UKC

According to today's Independent http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/which-british-highstreet-sho... and Labour Behind the Label http://www.labourbehindthelabel.org/ one of the High Street's leading brands are looking a little guilty when it comes to ethical behaviour in sourcing their manufacturers.
The North Face used to make some quite good and practical equipment a few decades ago until their logo became so prominent and ubiquitous. Now there appears to be another good reason not to buy their stuff. They don't pay living wages to the staff who make their gear.
Its interesting to know that they are now part of the "VF Corporation", I think they became "corporate" years ago. I wonder if there are many niche quality manufacturers out there now. The Sherpa brand seems to be a nice new acceptable face on the scene...I think.
Not a new story but worth flagging up from time to time.

In reply to mcdweeb:

Every time I see The North Face jacket, I remember this picture/meme: http://theadventuresofamelia.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/nf.png

Honestly, I have a TNF Torrent 30 rucksack which I bought second hand for ~10 pounds (elsewhere outside UK, where I used to live). It was in 2007 or 2008, it is still going strong after some continuous abuse and I would trust it more than any other rucksack, though it is not comfortable with heavier loads (not intended to) and is too dirty to use it in urban environment. It seems that now it is a fashion brand with some high-level stuff. They also advertise quite a lot in climbing and mountaineering movies. Apart from Adidas (which is weird, isn't it?), no one else does it as much as TNF do.

It quite relates to another topic on UKC: http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?t=580044

In reply to mcdweeb:

Crux make some high quality products, still small and personal too.