Few pieces of outerwear have carved a legacy as enduring as The North Face® MOUNTAIN JACKET.
Introduced in 1985, the jacket was initially engineered as a shield against the brutal conditions of high-altitude expeditions. Built to protect climbers and skiers, its design quickly proved to be more than just functional—it was foundational. Over time, its clean lines, angular pockets, and rugged silhouette evolved from pure utility into a fashion statement, crossing over from the mountains to the streets. Now, as The North Face celebrates 40 years of the Mountain Jacket, its latest iteration reaffirms its status as both a technical masterpiece and a cultural icon.
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The jacket’s journey from the peaks to the pavement was fueled by its uncompromising performance and aesthetic appeal. The original design featured high-placed, angular pockets for accessibility while wearing a harness, a hood with Ladderlock straps for precise adjustments, and a weatherproof shell that set the standard for expedition gear. By the 1990s, as outdoor gear began merging with street fashion, the Mountain Jacket’s minimalist, function-first design resonated beyond alpine explorers. It became a favorite among urban adventurers, creatives, and trendsetters, proving that cutting-edge performance wear could also define style.
The Mountain Jacket’s impact exploded in the 1990s, thanks in part to its adoption by hip-hop artists and streetwear communities. Worn by rappers in New York, featured in music videos, and coveted as a status symbol, the jacket became more than just protection from the elements—it became a marker of authenticity. Recognizing its widespread appeal, The North Face embraced collaborations with influential brands.
In 2010, Supreme reimagined the Mountain Jacket in three exclusive colorways, sparking a series of sold-out drops. In 2020, MM6 Maison Margiela introduced the avant-garde Circle Mountain Jacket, and artist KAWS reinterpreted the silhouette with his signature bold aesthetic. These collaborations further cemented the Mountain Jacket’s place in the intersection of technical innovation and cultural relevance.
Even as it evolved stylistically, the Mountain Jacket remained at the forefront of material innovation. The North Face continually refined its construction, integrating GORE-TEX® for superior waterproofing, WINDWALL technology for enhanced wind resistance, and FUTURELIGHT for ultra-breathable protection. By 2020, FUTURELIGHT had replaced GORE-TEX® in some iterations, signaling the brand’s commitment to advancing performance without sacrificing sustainability. These improvements not only maintained the jacket’s technical superiority but also solidified its reputation as a go-to piece for extreme conditions and everyday wear alike.
Now, in 2025, The North Face honors the Mountain Jacket’s 40th anniversary with a collection that pushes protection, sustainability, and versatility to new heights. The lineup features standout designs: the DRYVENT Mono Mountain Jacket, crafted with 100% recycled 2L DRYVENT fabric in a waterproof, seam-sealed mono-material construction, and the GORE-TEX® Mountain Jacket, engineered for peak alpine performance with GORE-TEX® waterproofing, pit zips, and alpine pockets.
Fronting the Mountain Jacket’s 40th-anniversary campaign is Griff, the BRIT Award-winning global pop sensation, whose critically acclaimed 2024 debut album Vertigo showcased her bold artistry and introspective songwriting. Her creative ethos—rooted in self-discovery and personal evolution—aligns seamlessly with The North Face’s legacy of innovation and commitment to emerging talent. “Just like music, it’s just as important to me to express myself through fashion and the clothes I wear,” Griff shares. “Being part of this global campaign for such an iconic brand has been amazing.”
With a continued focus on sustainability, performance, and cultural relevance, The North Face Mountain Jacket remains a benchmark of both form and function. What began as a mountaineer’s shield against the elements has evolved into an enduring symbol of adventure, innovation, and self-expression. From Everest base camp to city streets, the Mountain Jacket’s legacy is stitched into the fabric of exploration itself—proof that great design is not just worn, but lived.
To get your hands on the Mountain Jacket, visit The North Face’s official website.
The post Behind the Hype: How The North Face Mountain Jacket Conquered Both Peaks and Streets appeared first on Hypebeast.
