Fatty15 vs. Omega-3s: What this “good fat” does that the others don’t
Omega-3s get the glory but there’s another essential fat, deserving of the spotlight too, that quietly supports your health from a different angle.
Some trail running gear is designed to help you survive the conditions. The North Face’s new Flora Alpina capsule (men’s and women’s), part of the elite Summit Series, is designed to help you adapt and thrive.
Unveiled at some of the world’s toughest trail races this season, the Flora Alpina collection draws its inspiration from the remarkable survival adaptations of alpine flowers; those high-elevation specialists that have evolved to weather UV, ice, and storms without flinching.
That same resilience and focus on adaptation is built into every gram of this kit. Let’s break these new drops down, layer by layer.
Summit VECTIV Pro 3
Weight: 294g | Stack: 32mm | Lugs: 3.5mm | £225 / $250
At the core of this system is the Summit VECTIV™ Pro 3, The North Face’s most advanced trail shoe yet. Designed with elite ultramarathoners, it pairs a dual-stacked carbon fiber plate with nitrogen-infused DREAM foam for serious propulsion and control over long distances.
A durable SURFACE CTRL™ outsole with 3.5mm lugs handles the mixed terrain you’re bound to hit at altitude. It’s race-day ready, podium-proven, and built for the types of efforts that go from sunrise to starlight.
Summit Superior FUTURELIGHT Jacket
Weight: 220g | Waterproof: 100% | Breathability: 40K+ | £270 / $320
Mandatory kit that doesn’t feel mandatory. The FUTURELIGHT™ jacket delivers full waterproof protection with advanced breathability and storm-ready details, all at just 220 grams.
Its ultralight 3L membrane is seam-sealed and breathable, with 360° reflectivity for low-visibility starts or finishes. A stowable design, adjustable hood, and streamlined fit make it a real asset when the weather shifts mid-race, or disappears entirely into your vest when it doesn’t.
Summit Run Vest 10L
Capacity: 10L | Includes 2x 500ml flasks | £145 / $159
Thoughtfully built for long races, the Summit Run Vest 10L balances bounce-free storage with a customizable fit and smart pocket layout.
There’s space for soft flasks, poles, extra layers, and nutrition, plus a FlashDry™ back panel to manage sweat even when things heat up on the climbs.
Designed for the alpine mindset
The whole Flora Alpina capsule is an exercise in purposeful minimalism.
Every piece serves a function. Every gram justifies its place. And the collection’s aesthetic of muted tones, and refined silhouettes, nods to its natural inspiration without shouting about it.
You’ll probably have sees this gear on the backs of The North Face’s elite athletes this summer, tackling sky races and high-altitude ultras where the stakes are high and gear choice really matters.
Like alpine flora, this system is built to flourish. See the full collection, available now at The North Face.
