North Face Clothing: Product Spotlight

North Face is well known for their technical mountaineering clothing that is engineered to withstand environments that far exceed any conditions that you'd ever want to ride a bike in, but they also have a lineup for us mountain bikers to choose from now as well. Inside we take a close look at the:

• North Face Splatter jacket
• North Face Slickrock short
• North Face Downieville short
• North Face Night Prowler jersey
• North Face Dirt Merchant jerseyNorth Face Splatter jacket


North Face's Splatter jacket is a technical coat designed specifically for cycling and incorporates bike friendly features. Made from HyVent fabric, the Splatter is both waterproof and fully seam sealed, but breathable as well so you can wear it on those long rainy climbs without feeling as if you are in a rolling sauna. The cut has been made to fit best when in the riding position and thus has slightly longer arms than you'd find on a standard coat, as well as a lengthier rear hem that will still keep that mud racing stripe off your ass when leaned forward over the handlebars. Most cycling jackets sport some sort of vent, be it velcro or zippered, in the pit area that is always a bit tricky to fiddle with while moving, but the Splatter's zippered vents can be found further down the sleeves and much easier to work with. On those days when you feel like you should have brought your canoe instead of a bike, you'll be stoked to have a hood that is large enough to fit over your helmet. What's your excuse for not riding?

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North Face Slickrock short


The North Face Slickrock short strikes a middle ground between the too heavy and hot moto-type shorts, and the overly thin and meager shorts that always make me cringe a bit when I can nearly see a rider's package as he pedals by me. With a 14" inseam that covers the knee, the Slickrock short has a casual appearance that won't look out of place off the bike as well. A zippered fly and button enclosure is backed up with belt loops if you're worried your shorts sliding down, and you'll find a lone zippered cargo pocket on top of the standard hand and single rear pockets.

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North Face Downieville short


The Downieville short is a step up in protection and burliness over the lighter duty Slickrocks. Made with heavy duty Cordura fabric and featuring plenty of gussets and reinforcement, the Downievilles are ready for some abuse. The 14" inseam is long enough to cover knees and the leg openings have a larger than average Elliptical hem that will fit over bulky knee pads without getting caught up. When you're overheating while wearing all these pads you can open up the zippered vents that are found on the inside of each leg.

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North Face Night Prowler jersey

The North Face Night Prowler is a loose fitting jersey for riders who want a more causal look. It sports 3/4 sleeves that cover your elbows for a bit of extra protection or warmth on those cool days, and is made from VaporWick® polyester to keep the air moving through and the sweat off you. The soft mesh collar will keep you from getting chaffed of those long days on the bike and it even has a UPF rating of 30 which is nice on those days when the sun is out in full force.

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North Face Dirt Merchant jersey


The simple styling of the Dirt Merchant jersey should appeal to riders who are looking for a more subdued look, but still want a jersey that is made with technical materials that won't drag you down when you're sweating hard under the summer sun. Made with VaporWick® polyester to quickly move the sweat and moisture off your skin the Dirt Merchant looks to be a good option when the days are hot.






No reason to feel left out if you are a lady-shredder, North Face also has a lineup of women's mountain biking attire for you as well!

Visit the North Face website to see their entire lineup.