Okay, here’s my blog post about my experience at The North Face on 5th Ave:
So, I finally went to that massive The North Face store on 5th Avenue in NYC. You know, the one everyone talks about? Yeah, that one. I’d heard it was huge, but I wasn’t really prepared for how huge.
Walking In
First off, just finding the entrance was a bit of a thing. It’s not like a regular storefront. I actually walked past it at first because it’s so integrated into the building. Once I got inside, though, wow. It’s like a multi-level outdoor gear wonderland.
Exploring the Levels
- Ground Floor: This is where they had all the new arrivals and best-selling stuff. Lots of jackets, obviously, but also a good selection of backpacks and daypacks. I almost bought a new daypack, but I reminded myself I already have three…
- Second Floor: I headed upstairs, and this is where things got interesting. They had a whole section dedicated to climbing gear. Ropes, harnesses, carabiners – the works. Even if you’re not a climber (which I’m definitely not), it was cool to see all that stuff.
- Basement Level: This is where they had the footwear and a bigger selection of camping gear. Tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment… you name it. I spent a good chunk of time down here, just browsing.
The Experience
The staff were super helpful, too. I asked one guy about a specific jacket I was looking for, and he knew exactly where to find it. No pressure to buy anything, either, which is always nice.
And get this, one staff helped me find a pair of ultra-rare Gore-Tex Pro, which made me feel super lucky that day.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, even if you’re not in the market for anything, it’s worth checking out just for the experience. It’s more like a museum of outdoor gear than a store. I ended up not buying anything this time, but I’ll definitely be back. Maybe when my current jacket finally gives out… or maybe sooner, who knows? It’s just a really cool place to hang out, especially if you’re into the outdoorsy vibe. I highly recommend checking it out if you can.