In 1990, a hardy and brave team of international and multifaceted explorers set out to cross Antarctica via dogsled. The mission was promotional and academic: they were to study various aspects of Antarctica’s geography – take ice samples, make topographical maps – and raise awareness around the continent’s changing future.
Will Steger, the expedition’s leader, was something of a rockstar adventurer; he spent his 20’s hitchhiking and hopping freights around America, before finding peace at a Zen monastery in the Sierras. Since then, in between living out a self-sufficient shack that has gradually grown to encompass a 400-acre extent of land, Steger is still prone to elements of his old life, mingled with his spiritual learnings:
“Out there,” Steger disclosed to the NY times in 1996, “the rhythm becomes very Zen-like. It’s harsh, very demanding. But for me expeditions are like a retreat, like a religion. They are the only times I truly relax.”
The rest of the team was made up of French team member, Dr. Jean-Louis Étienne, and explorers from China, the UK, Japan and the then Soviet Union.
As the six team members made the 6000km, 220-day expedition, they were dripped head to toe in The North Face. The brand, by entirely equipping the most important expedition of its kind to date, solidified itself as the go-to clothing company for harsh and unforgiving weather.
To celebrate the milestone, TNF has relaunched a range that takes inspiration from the original 1990 expedition. It integrates recycled materials, DryVent™ fabrics, and 700 fill RDS goose down into the tried-and-tested originals.
TNF is also launching a film, Peace of History, with Will Steger, that explores the weathering harsh conditions, global cooperation and protection of our planet.
