Pete Athans, Photo: Ace Kvale

THE NORTH FACE® ANNOUNCES HTR™ HEATED HYDRATION SYSTEM

Innovative solution keeps water from freezing during outdoor winter activity

San Leandro, CA – February 2006 – The North Face®, the world’s premier supplier of technical outdoor apparel, equipment, footwear and gear, introduces the new HTR™ heated hydration system. Simple and easy to use, the system is optimized to keep water from freezing for at least 20 hours at 15º F (10º C) and will provide the outdoor athlete with a powerful new tool for taking on the harsh realities of winter conditions.

Built on the foundation of demonstrated winter technology, The North Face HTR system relies on the proven power of both insulation and thermal technology to ensure readily available hydration. “The bane of the outdoor athlete in winter has long been the problem of hydration,” said Joe Flannery, Vice President of Marketing, The North Face. “Inaccessible or frozen liquid severely impedes athletic performance.”

AA batteries power an active heating system encased in an insulated drinking tube cover that maintains vital fluids in a drinkable state. A sensor monitors the temperature of the hose and signals the system to heat when it approaches freezing to ensure that liquids never freeze. To protect the vulnerable bite-valve, The North Face packs also have a zippered garage on the shoulder strap to keep the bite-valve protected and out of the elements. An easy-to-read LED on the drinking tube cover provides ongoing information about the system’s status: heating, on or off, as well as a low-battery indicator.

The North Face HTR heated hydration systems will be available in stores September 1, 2006 in both a regular-sized daypack called the “Snowday,” and a smaller fast-moving sleeve called the “Flask.”

About The North Face®

The North Face, a subsidiary of VF Corporation, was founded in 1966. Headquartered in San Leandro, California, the company offers the most technically advanced products in the market to accomplished climbers, mountaineers, extreme skiers and explorers. The company's products are sold in specialty mountaineering, backpacking and skiing retailers, premium-sporting goods retailers and major outdoor specialty retail chains. Additional information about The North Face® can be found on the company’s website, www.thenorthface.com