The North Face lanceert adaptieve campinglijn

Outdoor brand The North Face, part of VF Corporation, is expanding its range with an adaptive camping and outdoor collection. The aim of the collection is to remove existing barriers in the outdoor sector and increase access to the right equipment, the company announced on Thursday. In doing so, the brand is responding to a growing demand for more inclusive design approaches in the industry.

The so-called Universal Collection should “make discovery easier for everyone” and was developed in collaboration with athletes from adaptive sports. The product line includes newly developed camping and outdoor products that are characterized by simplified operation and functional adjustments. These include a tent with a simpler design and a lowered entrance, a sleeping bag with magnetic closures and a daypack with an adjustable carrying system. These features are complemented by haptic landmarks and an overall intuitive design.

“A hallmark of good design is providing a positive experience for all users, from start to finish,” said Luke Matthews, senior technical equipment designer. “With this collection, we stayed true to our slogan ‘Athlete Tested, Expedition Proven’ and worked closely with our adaptive athletes Vasu Sojitra and Maureen Beck. Their perspectives and feedback created a collection that uses intuitive design solutions to remove barriers and create an inclusive user experience for everyone.”

According to the company, the main focus was on improving accessibility, security and usability, regardless of the experience level of users.

The Universal Collection has been available since mid-April.