The outdoor brand The North Face, which is part of VF Corporation, is expanding its range to include an adaptive camping and outdoor collection. The aim of the collection is to break down existing barriers in the outdoor area and expand access to appropriate equipment, the company announced on Thursday. The brand is responding to a growing demand for more inclusive design approaches in the industry.
The so-called Universal Collection is intended to “make discovery easier for everyone” and was developed in collaboration with athletes from adaptive sports. The product line includes newly developed camping and outdoor products that are characterized by simplified handling and functional adjustments. These include, among other things, a tent with easier setup and a lowered entrance, a sleeping bag with magnetic fasteners and a daypack with an adjustable carrying system. These features are complemented by haptic landmarks and an overall intuitive design.
“The hallmark of good design is providing a positive experience for all users from start to finish,” says Luke Matthews, Senior Technical Equipment Designer. “With this collection, too, we remained true to our claim of ‘Athlete Tested, Expedition Proven’ and worked closely with our adaptive athletes Vasu Sojitra and Maureen Beck. Their perspectives and feedback resulted in a collection that uses intuitive design solutions to break down barriers and create an inclusive user experience for everyone.”
According to the company, the focus was particularly on improving accessibility, security and user-friendliness, regardless of the user’s level of experience.
The Universal Collection has been available since mid-April.