The North Face has spent years refining the formula of mountain-grade performance gear that looks just as good in the city, but its latest launch takes a different route altogether.
The new Universal Collection is built from the ground up with accessibility in mind, co-created alongside adaptive athletes including Vasu Sojitra and Maureen Beck.
The result is a range of backpacking tents, lightweight sleeping bags, as well as various camping and outdoor gear designed to remove friction rather than add features for their own sake.
And although the gear is designed with accessibility in mind, all types of outdoor folks can benefit from the approach.
Designed to remove barriers, not add complexity
To make the collection more accessible, zippers are replaced with magnetic closures, loops are oversized and easy to grip, and tactile cues help guide use for people with visual impairments.
The setup processes have been simplified, too, and products are easier to handle across a wider range of physical abilities.
The Universal Wawona 3 Tent, for example, uses equal-length poles and high-visibility sleeves to make pitching easier in low-light conditions.
The entry point is wider and lower, making it more accommodating for mobility devices, while the pack-down process is simplified with a larger storage bag.
Small details that make a big difference
Other pieces in the collection follow the same logic, including the Universal One Bag, which removes zippers entirely, replacing them with magnetic FIDLOCK closures, while adjustable insulated layers help regulate temperature across a range of conditions.
The Universal 20 Daypack stands upright on its own and features a magnetic opening for easier access, while its adaptive carry system accommodates different body types and mobility setups, including wheelchair use.
Even the smaller accessories have been rethought, such as the Basecamp Mules, which feature a symmetrical design that removes the left/right shoe division.
What makes the Universal Collection stand out isn’t just the products themselves, but the direction they signal.
By working with adaptive athletes from the outset, The North Face is flipping the traditional design process, which all too often retrofits accessibility into existing products.
The collection launched on 14 April 2026 and is available through The North Face and selected retailers.
Pricing is relatively accessible for the category, ranging from $60 (~£44 / €51 / AU$84) for accessories to $435 (~£321 / €369 / AU$609) for the tent.
