It’s 2023, it’s a new year, that ‘new resolutions’ feeling is still in the air, but a new year brings new challenges and stresses too – no wonder we are all heading outside now more than ever!
Getting out on the trails is a great way to get in touch with nature, breathe some fresh air, release some tension, relieve stress and get a bit of exercise as you explore. Hiking offers all kinds of wonderful benefits like boosting fitness, improving mental wellbeing and strengthening relationships. With all of the physical, health, psychological, emotional, and mental health benefits of hiking there really is no reason not to head out onto the trails and #NeverStopExploring our amazing country.
The Discover Your Trail message from The North Face South Africa is designed to encourage everyone to get out and explore the trails around them – because the trail (and hiking) is for everyone, no matter which trail you follow or how you follow it.
While The North Face continues to be the go-to brand for many climbers, hikers and trail runners, we are aiming to tap into the next generation of explorers, and through their perspectives and voices, broaden the outdoor conversation to be more inclusive. Research has shown that for the next generation, one of the best thing about hiking is being able to reconnect with friends and family.
This next generation of explorers that The North Face trying to connect with is, in many ways, turning the perception of traditional hikers on its head. There are moms, octogenarians, beauticians, blue-collar workers, city dwellers, suburbanites – of all different ages, races and fitness levels. The North Face is making a concerted effort to give voice to these people.
The trails are for everyone, from trail running athletes looking to capture their next FKT (fastest known time), seasoned hikers and climbers looking to conquer the next challenge, to weekend adventurers taking some time out, and first-time hikers looking to explore. Discover Your Trail aims to inspire all.
The North Face hiking gear is designed to illuminate the universal benefits of finding your own trail, whether your purpose is exercise, exploring the undiscovered, to find solitude, or connect with the community. This includes the revamped VECTIV™ Fastpack Futurelight shoe, The North Face’s most cushioned hiking boot for long days discovering the outdoors.
The North Face’s VECTIV™ Fastpack shoes are lightweight hikers for fast-paced hiking missions. These breathable, water-resistant trail shoes have cushioned, rockered midsoles that deliver comfort while maximizing energy return, and feature a 3D VECTIV forefoot plate for enhanced comfort and rock-solid stability on the trail.
Some of the other specs include:
- Abrasion-resistant performance-mesh uppers
- Double-punched eye rows allow fine-tuned lacing
- Molded LYCRA® collars deliver comfort
- Protective molded TPU toe caps and no-sew mudguards
- Gusseted tongues help keep out trail debris
- OrthoLite® X55™ footbeds are made with 5% recycled rubber content
- Sole units feature VECTIV technology that’s designed to help maximize energy on the trail
- Single-density 3D TPU plate under the forefoot helps with multidirectional stability
- Rocker midsole geometry is engineered to create long-lasting forward propulsion
- High-rebound, single-density EVA midsoles
- Surface Control™ rubber outsoles are optimized for hiking
- 4 mm lugs provide superior traction
- The VECTIV™ Fastpack FUTURELIGHT™ styles in the range feature waterproof/breathable membranes to fend off the elements
As The North Face likes to say, there’s a trail for everybody. Discover yours.
The North Face continues to be obsessively devoted to providing the best gear for athletes, modern-day explorers and urban adventurers alike. Proprietary technology and a deep understanding of truly great performance gear make The North Face the logical choice for those who need to stay warm, dry and stylish.
The North Face clothing & gear is available online and from selected Totalsports stores, The Drop or from The North Face Concept Store in Canal Walk.