December 24, 2013

The North Face Steep Series | Spotlight on Xavier de le Rue

Catch up with Xavier de le Rue, backcountry charger and Antarctic explorer, and take a look at the gear that keeps him safe, warm, and comfortable in even the most severe conditions.

words: Kelli Lynn Hargrove
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Xavier de le Rue, true product testing. | P: The North Face

Where has this season taken you so far?
I have to say that the season started quite a long time ago, with quite different goals for these few months — to get back into snowboard cross and to go and get a medal at the Olympics. So I have been traveling the world to train and now to compete, and that will be my program until February. After that I will be going back to my real world, the big mountains!

What are you plans for the rest of the season?
I will be filming for a while in Europe, and then travel to Alaska and to Svalbad later on in May.

What North Face gear are you riding with?
I am riding the Steep Series Collection; the Sickline jacket and pants, the Patrol 24 backpack, Patrol 24 ABS backpack, and the Patrol gloves.

What sets the Steep Series apart from other outerwear?
It is truly dedicate the freeride lovers. It really combines the specs for the climbs as well as for the riding it self. Same thing for the style, it has not been forgotten on he process.

How much rider input was taken into account in creating this series?
I think that TNF products biggest strength comes from the involvement of the riders in the process of making the products. So a few times a year we have meetings, we go and exchange with all the product developers, and we are really listened to.

Click through the photos below to check out Xavier’s kit:
[juicebox gallery_id=”7″]

What specific features did you request for your gear?
I have been pushing for the bib a lot, a longer fit, the construction and the color pick.

How do these features help you while you’re snowboarding?
I just feel great with what I wear, so I don’t have to worry about anything but snowboarding.

What is the craziest snowboarding adventure you’ve ever been on?
I think that “The Mission Antarctic” expedition has been the most intense. Between the travel, the isolation of being on the boat for a long period of time, and the ridiculous beauty of the place!

Favorite mountain (or place in general) you’ve ever ridden:
Definitely Antarctica! It’s a shame it is so far away, but I guess that’s part of its charm.

If you could tackle any dream line in the world, where would it be? Who would you be with?
Hard to say… it would probably be in Alaska.

Check out The North Face’s entire Steep Series – athlete driven gear than has truly proven itself where it counts.