redlude97

Is there some unspoken rule about snowboarders not wearing northface gear? I've noticed lately that I am quite in the minority when it comes to northface jackets on the mountain among snowboarders, which I kinda perplexed about. I mean its certainly not the quality of the product, as they are probably near the top when it comes to snow gear, but its overwhelmingly slanted towards skiers, yet around campus there doesn't seem to be any lack of northface gear. Is it a rebellion thing or something? What is everyone's thoughts

T.J.

my $.02:

north face is SOLID gear. i will admit, its a bit too pricey for my liking but to each their own. the problem with it is because of its price its become more of a fashion statement than anything else. this is why you see more northface on campus than on the mountain.

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Passion Over Fashion

redlude97

Yea, its maybe a little pricey compared to some of the brands, but Burton jackets are nearly as much if not more for some of their gear, and yet I see those everywhere. I think "fashion" is just as important to alot of snowboarders as well, because alot of them pick equipment based on color and the graphics on the topsheet as much as specs and features, so I think there is some underlying dislike for the northface. Basically, I went from helly hansen, to a burton jacket, to a northface jacket. The burton literally fell apart in ~1.5 seasons, and the helly hansen and northface jackets have barely shown any wear at all, with more use, so I'm just curious why this is the case that its so unpopular.

idleuser

it's probably because it's not the cool thing to wear. Most people that I know just whore themselves out with Burton whether they are good or not. I think Northface is definitely an acquired taste and not too many people think it's "hip" enough to justify spending that much. It's kinda like the Nike vs Reebok. Most people just go with Nike because it's the "better" brand.

Snowblower

Well, I'm new to snowboarding, but I have been shopping around for some clothes (you guys should see the ghetto-rigged snowboarding gear I'be scrounged up for this season as I take my lessons)), so I have a pretty unmolded mind when it comes to what to wear.

I've looked at North Face, because I've heard nothing but great things about the quality, AND because I like the looks of them, too. But yeah.. those prices, my god! If NF stuff ever showed up Whiskey Militia or SAC, then maybe, but otherwise.... I don't think so.

SCZ71

I have a good bit of North Face stuff that I wear for multiple other activities. I have worn it boarding on a few occasions. Problem I have found with it is that it is much more form fitting than the board specific stuff. Kinda snug in the knees, and snug around the middle if you sit down to strap in.

redlude97

Good point, my jacket is a little snug in the middle also which makes its somewhat difficult to strap in without exposing your bare back to the cold sometimes

Grimdog

They don't do any marketing towards snowboarders. When was the last time you remember seeing an add for North Face in Transwold? They have traditionaly been known for making ski and mountaineering specific goods. However, they do make some great clothes that function very well for snowboarding.

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My experience and what I do in snowboarding is really quite
independent of the industry and the more independent it is,
the more pure and better I feel about snowboarding.- Craig Kelly

PapaWood

Northface and Mountain Hardwear is actually really popular up here in Montana. Burton is still popular, but I would say there are a fairly large numbers of boarders who rock Northface gear. Stuff is really high quality and a lot warmer then most of the snowboarding brands. Works really great for the cold ass days out here.

alaric

I have an North Face fleece, and I absolutely love it. That thng keeps me warm on the coldest of days when I need to layer.

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