In the market of outdoor gear, The North Face and Mammut are two standout brands with rich histories and loyal followings.
The North Face, an American company founded in 1966, is known for its advanced mountain apparel and gear, while Mammut, originating from Switzerland in 1862, is renowned for its sustainable practices and high-performance products.
Today, we’ll compare these brands’ main features and characteristics to help you have a clearer idea of which is better for your outdoor adventures.
Whether you’re looking for durable jackets, reliable backpacks, or cutting-edge gear in general, this will be an interesting comparison.
Contents:
1. The North Face Outdoor Gear
History of the Brand
The North Face’s official website
The North Face stands as a well-established American label within the outdoor gear sector. It has earned significant popularity among outdoor enthusiasts, fostering enduring loyalty among its customer base.
Since its establishment in 1966, the brand has maintained a steadfast focus on crafting advanced mountain apparel and gear, encompassing trekking packs, tents, sleeping bags, skiwear, and various types of outerwear.
The 1990s witnessed a surge in The North Face’s popularity, transcending its traditional clientele to include celebrities who embraced its products. Notably, in 1993, a rapper featured the Steep Tech jacket in a music video.
The brand’s name is derived from the most frigid and challenging part of a mountain in the northern hemisphere, the mountain’s part facing north or “the north face”.
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Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
The North Face predominantly utilizes Nylon and Polyester, common materials in outdoor gear, and incorporates various technologies into its products, including the FUTURELIGHT membrane.
FUTURELIGHT features an ultra-thin nanomembrane that enables airflow while repelling water, proven to withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
Additionally, the brand utilizes goose down for thermal insulation, offering customers comfort and warmth during extended journeys. This lightweight insulation allows freedom of movement for challenging activities.
The North Face integrates renowned Gore-Tex technology into many products, providing waterproofing, windproofing, and breathability. Gore-Tex effectively allows moisture to escape while preventing water penetration.
The brand has also developed other technologies such as DryVent, WindWall, FlashDry, and the popular ThermoBall synthetic insulation that imitates natural down.
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Where is The North Face outdoor gear made?
The majority of The North Face outdoor equipment is manufactured in Asian countries like China, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, with additional product lines produced in the United States.
Recommended Products
The North Face Men’s McMurdo Parka
Image: thenorthface.com
Check it out at TheNorthFace.com
The North Face’s McMurdo Parka for men is crafted to deliver exceptional warmth and defense against wind and cold. This coat offers a relaxed fit and is filled with 600-fill-power recycled down, making it an optimal selection for cold conditions.
The parka is both windproof and waterproof, boasting a seam-sealed DryVent™ 2L shell with a non-PFC DWR finish that ensures breathability. It is equipped with practical features such as concealed, secure-zip chest pockets, two dual-entry front patch pockets, and a secure-zip internal chest pocket.
The parka also features an attached, three-piece hood with an internal drawcord for adjustability and a detachable faux-fur ruff, along with a stormflap covering the two-way VISLON® zip. It’s adorned with an embroidered logo on the left chest and back-right shoulder, adding a stylish touch to it.
Adjustable hook-and-loop cuff tabs guarantee comfort and a secure fit, making the McMurdo a dependable option for cold weather.
Read also: The North Face Nuptse vs Diablo: Which Jacket is Better?
The North Face Borealis Backpack
Image: thenorthface.com
Check it out at TheNorthFace.com
The North Face’s Borealis Backpack stands out as a popular choice, catering to diverse everyday needs with its emphasis on security and functionality. Notable features such as the iconic bungee cord system and spacious interior compartment contribute to keeping belongings safe and well-organized.
Its stand-up design, sternum strap, detachable waist belt, and protective laptop compartment enhance its suitability for various activities and settings. Prioritizing comfort and support, the backpack incorporates the FlexVent™ suspension system, ensuring a comfortable fit even during prolonged use.
Also, it offers practical organizational elements including an external bungee-compression system, side bungee cords, bottom compression, a dedicated laptop compartment, a sizable main compartment, and a front compartment with internal organization, secure-zip pockets, and a tablet sleeve.
Crafted from a combination of recycled nylon and recycled polyester, the backpack not only delivers functionality but also aligns with sustainable practices.
Read also: How To Wash a North Face Backpack: Step by Step
Prices
The pricing of The North Face’s items tends to be higher compared to many other outdoor gear companies. In general, the brand falls within the mid-to-upper price bracket. Their jackets are priced between $70 and $800, while their backpacks range from $50 to about $300.
Are The North Face products worth the price?
For expert or advanced outdoor enthusiasts, we believe The North Face is worth it. Their equipment is built for comfort, function, and performance.
When it comes to casual apparel, the brand’s value varies. However, you can find a couple of reasonably priced items at The North Face, making it a good option even for casual, everyday clothing.
Learn more: Why Is The North Face So Expensive and Popular? Are Its Jackets Worth It?
2. Mammut Outdoor Gear
History of the Brand
Mammut official website
Mammut, a prominent player in the outdoor apparel sector, is based in Switzerland and traces its roots back to 1862 when Kaspar Tanner established his ropeworks.
Evolving from a local ropemaking enterprise, Mammut has expanded into a global leader in the clothing industry. Despite its extensive history of over 160 years, Mammut continues to employ cutting-edge methods in rope production, contributing significantly to its overall revenue.
Alongside ropes, Mammut’s diverse product lineup encompasses hiking backpacks, jackets, hardshells, fleece jackets, softshell pants, rain pants, footwear, etc.
The company places a strong emphasis on sustainability and upholds a commitment to utilizing premium materials in both clothing and rope manufacturing.
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Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
Mammut places a strong emphasis on sustainability and complies with the Bluesign standard for its product line. The company utilizes eco-friendly methods and initiatives while being mindful of its production processes.
One notable effort involves repurposing discarded outdoor gear, and Mammut is actively engaged in eliminating PFCs (perfluorinated and polyfluorinated chemicals). Also, the company opposes animal cruelty and employs non-harmful techniques.
This ethical stance underscores Mammut’s dedication to sustainable principles. In rope manufacturing, the company utilizes materials with a minimized carbon footprint, and its apparel meets the standards outlined by the Fair Wear Foundation.
Several of Mammut’s products incorporate Gore-Tex, a renowned and high-performance waterproof fabric technology.
Mammut’s commitment to sustainable practices positions it as an ideal choice for environmentally-conscious outdoor enthusiasts and those practicing sports out in nature.
In addition, Mammut utilizes various materials and fabric technologies such as nylon, polyester, Mammut DRYtechnology waterproof and breathable membrane, Pertex Quantum Pro water-resistant and breathable fabric, PrimaLoft Black synthetic insulation, goose down insulation, and many more.
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Where is Mammut outdoor gear made?
Mammut manufactures the majority of its outdoor equipment and apparel in Asian nations such as Vietnam, China, and Bangladesh.
Recommended Products
Mammut Nordwand Advanced HS Hooded Men’s Jacket
Image: mammut.com
Check it out at Mammut.com
The Mammut’s Nordwand Advanced hardshell jacket offers a comprehensive solution for mountain expeditions, enhancing alpine mobility with its lightweight, durable, and breathable design.
Its innovative cut and GORE-TEX® PRO fabric technology ensure reliable, long-lasting protection from the elements while maintaining optimal breathability. This jacket strikes a perfect balance between features, protection, and pack volume, making it an ideal option for your next mountain adventure.
Mammut Trion Nordwand 28 Backpack
Image: mammut.com
Check it out at Mammut.com
The Eiger Extreme Collection by Mammut presents the Trion Nordwand 28, an adaptable and durable alpine backpack. Crafted from top-notch Cordura material, this backpack offers a combination of lightness and resilience.
It not only boasts longevity but also provides great comfort when worn. Renowned athletes such as Dani Arnold, Nico Hojac, and Stephan Siegrist have contributed to the evolution of this backpack, lending their expertise and knowledge.
Geared towards high-performance individuals who have high standards for their gear, the Trion Nordwand 28 is tailored for mountain scaling and difficult trekking, making it a superb option you should consider.
Prices
Mammut offers a wide array of products suitable for individuals with different budgets, ensuring accessibility to a various consumer base. Although certain items are budget-friendly, others boast specialized features, representing high-performance options, and this is reflected in their high prices.
For example, while the typical price of Mammut’s jackets falls between $200 and $300, select advanced designs command prices of $900 and above. Similarly, the backpacks are priced from $70 to $800.
Are Mammut products worth the price?
The high cost of this brand reflects its use of top-notch materials and cutting-edge technology in its manufacturing. With a history spanning more than 160 years in the field, Mammut has established a name for producing outstanding gear.
All this to say that we think Mammut’s outdoor gear justifies its price. The excellence and durability of their products make them a great option if you want superior performance.
Must read: 9 High-End, Expensive Hiking Brands for Clothing and Footwear
3. Which is Better? The North Face or Mammut?
Of course, both are great outdoor brands. But you want an answer, right? Here are our considerations to help with your next purchase:
The North Face is a larger, more mainstream brand based in the US. They have a broader product line that includes clothing, footwear, backpacks, and equipment for hiking, climbing, skiing, and more. Quality is generally good.
Mammut is a smaller Swiss brand that specializes more in technical mountaineering and alpinism equipment. Their gear tends to be higher performance and more durable, heavy-duty, compared to The North Face. It’s generally designed for more serious and extreme outdoor pursuits, like skiing, snowboarding, climbing, etc.
As for prices, The North Face is often a bit more affordable and accessible to casual users. Mammut products usually cost more due to higher technical features and premium materials.
Technology-wise, both use advanced technologies like Gore-Tex, Mammut DRYtechnology, and The North Face DryVent.
Sustainability: both have their advanced programs in place for using recycled materials, reducing waste, etc.
In terms of clothing, The North Face offers fashionable and versatile styles suitable for casual wear. Mammut clothing is more purely functional and technical in design. But, they also have casual, everyday collections.
For backpacks, The North Face has a wider range of everyday and travel bags. Mammut backpacks, again, focus more on technical mountain activities.
In the end, The North Face is probably better for most casual outdoor enthusiasts given the broad range of more affordable, high-quality gear. Mammut makes top-of-the-line equipment but is more specialized and expensive.
So, you have to decide based on your budget and intended use. We’d get Mammut gear for serious outdoor activities.
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
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