The North Face received the 2005 Polartec Apex Design Award for the Men’s and Women’s Apex Free Climb Jacket. The award goes to the best-of-the-best Polartec based garments that will be available to consumers in fall 2005. Winners are selected based on the style, function, and fit of the garment as well as the most innovative uses of Polartec fabrics in the designs. The Free Climb was designed by Star Miklashek and developed by Saundra Lennartz of The North Face Research, Design and Development team.

“The North Face clearly went to great lengths to produce an incredibly clean and beautiful jacket in the Apex Free Climb,” said Carol Valianti of Malden Mills. “Nothing extraneous in design, and workmanship so detailed it almost goes unnoticed.”

“The North Face is thrilled to be recognized by Polartec for our collaborative work on this project,” said Damien Huang, director, outerwear. “The development of this style highlights what is possible by integrating fabric and component development with design and manufacturing. We hope to continue our work in the future to create more unique, dynamic, and above all, functional outdoor technologies.”

The Apex Free Climb Jacket is the industry's first welded soft shell with fleece backing, combining Polartec Power Shield fabric with sonic seam welding technology. Polartec Power Shield fabric goes beyond the traditional 2-part layering systems allowing for a single layer alone that protects against all but the worst weather conditions and delivers extended breathability, abrasion resistance and stretch.

The North Face’s technique of sonic welding allows fabrics that cannot normally be sealed or taped to be used in waterproof garments. By welding all seams of the jacket together, the soft shell concept moves a step closer to weatherproof with zero compromise in durability, breathability, and comfort. Welded seams eliminate stitching to reduce weight and bulk, and enhance freedom of movement while remaining virtually waterproof.
The Apex Free Climb sports a wind permeability rating of 10 CFM and is brushed with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Two hand pockets, left forearm pocket and hem cinchcord round out the Free Climb making it a go-to for alpine touring, on-mountain skiing, mountaineering or cragging on cool days.