Behind the Hype: How The North Face Mountain Jacket Conquered Both Peaks and Streets

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Few pieces of outerwear have carved a legacy as enduring as The North Face® MOUNTAIN JACKET™.

1985 saw the arrival of the Mountain Jacket, initially crafted for withstanding extreme high-altitude climates during expeditions. Designed to safeguard climbers and skiers, it soon proved to be much more than a practical item—it served as a cornerstone. As its design progressed over the years, featuring sharp lines, functional pockets, and a robust structure, it transformed from mere utility into a fashion trend, making the leap from mountains to city streets. Today, as The North Face commemorates 40 years of the Mountain Jacket, its newest version solidifies its reputation as both a technical marvel and a cultural symbol.

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The trek of this jacket, from mountain tops to city streets, was driven by its exceptional functionality and stylish allure. Initially, it boasted strategically placed, angled pockets situated high for convenience while wearing a harness, an adjustable hood with Ladderlock straps, and a robust shell designed to lead the way in expedition gear’s weatherproofing. By the 1990s, as outdoor equipment started blending with urban fashion, the Mountain Jacket’s minimalist, utility-focused design found favor beyond mountain climbers. It became a must-have among city explorers, artists, and trendsetters, demonstrating that high-performance clothing could also embody style.

In the 1990s, the Mountain Jacket gained significant popularity, largely due to its association with hip-hop artists and streetwear culture. Worn prominently by rappers in New York City, showcased in music videos, and sought after as a symbol of status, the jacket transcended its role as weather gear—it became a symbol of authenticity. Capitalizing on its broad appeal, The North Face pursued collaborations with prominent brands.

2010 saw Supreme giving a fresh take on the Mountain Jacket in three unique color schemes, leading to a string of sell-out releases. Fast forward to 2020, MM6 Maison Margiela unveiled the avant-garde version of the Mountain Jacket, known as the Circle Mountain Jacket. Additionally, artist KAWS redesigned the jacket’s silhouette using his distinctive bold style. These collaborations underscored the Mountain Jacket’s significance at the crossroads of technological advancement and cultural impact.

As a dedicated gamer of the outdoors, I’ve always been impressed by The North Face’s Mountain Jacket. Over time, it’s not just evolved in terms of style, but more importantly, in material technology. They’ve perfected its construction, adding GORE-TEX® for top-notch waterproofing, WINDWALL™ tech for unrivaled wind resistance, and FUTURELIGHT™ for exceptional breathability. By 2020, FUTURELIGHT™ became the star of the show in some versions, showing The North Face’s dedication to pushing performance boundaries while keeping sustainability in mind. These updates didn’t just preserve its technical edge but also boosted its status as a must-have for both extreme adventures and everyday wear.

In 2025, The North Face celebrates the 40th anniversary of their iconic Mountain Jacket by releasing a collection that elevates protection, sustainability, and versatility to unprecedented levels. Highlighted designs include the DRYVENT™ Mono Mountain Jacket, made entirely from recycled 2L DRYVENT™ fabric in a waterproof, single-material design, and the GORE-TEX® Mountain Jacket, designed for optimal alpine performance with GORE-TEX® waterproofing, pit zips, and alpine pockets.

Griff, the BRIT Award-winning pop sensation known worldwide, is leading The Mountain Jacket’s 40th-anniversary campaign. Her debut album Vertigo, released in 2024 and critically acclaimed, demonstrated her daring creativity and deep songwriting. Griff’s artistic values, based on self-exploration and personal growth, fit perfectly with The North Face’s history of innovation and support for rising talent. “Fashion, like music, is another way for me to express myself,” Griff says. “Being a part of this global campaign for such an iconic brand has been incredible.

Keeping sustainability, performance, and cultural significance at the forefront, The North Face’s Mountain Jacket stands as a model for both style and utility. Originally conceived as a protective barrier for mountaineers, it has since morphed into a timeless emblem of adventure, creativity, and self-expression. Whether on the slopes of Everest or urban sidewalks, the story of the Mountain Jacket is woven deep into the tapestry of exploration—evidence that exceptional design isn’t merely worn but embodied.

To get your hands on the Mountain Jacket, visit The North Face’s official website.

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2025-03-05 21:56