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TNF Take Flight ... and Land in Europe

Rob / 31.03.2004

Well, they’ve been in Europe for a long time, but not on the web. Until recently the TNF web site was totally focussed on their home land of the USA and was not very useful for those in Europe. But the good news is they now have a European version of site, where you can see details of their new Flight Series of “the most adaptable, packable, and lightweight gear for minimalist adventures”.

The site has been well worth waiting for, it’s one of the best we’ve seen, with lots of product details, colour swatches, advice, sizing charts, instructions and links to online TNF retailers. Four out of five of these are in the UK, and it has to be said it’s a very anglo-centric version of a ‘European’ site – it’s only in English.

That aside the site has everything you could want. You can build your own gear list online, browse through all that lovely TNF gear by product type, look at what’s on offer for men women and youths, or even choose by activity. There is a good search, a store finder and links to those chosen to be online retailers.

The latest, headline products are the newly arrived Flight Series which focuses on small pack size, breathability and freedom of movement. It’s all of interest to adventure racers, and the range includes Prophecy Paclite jackets, trail shorts and tees and a mountain marathon tent. Our test team have some of this to put through it’s paces, but if you want to know more browse the site and you’ll see how good the presentation of the products is. (On-line retailers please take note!)

The Flight Series has been through some extensive testing and development by TNF athlete’s, who come from a range of sports. The new EU site now has whole sections devoted to expeditions and events the company is supporting, and to the ‘athletes’ they work with. Their list of endurance athletes is almost all from the UK, and half of them are adventure racers, as you might expect with UK Marketing Manager Keith Byrne leading the team.

This section is still under development, and in this case it’s the British athletes\' information is lacking on, so the profiles of the TNF team and it’s members are still to come. After their successes it will be good to see them get more recognition. Many of those listed from the UK will be performing and speaking at The Outdoors Show this coming weekend, where TNF are also sponsoring the Bouldering World Cup. (Watch out for the talk by Justine Curgenven on kayaking in Kamchatka.)

You can see the TNF EU site here.