GoKawiilNorth Face launches Universal Collection of adaptive camping gear
The North Face has released the Universal Collection, a line of camping equipment designed with accessibility in mind, which won a spot in Fast Company's 2026 Innovation by Design Awards. The project traces back to 2017, when the brand's first disabled sponsored athlete, ski mountaineer Vasu Sojitra, began pushing the company to rethink gear design for people with different physical abilities.
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Outdoor gear has traditionally been built around a single body type, effectively excluding many adventurers with disabilities from full participation in camping and mountaineering. By formalizing universal design principles into a mainstream product line, North Face signals that accessibility can be a competitive design differentiator rather than a niche afterthought, potentially pushing rivals to follow suit.
- The Universal Collection is North Face's accessible camping gear line recognized by Fast Company's 2026 Innovation by Design Awards.
- Athlete Vasu Sojitra, who lost his leg as an infant, was instrumental in urging the brand toward universal design starting in 2017.
- The collection reflects a broader push in outdoor industry design to make gear usable for people of varying physical abilities.
The North Face Base Camp Duffel — The North Face Base Camp Duffel is a versatile and durable bag perfect for any outdoor adventure. Its spacious design and rugged construction make it an ideal companion for campers of all abilities, aligning with the brand's commitment to inclusive, accessible gear showcased in their Universal Collection.
See The North Face Base Camp Duffel on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: fastcompany.com, 2026-09-14
Published there as: “How North Face designed camping gear that works for every body”
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