensive products they offer, so you can expect their prices to be high.
You can get some pretty good deals with other products, but the brand is generally on the expensive side.
Are Berghaus products worth it?
Berghaus’s rucksacks are recommended by their users because they have stood the test of time. The high-end packs are expensive, but they’re packed with unique features. The cheaper models don’t compromise on durability, but they offer less capacity and features.
Their jackets and footwear are also much appreciated by customers.
So, all in all, we think Berghaus products are worth the money for the quality they offer.
3. Conclusion: Which Brand is Better?
The products of both brands have proven their resistance to wear in the harshest conditions. Berghaus is generally more affordable considering the quality and features it provides.
The North Face has made exciting collaborations with fashion brands like Timberland, Vans, and Gucci, which have given it an edge in terms of style and branding.
The choice depends on your use and preferences. If you want something slightly cheaper (but not too much), you can go for Berghaus.
On the other hand, The North Face offers unrivaled quality and durability with its high-end products.
Read next: Jack Wolfskin vs The North Face Outdoor Gear: A Comparison
