photo from redditThe North Face Windstopper Fleece
by The North Face
4 endorsements on r/BuyItForLife first recommended in Jan 2025
A wind-resistant fleece jacket from The North Face built with Gore Windstopper fabric, originally sold as a serious hiking piece.
Added Jul 5, 2026, Updated Jul 5, 2026
Why it's buy-it-for-life
Owners report North Face fleeces and jackets from the 1990s-2000s still holding up 25+ years later, with some suggesting build quality on consumer-line gear has been more inconsistent since VF Corporation acquired the brand in 2000.
What owners say
Owners describe North Face fleeces and jackets from decades ago still in near-new condition after 25+ years of regular use, including summiting trips and years of winter wear. Several commenters note quality has become more hit-or-miss on recent consumer-level gear, with one pointing to VF Corporation's 2000 acquisition of the brand as a turning point, and another noting decals peeling after about 7 years.
What redditors say
Recommended on reddit as recently as January 2025
Show 2 more mentions
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
I have a NF jacket that is appx 7 years old. It has held up great, but some of the decals have started to peel off.
- 1r/BuyItForLife comment
It has summited Washington several times, Wildcat a few times, and out on many adventures over the years.
This was my first "serious" hiking piece I ever bought. It has served me well for 25 years or more, and still looks pretty good!
Hit and miss with NF but overall quality is good. I've had good luck with their gear so far.
I had a northface windbreaker I bought like 6 or 7 years ago and I think that it would've lasted quite a while had EMS not have had to cut it off. It does seem to be more hit and miss now though.
The went downhill on consumer level goods shortly thereafter. In 2000, The North Face was acquired by VF Corporation...
My North Face fleece is around the same vintage, and practically like-new. I wear it all winter.
I'm grudgingly wearing my brothers hand-me-down north face he left at my house in 2010. Still going strong.