25 Years: The Evolution of The North Face Summit Series w/ Sage Cattabriga-Alosa & TNF’s Head of Innovation, Cory Olson

The North Face’s iconic Summit Series collection has not only been a part of some of the greatest athletic feats of the past 25 years, it’s also had a major influence on the technical apparel we all use today.

In this 2-for-1 conversation, Luke Koppa dives into its backstory, major milestones, and standout pieces with The North Face’s Global Head of Innovation, Cory Olson. He also talks with the one and only Sage Cattabriga-Alosa to get his perspective as an athlete who’s been involved with this series for its entire run — including how he went from hitting backcountry booters in the baggiest clothes he could find, to summiting high-altitude peaks in the most technical gear on the market.

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Episode Sponsor: OpenSnow

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TOPICS & TIMES:

OpenSnow (2:09)

Snowbird (4:25)

Weekly Gear Giveaway (6:03)

Sage's History w/ The North Face (7:10)

Sage’s Ah-Ha Moments w/ Apparel (23:00)

Layering Evolution (36:30)

Sage’s Standout Products (40:56)

Cory Olson’s Role at The North Face (49:52)

Historic and Throwback Pieces (54:14)

Standouts Materials (56:36)

Athlete Feedback & Design Impact (1:01:11)

PFAS-Free Apparel: Present & Future (1:05:19)

Care & Washing (1:10:20)

Himalayan Suit (1:18:58)

Summit Series x Streetwear (1:23:30)

Future Projects (1:32:01)

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