To design a wardrobe built for Canadian elements. Durable enough for the extremes, simple enough for everyday life.
The Northbound Gear Story
How a small family business is changing the outdoor apparel industry
Born out of frustration
We loved the outdoors—scenic hikes, epic rainstorms and weekends in the mountains. But our gear couldn't keep up. Jackets leaked, zippers broke and pants tore. Turning our adventures into disappointments.
So in 2019, we set out to fix that. With a background in design and a drive to do better, we reimagined our wardrobe, one piece at a time. The result wasn't fashion. It was equipment—built for the elements, built to last.
Born out of frustration
We loved the outdoors—scenic hikes, epic rainstorms and weekends in the mountains. But our gear couldn't keep up. Jackets leaked, zippers broke and pants tore. Turning our adventures into disappointments.
So in 2019, we set out to fix that. With a background in design and a drive to do better, we reimagined our wardrobe, one piece at a time. The result wasn't fashion. It was equipment—built for the elements, built to last.
We're a family run business
Designed in Vancouver, Canada
Made for rain-soaked trails, shaped by coastal winds, and proven on weekend summit ascents. Our gear is designed here—for here. Built to endure Canada’s extremes, from the relentless rains of the West Coast to the unforgiving deep freeze of the North.
Our first breakthrough
Our first product wasn’t designed to make a fashion statement. It was designed to solve a problem.
The Adventure Pants are tough, made from Echo-Tech water-resistant fleece—built to move. They became the pair we would pack for everything—the workday, the road trip, the hike we didn’t plan for.
With over 140,000 pairs sold worldwide, we knew we were onto something big.
Our first breakthrough
Our first product wasn’t designed to make a fashion statement. It was designed to solve a problem.
The Adventure Pants are tough, made from Echo-Tech water-resistant fleece—built to move. They became the pair we would pack for everything—the workday, the road trip, the hike we didn’t plan for.
With over 140,000 pairs sold worldwide, we knew we were onto something big.
Made for Explorers
Sustainability Built-in
True sustainability is simple: make gear that lasts. Not disposable. Not seasonal. Not a trend. Equipment designed to stay with you—through storms, through years, through countless adventures.
Since 2019, that’s been our path. Explore the timeline above to see how we’re building not just durable gear, but one of the world’s most sustainable outdoor brands.
Plant a tree program
In 2020 we partnered with One Tree Planted so every purchase you make contributes to reducing our carbon footprint. The first step towards our sustainability plan.
Localized manufacturing
In the spring of 2021 we shipped our heavyweight "Made in Canada" Hoodie. Proudly made in Canada and shipped from Vancouver. What's more, we used partially recycled materials which lay the foundation for a 100% recycled products in later iterations.
Reduce plastic packaging
In 2022 we switched to more sustainable packaging and started shipping our products in biodegradable bags which can be composted thus further reducing our carbon footprint.
Eco-friendly materials
In 2024 we introduce our first 100% recycled product—the "SPF 50" UV Hoodie, made from 16 recycled bottles. This hoodie quickly became one of our best sellers.
The future is friendly
We continue to drive our sustainability efforts further—exploring more recycled materials, reducing waste in production, and pushing for greater transparency in how our gear is made. The goal is simple: each year, take bigger steps toward gear that protects not just you, but the planet too.
We built Northbound Gear with our community
Our amazing Ambassadors have always come from within our inspiring community of customers. Playing a vital role, Ambassadors help shape our brand and future products.
We believe real world feedback and an authentic connection to our community are two big reasons we make some of the best outdoor gear in the world.
We built Northbound Gear with our community
Our amazing Ambassadors have always come from within our inspiring community of customers. Playing a vital role, Ambassadors help shape our brand and future products.
We believe real world feedback and an authentic connection to our community are two big reasons we make some of the best outdoor gear in the world.
Trusted in the toughest conditions
Tested & Trusted
When we hand over our gear, it’s not just to weekend warriors. It’s to the people who depend on it most: tradespeople in the rain, volunteers in the cold, rescuers in the wild.
When failure isn’t an option, our gear has to deliver. And it does. That same confidence is what we pass on to you.
Our Team
The Northbound Gear Family is a small but mighty team of 12 movers and shakers from around the world. We span 6 continents and speak a combined 7 languages. A truly global team brought together for the sole purpose of creating the highest quality sustainable apparel on the planet.
Contact us
Not everyone gets to the bottom of the About us page. If you're seeking a deeper understanding of our company, consider reaching out to us personally, we would love to hear from you.