January 29th 2010:  The North Face®, the world’s premier supplier of authentic, innovative and technically advanced outdoor apparel, equipment and footwear, was awarded an ispo Outdoor Award with its Kishtwar Jacket, a technical Summit Series™ soft shell that offers outdoor athletes maximum protection from the wind without compromising on state-of-the-art design or finish.  The ispo Outdoor Award, an international prize for the best outdoor innovations of the winter 2010/11, was given to the Kishtwar Jacket in the category Textiles.   Submitted products were examined by an international panel consisting of representatives of media, retail and independent industry experts.  Judging criteria focused on innovation, user-friendliness, design and technical aspects of the products submitted.

René Skytte, Product Director for The North Face® EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), comments:  “The North Face has always been committed to product leadership and we are especially proud of this award because it comes from an independent panel of leading Outdoor industry representatives in recognition of the innovative qualities of the Kishtwar Jacket.”

The new Men’s Kishtwar Jacket is a Summit Series™ soft shell designed specifically for highly aerobic endeavours in foul weather. The Kishtwar is cut from a new patented tech fabric - Polartec® Power Shield® Pro - which boasts a highly abrasion-resistant face for protection against rock faces and rugged terrain, a water-repellent surface that sheds both rain and snow, and a non-restrictive Alpine fit that promotes maximum mobility for high exertion activities. A fully adjustable, fixed hood, moulded cuff tabs and a hideaway hem cinch cord resolutely deny the elements, while a chest pocket and hand pockets hold essentials. Super breathable and equally water resistant, the Kishtwar is the jacket of choice for high output, winter weather adventures. For its Fall 2010 launch, the Men’s Kishtwar is featured in the colourways TNF® Red, Asphalt Grey and Black.