Many questions about the great outdoors remain unanswered, but one thing is for sure, The North Face is guaranteed to keep you fitted out for any adventure you seek.

We recently set out on a hike with British survival expert (and straight-up legend) Ray Mears and rapper Rejjie Snow to find out the answers to some of our burning questions whilst dropping The North Face’s new ‘Discover Your Trail’ collection out in the wild.

Let’s face it, there are tonnes of gizmos and gadgets floating around in the outwear ether these days, but when it comes down to it, nothing beats well-engineered and practical pieces to keep you kitted out for your next nature venture. From birdwatching through binoculars and scaling rocks along the mountainside at sunset, it’s fair to say that the latest The North Face collection kept us safe, secure, and so very cool in the peak summer heat.

As Mears told us, “there’s no substitute for just doing things. Practice is everything – it teaches you far more than theory”. So with this in mind, we got four nature lovers to put Mears’ mantra to the test.

Laurens

Talk me through your fit.

The look has two sides. One side adapts to nature with the green Vectiv Shoes and the dark pants, and on the other side, it just sticks out thanks to the orange high-contrast jacket. As a photographer and filmmaker, this fit gives me the flexibility and freedom to move and shoot quickly and efficiently, no matter the weather.

What is it about being outdoors that you love?

A sense of freedom. Hiking for hours to get rewarded with a view. Every place, mountain, and island has its own unique landscape and tells a different story.

Annie

Why this look in particular?

I wanted a cozy-slick-boxy silhouette hybrid look to complement my new Vectiv High kicks. I was also listening to Bladee’s new album, so that says a lot!

Three best things about the outdoors?

Fresh air, squirrels, and grounding myself.

What is one thing you would ask Ray Mears if you had the chance?

Have you seen Bigfoot?

Tsellot

Ok, so why the white pants when in the wild?

Some might say I’m nuts for wearing white pants in nature, knowing they’ll get dirty in a heartbeat — but that's how careless I am when out in nature, and that's what I love. Because of my long thick braids, I chose a more basic fit that stands out through color rather than layers. Simple but sassy is what I was trying to go for.

You organize your own outdoor hiking club and are known to be out in nature all the time. What is it about all of this that drives you?

Being outdoors grounds me. Every time I’m out there I realize how small we are as human beings — we’re literally a tiny fracture in the bigger picture. The stuff I worry about in my day-to-day life gets really small when I’m outside, and I can finally properly breathe. As someone that's been struggling with mental health issues, being outdoors regularly is not just something I love to do but actually a necessity — it's been a game changer for me.

And why do you choose The North Face?

Their designs just understand my urge to slay even when in nature (hello, Berlin city girl speaking) without failing to provide the high-tech and functional assets that are needed outdoors.

Dani

Why did you choose these pieces?

Living and cycling in and out of London require clothes and shoes that are light and durable. I like to be able to wear the same clothes on a hike as I would to commute. This is a perfect example of that. The quality is undeniable and engineered in a way that is just so practical and functional. Everything is made with purpose, and it's light - great for packing!

You love venturing outdoors to escape the city. Tell me more.

I love the feeling of detachment from the rush and pollution. Being able to breathe fresh air and being healthy, both in the mind and the body is key.

Ok, so you know Ray Mears. What would you want to know from him if you had the chance?

I’m a big fan of survivalism and bushcraft, so I’d love to ask him if he was in absolute isolation and in a complete survival setting with no access to tools, electronics, people, etc, what would be the hardest part to overcome - the physical struggle of trying to survive, hunting, trapping (and all the other things that come with it), or the psychological aspect of dealing with loneliness and isolation from the world?

Shop the Discover Your Trail collection here and in select The North Face stores.