Developed for the multi-sport athlete, The North Face Flight Series collection features ultralight, multipurpose apparel, equipment, and footwear. This athlete-tested performance collection is designed for done-in-a-day and weekend adventures when fast and light packing is paramount. For Spring 2006, the Flight Series has two classifications: Endurance, products that are light to wear; and Ascent, products that are light to carry. The Spring 2006 Flight Series members will speak to one of these two activities, from ultralight, world-record-breaking tents, to innovative, first-to-market footwear technologies.
Flight Series Tekware
Flight Series Tekware is designed for moving fast and unencumbered. Constructed of lightweight, breathable fabrics and utilizing seamless construction for chafe-free performance, Flight Series apparel is for trail runners and climbers moving fast and light in the outdoors.
For first and base layer pieces in Spring 2006, The North Face apparel developers rely on innovative body-mapping technology. Body mapping is engineered to provide varying degrees of moisture transfer and ventilation in accordance with the bodys specific needs. Body mapping also eliminates seam lines to ensure maximum comfort. The Mens Optimus Collection includes the Mens Optimus Sleeveless Tee ($30), the Mens Optimus Tee ($45) and Mens Optimus Mesh Tee ($45). All are body-mapped for increased airflow in areas of higher perspiration, are quick-drying and lightweight. The Optimus Mesh Tee has mesh insets strategically placed for added breathability. The womens offering includes the Womens Optimus Tank ($40), Womens Optimus Tee ($40) and Womens Long Sleeve Optimus Tee ($45). The tank sports a racer back, side mesh panels, built-in shelf bra with a discrete key pocket in the bra liner and right side bottom stash pocket. The tee is a crew neck with side mesh panels and stash pocket on lower back hem. The long sleeve option is a V-neck with side mesh panels, back bottom hem stash pocket and thumb holes. Look to the Optimus Collection when light weight and ventilation are paramount.
Along with body mapping, The North Face Spring 2006 Tekware collection offers Flight users another new tool: apparel constructed with innovative X-Static textile fibers. With a layer of all-natural pure silver permanently bonded to the fiber face, X-Static fibers offer all the benefits inherent to silver and a host of powerful features for the outdoor athlete: silver inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria, its reflective and conductive properties help manage moisture and regulate temperature, and because silver is highly conductive, X-Static tops and shorts are completely anti-static. The Mens Primus Tee ($45) and Primus ¼ Zip ($50) incorporate X-X-static fibers into key areas of the garment: mainly under arms and down the sides of both tops. Naturally anti-microbial, the Primus tops have inset panels for increased airflow, are quick-drying and come in a relaxed fit. X-Static technology is incorporated into the linings of the new Mens Flight Trail Short ($40) and Mens Swift Short ($40) for its anti-microbial, anti-static and moisture management properties. The womens collection welcomes X-Static® in 3 new styles: the Womens Seamless Tank ($40), the Womens Geo Mesh Short ($35) and the Womens Flight Trail Short ($35). The Seamless Tank incorporates X-Static® in the side panels where you need it most. The tank is supportive with dual-sided fabric, seamless construction and racer back straps. The Geo Mesh Short is a lightweight mesh short that will become your go-to immediately. With an internal key pocket, zippered rear stash pocket and antimicrobial lining, take these on a run once and theyll never leave your gym bag.
Flight Series Outerwear
Compressible, lightweight and durable, The North Face introduces the Mens and Womens DIAD Jacket ($179). This 7.0 oz jacket is made of ultralight nylon ripstop 2.5-layer Hyvent DT fabric, for waterproof, breathable protection. Compressibility and durability are achieved through attention to detail and innovation like utilizing 10 mm skinny tape to tape seams (compared to the industry standard of 19-22 mm seam tape) coupled with Magic Seam construction (fabric is hot cut and seams are welded edge to edge then taped along welding with skinny tape). Seam allowance is reduced to almost zero through the Magic Seam and skinny tape combination; the jackets seams are softer, lighter and still waterproof. Through Magic Seam construction, 42 grams, or 10% of the total weight of the garment, were saved in the DIAD Jacket.
Flight Series Equipment
For fast-paced adventurers who are pushing the bounds of what was thought to be impossible just a few years ago, The North Face designs the Flight Series of equipment. Built to move fast and light, a full package of Flight Series gear (Solo 12 tent, Skareb 40 pack, and Propel sleeping bag) weighs in at 6 pounds. These ultralight products do not compromise durability and dependability; they carry The North Face lifetime warranty.
Packs
The Flight Series pack line incorporates acute attention to detail in innovative, out-of-the-box applications without compromising carryability or durability. For speed ascents and fast paced adventures that involve load carrying, look to the Skareb Packs ($149-$169). Available in two volumes (55 liters and 40 liters) and a womens-specific model, the Skarebs boast X-2 Suspension systems with tubular aluminum stays to reduce overall weight. Molded backpanels and split contoured shoulder harnesses add comfort to the suspension system while a no-slip lumbar zone with 3-point closure holds your load in place without rubbing or chaffing. Roll top closures provide easy access into the Skarebs while pockets abound on the outside of the pack: a top accessory pocket with zip closure, large front mesh pocket, right side zip pocket with water bottle keeper and left side zip pocket with rain cover divider (the Skarebs all come with a rain cover). Zippers are all easy grab.
For faster endurance pursuits, look to the Flight Series Hydration Packs. The reservoirs and accessories used in The North Face hydration packs are developed by Nalgene, the authority on hydration systems. Quick-connect hoses, big bore openings on the bladders, articulated bite valves, magnetic clip attachment (prevents your hose from flying into your face) and insulated hydration sleeves demonstrate the acute attention to detail taken in constructing these daypacks. Reservoir volumes range from 50 ounces to 100 ounces, and pack volumes go as large as 1200 cubic inches in the Blacktail ($110) and as small as 120 cubic inches in the Bullhead ($45). Molded E-Vap back panel and shoulder straps incorporate airflow channels into the molded foam to maintain a light load, and to help keep you dry and comfortable.
Sleeping Bags
The Flight Series sleeping bags are designed to provide the optimal solution for moving fast and light while still providing essential warmth and comfort. Ultralight and streamlined, these bags are built to be transportable when youre on the move. Common key features among all Flight Series bags include a vaulted footbox and new HelioLite shell fabric. The innovative footbox design provides a roomier fit and allows more natural foot movement, eliminating dead air space and ensuring warmer, more comfortable feet. In addition, the footbox has a zippered vent on select styles that allows for cool ventilation when needed. HelioLite shell fabric was developed this season for Flight Series bags making them lighter weight and stronger. The fabric is ultralight and downproof, provides an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and is lighter and more compressible than other available fabrics.
The Beeline sleeping bag ($259) is an ultralight, 30-degree 900-fill down bag for weight-sensitive pursuits. The trapezoidal baffle pattern in the Beeline ensures a constant baffle volume, keeping down in place and preventing cold spots. The Beeline sports on open hood, vaulted footbox with zip venting and heat transfer logos to save thread weight. The Propel ($219) is an ultralight Polarguard® Delta bag with Weld-It Construction for weight-sensitive pursuits. The Propel is a versatile bag, great for varying weather conditions, with innovative welding construction for added durability and reliability. Weld-It utilizes novel welding technology instead of stitch lines to hold insulation in place. Insulation stays put, providing uniform coverage, and there is no heat loss from stitch lines-all while reducing weight. In the Propel, the combination of lightweight fabric, insulation and Weld-It construction have reduced the bag weight to 1 lb 4 oz.
The North Face introduces Primaloft synthetic insulation to 3 of its Flight Series sleeping bags this season. Offering superior compressibility and softness in an ultralight package, Primaloft is the ideal material for going fast and light. These minimal weight bags offer Primaloft® in a quilted layering pattern and a shortened zipper to reduce weight. It is warm, even when wet and is up to 42% more compressible than similar synthetic bags utilizing continuous filament fiber. With a lightweight, durable shell fabric they offer todays high-speed adventurer a complete package that fits easily into todays smaller, lighter packs. The Pyxis ($229) is an ultralight, extremely compressible, zero-degree Primaloft bag for all-season backpacking. With 20-denier HelioLite ripstop shell fabric, fitted hood, vaulted footbox for ergonomic comfort and 2/3-length zipper, the Pyxis is your go-to for cold-weather, fast and light pursuits. For milder conditions, look to the Scorpio ($149), a lightweight and extremely compressible Primaloft bag. Rated at a 40-degree comfort range, the Scorpio has an open hood, vaulted footbox for ergonomic comfort, and 2/3-length zipper for an ideal spring/summer backcountry pursuit.
Tents
All tents in the Flight Series are new or fully updated for Spring 2006. All but one of these tents are single-walled shelters with fully taped seams and durable waterproof fabrics. Wind tunnel testing of these tents demonstrates that they are capable of withstanding winds of 130 mph, more than any other tent of similar size and weight. Addressing the common problem of minimal ventilation in single-walled tents, The North Face development team enhanced the design of the Flight Series tents by incorporating an aluminum Nano-knuckle on the top of the cross pole, improving ventilation on top of the tent. This zip-closable overhead vent, in combination with the lower perimeter venting, allows for strong, cross-tent ventilation, and still keeps the elements at bay. DAC Featherlite aluminum poles, ultralight 1″ pole sleeves, fusion pitch system with a new ultralight Microclip and a fully seam-sealed canopy all contribute to these bomber, weight-sensitive shelters.
The Solo 12 ($189) and the Dyad 22 ($209) are ultralight, one and two-person, single-walled tents with excellent high-low venting. The Solo weighs in at 2 lbs 2 oz, has 2 color-coded poles and sports ideal high-low venting thanks to the innovative Nano-knuckle. Similarly, the Dyad weighs 2 lbs 11 oz with 2 color-coded poles and ideal high-low venting with perimeter and overhead vents with zip-closure.
The Spectrum 23 ($259) tent is an extremely stable, single-walled tent for two people. This 3 lbs 12 oz Flight Series tent broke wind tunnel records at KARI (Korea Aerospace Research Institute) by withstanding winds of 130.2 mph. New technologies that contribute to the integrity of this lightweight and stable shelter include the new Nano-knuckle (for structural support) and overhead vent or hood scoop with zip closure (to work with the wind instead of against it, as well as to provide improved ventilation in single wall design).
Many ultralight tents are deconstructed to achieve weight goals and ultralight status. The North Face refuses to compromise durability and reliability for weight reduction.
Flight Series Footwear
This season, The North Face introduces a first in trail running, the advanced Boa Lacing System on its new Mens and Womens Endurus XCR Boa ($130) trail running shoes. Unlike traditional lacing systems, the carefully engineered Boa system enables minute adjustment for optimum closure force each and every time, and enables simple, on-the-fly adjustment without pressure points. Historically used in snowboarding boots and cycling shoes, it operates like a special suspension system that enables the runner to dial in an even and repeatable tightness by clicking a wheel device above the heel of the shoe. Stainless steel laces run up the front of the shoe and through the collar to the wheel on the heel. It will not come loose and it never needs retying. For the trail runner, the advantages are numerous and obvious: easy micro-adjustment, pressure-free performance and fit, and long distance comfort. The Endurus XCR Boa is a waterproof breathable, lightweight (weighs in at 15 oz -based on mens size 9, half pair) custom fit trail runner with ultralight bottom platform.
