The North Face (TNF) is teaming up with Big City Mountaineers to help under-served youth across the U.S. get outdoors and better develop decision-making abilities and life skills. In July and August, TNF will donate a portion of proceeds from its new back to school backpacks, up to $75,000, to Big City Mountaineers as part of the #GIVEPACK effort.

In partnering with Big City Mountaineers, a nonprofit dedicated to instilling critical life skills in under-resourced youth through wilderness mentoring expeditions, the campaign will help further TNF brand’s mission to start a global movement of outdoor exploration.

“Both Big City Mountaineers and The North Face inspire children to pursue adventures in the outdoors and there is a natural connection working together on the #GIVEPACK campaign,” said Bryan Martin, executive director of Big City Mountaineers. “#GIVEPACK will provide critical funding for over 600 program days this year and ensure that over 30 expeditions are successful and impactful.”

TNF will increase awareness of #GIVEPACK by launching a series of branded content videos featuring TNF global athletes Tom Wallisch and Sam Elias, as they recount their first days getting outdoors.  

“When I was 12, my folks sent me to an outdoor camp in Colorado and this was my first taste of the outdoor world,” said Elias. “The best thing was the climbing, I just couldn’t get enough of it and I was totally in love. Adventure and exploration are my means of experiencing self-empowerment and I think that’s important for everyone to feel.”

TNF will host #GIVEPACK events at its retail locations in Boulder, CO, San Francisco, CA and Seattle, WA over the next five weeks. Each is scheduled for 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and will feature a panel of TNF athletes and Big City Mountaineers youth discussing what they value about being outdoors.

“Big City Mountaineers gives kids the ability to experience and enjoy the outdoors, which is central to The North Face brand’s mission,” said Ann Krcik, senior director of outdoor exploration. “Kids are natural explorers and we hope the campaign will continue conversation around the importance of young people connecting with the world around them.”

Big City Mountaineers expects 30 expeditions to be fueled by #GIVEPACK, including trips into Yosemite and the Ansel Adams Wilderness, CA, the Flat Tops and the Raggeds Wilderness, CO, the Encampment River, WY and the Olympic Wilderness, WA.