If there is one thing Wisconsin is known for, it is definitely our chilly climate. So, it’s no wonder that college students around the state need plenty of warm clothes; but they aren’t just choosing any brands to bundle up with.

One of the leading outdoor apparel brands out right now has made a name for itself on college campuses all around the country. That brand is The North Face.

So what exactly is The North Face?

The company began in 1966 when two hiking enthusiasts founded a small mountaineering retail store in San Francisco.

The name “The North Face” was chosen because when climbing a mountain in the Northern Hemisphere, the north face of the mountain is seen as the most challenging face to climb because it is usually the coldest and iciest.

The North Face logo, a quarter-circle with two lines running through it, is said to represent Half Dome Rock in Yosemite National Park.

Although the company was founded in 1966, it wasn’t until 30 years later in 1996 that it began manufacturing the performance sportswear it is famous for today. Some of the most popular items are its fleece jackets. As far as price goes, the basic “Pumori” jacket sells for around $99 and the upgraded “Danali” jacket goes for $165.

The North Face merchandise is available only at officially licensed dealers, which means if you find it somewhere else, it’s probably counterfeit. Two licensed stores in the Milwaukee area are Laacke & Joys and The Sports Authority, or online at Backcountry.com.

Although The North Face is certainly a very popular choice, there are other options out there.

Other brands like Burton, Columbia and Oakley provide similar products and styles and in most cases they come with smaller price tags attached.

So, now that fall is upon us take your newfound knowledge of cold weather wear and bundle up in style this year.

Sources: thenorthface.com, backcountry.com, wikipedia.com

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