The North Face Warranty: Lifetime Coverage, Exclusions & How to Claim

The North Face backs most of its gear with a lifetime warranty, but "lifetime" has a specific meaning, and the exclusions do a lot of work. Here's what the US warranty covers, what it doesn't and how to file a claim, based on The North Face's own help center. Still within 30 days of buying? A regular return may be simpler – see the The North Face return policy ².

What the Limited Lifetime Warranty covers

All The North Face branded products, except footwear and The North Face Renewed items, are covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship ¹. Coverage lasts for the practical, reasonably expected lifetime of the product ¹.

That "lifetime" is the product's, not yours. The North Face describes it as the reasonably expected lifetime of the item given normal, expected and foreseeable use, excluding misuse and normal wear and tear ¹. If you've used a piece for years, followed the care instructions and it's showing its age, The North Face says it may simply have reached the end of its life ¹.

Only original, unaltered and unmodified products and workmanship are covered, and proof of purchase may be required ¹.

Footwear and Renewed products: one year

Footwear and products from The North Face Renewed series get a One-Year Warranty covering manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the first year after purchase ¹. Products labeled "The North Face Renewed" use a separate claim process, which the warranty page links to ¹.

What the warranty doesn't cover

The general rule: the warranty doesn't cover damage from accident, improper care, negligence, laundering, normal wear and tear or the natural breakdown of colors and materials over time ¹. The North Face lists these specific exclusions ¹:

• Normal wear and tear, such as fading fabric, seam tape deterioration and worn fabric or moving parts that's expected with time – these aren't repaired or replaced ¹.
• Damage from use or misuse, such as rips, tears, burns, holes, pole breakage and stains ¹.
• Poor care or excessive use that shortened the product's life ¹.
• Altered or modified products ¹.
• Products not bought from The North Face or an authorized retailer or seller, including unauthorized internet sites ¹.
• Unauthorized repairs or alterations that weren't done through The North Face's Warranty and Repair program while the product was still covered ¹.

The North Face also isn't responsible for direct, incidental or consequential damages, such as lost or destroyed personal property ¹.

Who is covered and where

Lifetime coverage belongs to the original owner and is nontransferable, except where prohibited by law ¹. The warranty is only available in the United States and Canada ¹. The North Face reserves the right to reject claims for products bought from unauthorized sellers ¹.

Some states don't allow limits on how long an implied warranty lasts or exclusions of incidental damages, and the warranty notes you may have other rights that vary by state ¹.

How to file a warranty claim

1. Gather proof and photos. Have photos of the damaged product ready, and keep your proof of purchase handy because it may be required ¹.
2. Submit the online claim form from The North Face warranty page ¹.
3. Wait for the review. The customer service team responds within 5-7 business days ¹. The email confirms whether your item qualifies and outlines the resolution options ¹.
4. Send the item in if approved. Approved claims are processed after the product is received and evaluated at The North Face's warehouse ¹.

Gear bought within the last 30 days can usually just be returned; after that window, a manufacturing defect goes through the Limited Lifetime Warranty instead ².

What you can get

For a covered defect, The North Face decides the most appropriate resolution based on the product and the claim ¹. The returns section of the help center describes those outcomes as a replacement, gift card or repair, depending on the item, with replacements and gift cards issued once the defective item arrives at the warehouse ².

Repairs take time: typical repair time is 2-3 weeks, and it may extend up to 8 weeks during peak periods ¹.

Paid repairs for non-covered damage

The warranty page is not consistent on paid repairs. Near the top, it says The North Face is currently unable to process repairs for items not covered by the warranty ¹. Its limitations section still says non-covered damage may be repaired for a reasonable rate, with a fee for return shipping ¹. Before you ship anything that isn't a clear defect, email the Warranty team at [email protected] and ask what's available ¹.

Checking a claim and getting help

• Claim status: open the Warranty Claim form and choose "Check the status of a warranty claim" ¹.
• Fastest updates: log in to your account and ask the support chatbot, which is available 24/7 ¹.
• Phone: the Warranty team is at (855) 500-8639 ¹.
• Email: [email protected] ¹.

Broken or missing buckles

For a broken or missing buckle, email [email protected] with your name, shipping address, photos of the product and a description of the problem; the team will review it and advise on options ¹.

Quick tips

• Buy from The North Face or an authorized seller and keep the receipt – both can decide a claim ¹.
• Follow the care label: improper care and laundering damage aren't covered ¹.
• Take clear photos of the defect before you start the claim form ¹.
• Ordering boots? Their warranty is one year, not lifetime ¹.
• Compare other brands' coverage in our warranty guides or visit the The North Face store page.