The North Face introduced the Advanced Mountaineering Kit at the Outdoor Retailer show this winter, and it blew our minds. We got a first look at this pinnacle equipment package on a ski tour near Aspen, Colorado.
From new fabric technologies to a completely new way to design high-altitude mountaineering footwear, the Advanced Mountain Kit (AMK) from The North Face is among the most refined equipment lines we’ve seen.
At its simplest, the kit is an apparel and equipment line for high-altitude mountaineering’s elite. But that simplification glosses over 2 years of research and development. And it overlooks the integration that sees each item as critical in specific situations on the mountain.

Oh, and the whole kit costs about $15,000! That includes a tent, sleeping bag, footwear, and a suite of apparel and outerwear made for any peak on the planet.
GearJunkie founder Stephen Regenold and I traveled to Aspen, Colorado, to meet with Scott Mellin, VP of Global Mountain Sports at The North Face, and guide Nate Rowland for a test of the TNF AMK line. It was the first review by anyone outside the company. Read on for our initial impressions.
The North Face AMK: First Look Review
Heading Up the Mountain

AMK L3 Pullover Hoodie: The Puffy Refined

Onto the Summit Ridge
The North Face Advanced Mountain Kit
Apparel
Summit AMK L6 Parka ($1,500) & Pant ($1,000)
Summit AMK L5 FUTURELIGHT Jacket ($1,000) & Pant ($750)
Summit AMK L3 Pullover Hoodie ($1,000) & Pant ($700)
Summit AMK L2 Pullover ($400) & Pant ($300)
Summit AMK L1 Crew ($200) & Pant ($150)
Accessories
Summit L5 FUTURELIGHT Down Mitt: $165
Summit L4 FUTURELIGHT Shell Mitt: $400
Summit L3 FUTURELIGHT Climb Glove: $375
Summit L2 Insulated Climb Glove: $350
Summit L1 Climb Glove: $300
