The North Face Action Sports Collection (Mountain Bike Spring 2011)

The North Face: Cryptical Envelopment

A company that has been at the forefront of industry progressions is once again adding to their stellar lineup of sports apparel. The North Face's new Action Sports collection is sure to make an impact on the industry. Everyone from the seasoned pro free-rider to the weekend warrior can adopt TNF's ethos of Never Stop Exploring, and further embrace a company that has been outfitting seven peak summiteers, world-reknowned extreme athletes, and everyone in between since 1968.

So, in other words this isn't TNF's first rodeo, nor is it a conceptual epiphany that fell from the sky. TNF's reputation precedes itself. The high quality is the same as it ever was, but the scope has broadened to address the wants and needs of today's riders. 

TNF's approach is simple yet effective: technically advanced features integrated with a collection oozing with dynamically, styled features equals their new Cryptic collection. This past winter TNF introduced their Cryptic collection - the most technically advanced gear on the market - for skiers and snowboarders. This Spring Cryptic sets its sites on mountain bikers. Hard-charging athletes that desire something more from their gear will definitely want to check out this collection.  This Spring Cryptic collection is starting to hit stores now, and although our team has not seen all the items first hand yet, from the items we have seen, everyone was calling dibs!


Here is a quick features writeup of some of the items we have seen thus far.  Stay tuned for technical reviews from the trails coming soon.


Tech: HyVent = Waterproof/Breathability
Tech: VaporWick = Takes moisture away from skin
Tech: ClimateBlock = Water-Resistant, windproof

Men's In a Pinch Anorak Jacket: MSRP: 89.00 USD

Great fit and style combined with Hyvent's waterproof, breathable qualities, seam sealed.

• Hook and loop cuff for adjustment
• Adjustable hem for coverage adjustment
• Inside zip pocket which doubles as a stow pouch: sweet accessible and packable perfect for the minimalist rider

Women's Tibbedee Jacket: MSRP: 149.00

HyVent tech with adjustable hem for splash protection and specific fit.

• Chest Media Pocket
• Reflective trim for increased visibility
• Chest vent zips and storm flap
• Sunglass pocket to keep your polarized shades scratch free.

Women's Cringe Jacket: MSRP: 149.00

Many mountain bike specific features for this HyVent waterproof/breathable shell.  Great for when the weather gets wet and you are still 5 clicks away from base.

• Cut w/ extra room for mobility.
• Cross-air venting for temp control on ascents.
• Draft flap with chin guard for a warm dry face when on the descent.
• Mesh sunglass pocket, so no scratching your steezy shades.
• Chest media pocket w/ wire routing keeping your tunes dry.

***HOT ITEM***

Men's Drop Off Hoodie: MSRP: 129.00 USD
What happens when wind, rain and chillier temps put your ride in question?
You grab for your Drop Off Hoodie with Apex Climateblock and fight back against wind and water.

• Stretch Hood moves with the rider to aid in peripheral vision
• Drop Cinch Hood keeps a dry noggin 
• Internal Media pouch keeps tunes dry and your noggin noddin'
• Water-resistant and breathable for heavy first gear climbs
• Style of a hoodie with the technical features of a softshell

***HOT ITEM***

Men's Downieville Short: MSRP: 95.00 USD

• Designed to fit over armor and pads
• Freeride features include:
• Inner leg flex panels
• Raised high back waistband
• Knee articulation
• Gusseted Crotch for freedom and mobility
• One of our guys mentioned how great these would be for longboarding because of their ability to fit over knee pads and keep dexterity with the stretch fabric.
• Maybe that is another crossover for TNF. Maybe not, but we'll cross-advertise it anyways.



*** HOT ITEM***

Men's Igneous Jacket: MSRP: 149.00 USD
The men's equivalent to the Tibbedee.  

• Helmet Compatible adjustable hood
• Zip core vents + rear-arm stretch vents to control your body temp
• Reflective logo and graphics for added visibility

Inside Look

Men's Murray Dee Jersey: MSRP 65.00 USD
A three-quarter sleeve freeride jersey with TNF's VaporWick technology.  This jersey keeps you cool calm and collected.

• Secret Zip media pocket and headphone port
• Venting panels to keep you cool
• Sunglass wipe sewn into the hem
• UPF 50 Shoulder Protection, UPF 30 Body Protection
• Reflective logo and graphics

Women's Murray Creeper Jersey: MSRP: 65.00 USD
Amazing fit with a blast of berry graphic print.

• UPF 30 sun protection
• Three-quarter sleeve
• Reflective stylish graphic
• Mesh-lined underarm
• Invisible zip pocket for media with headphone router
• Sunglass wipe sewn into hem

***HOT ITEM***

Women's Moonrace Short: MSRP: $65.00

A technical riding short for the ladies with all the features and style you would expect from The North Face.

• UPF 30 protection
• Adjustable waistband with velcro stretch
• Shorter inseam for ease of movement
• Reinforced stitching thru gusset and rise
• Ven-lined pocket with secure zip pocket
• Fixed Chamois with microfiber reduces friction and relieves pressure
• Gripper thigh elastic
• CF snap zipper closure

*****Stay posted for more gear updates in the next month and be sure to check out all of TNF's Cryptic collection for the Spring and Summer.****** OI TEAM J. Marino