• Northbound Gear

Northbound Gear

Overview

Northbound Gear has a rating of 3.8 stars from 1,674 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally satisfied with their purchases. Reviewers satisfied with Northbound Gear most frequently mention adventure pants, customer service, and good quality. Northbound Gear ranks 3rd among Outdoor Clothing sites.

Proactively asks for customer feedback

This company responds to reviews on average within 5 days

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 79%
Positive
316
Neutral
28
Negative
56

Instant Feedback

2,139 reviews

29
See all photos

What reviewers want you to know

Positive highlights

  • I love the winter women's pants so much I purchased the women's summer pants.
  • Just received my Women's "Adventure" Water Resistant Pants, they are the most comfortable winter pants I've ever owned.

Critical highlights

  • Absolute terrible and poor condescending customer service.
  • I purchased a pair of trousers which did not arrive and despite numerous emails to northbound gear no one reply.
How would you rate Northbound Gear?
Top Positive Review

“5 stars”

Douglas C.
11/13/23

Have ordered and received 2 Northbound Gear winter pants, 2 tactical belts and their high end winter coat. Very high quality; great fit, superb service. Especially impressed withe the fact I could order a 28 inch leg with 36 inch waist. Most clothiers start with a 30 inch inseam meaning extra tailoring charges and inconvenience. Will be looking for summer weight gear in a few short months.

Top Critical Review

“Awful return process- buyer beware!”

Ursula W.
2/26/24

Do not buy from this company if you live in the US, and do not trust the return process. I probably spent half a day, in total, with filling out custom forms and paying close to $30.00 to return a pair of pants to Canada. The company seems thorough clueless about providing a good buying experience. I had to send six emails in order finally to get 80% of my money back. Buyer beware.

Reviews (1,674)

Rating

Timeframe

Other

Reviews that mention popular keywords

customer service (125) northbound gear (129) summer pants (33) winter pants (32) shopping experience (47) canadian company (22) canada post (23)
Thumbnail of user douglasc914
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 13th, 2023
Verified purchase

Have ordered and received 2 Northbound Gear winter pants, 2 tactical belts and their high end winter coat. Very high quality; great fit, superb service. Especially impressed withe the fact I could order a 28 inch leg with 36 inch waist. Most clothiers start with a 30 inch inseam meaning extra tailoring charges and inconvenience. Will be looking for summer weight gear in a few short months.

Reason I chose this business:

Convenience, quality, price point, service, Canadian design.

Thumbnail of user northboundg1
Northbound G. – Northbound Gear Rep

Hi Douglas,

Thank you sincerely for sharing your experience with us and for the wonderful 5-star rating!

I'm absolutely thrilled to hear that you found our products to be of exceptional quality. Your satisfaction is paramount to us, and we truly appreciate your valuable feedback. Rest assured, we'll have a fantastic selection of summer weight gear available in the upcoming months, so be sure to stay tuned for those exciting releases!

Once again, thank you for choosing us, and we're eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to serve you even better in the future!

Thumbnail of user dennisw1265
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 9th, 2023
Verified purchase

Bought a pair of the Men's Adventure water resistant pants. My order came within two weeks, I tried them on an found them very comfortable. I had to wait for cooler weather to wear them. I love the fact that the fabric stretches and moves with your body. I've bought other outdoor pants but they were rigid and stiff. Will definitely be buying these pants and other Northbound gear again!

Reason I chose this business:

An advertisement came up on my Facebook page and when I researched the company,looked over their products and the fact they are Canadian based I was sold.

Thumbnail of user northboundg1
Northbound G. – Northbound Gear Rep

Hi Dennis,

Thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us and for awarding us a 5-star rating! We're thrilled to hear that you're enjoying your pants, and honored that you'll be returning for more Northbound gear in the future!

If you have any questions or need assistance with your next purchase, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help!

Thumbnail of user ursulaw78
1 review
0 helpful votes
February 26th, 2024

Do not buy from this company if you live in the US, and do not trust the return process. I probably spent half a day, in total, with filling out custom forms and paying close to $30.00 to return a pair of pants to Canada. The company seems thorough clueless about providing a good buying experience. I had to send six emails in order finally to get 80% of my money back. Buyer beware.

* Northbound Gear attempted to help this customer through the Sitejabber Resolution Center, but the customer did not respond

Thumbnail of user grzegorzw10
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 19th, 2023

Pants i ordered are great really like it but i got them like almost after month from order day
Im not use to such a long delivery lead time
Now i ordered (by mistake) a jacket,
Tracking number show that my order sitting somewhere in Jamaica NY for over e week now
That's really messed up

Products used:
pants, jacket

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user tinaw841
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
February 27th, 2023
Verified purchase

A quality experience and a quality pants. Excellent fabric, very well made. Fit through waist and hips is perfect. Only drawback is that I don't love the way the leg line, not quite streamlined or flattering. Will probably still keep.

Reason I chose this business:

The advertising sounded authentic, figured I'd try it.

Thumbnail of user alans1356
1 review
0 helpful votes
May 15th, 2023
Verified purchase

I used northbound gear on a remote Scottish ATV mountain trip with my cattle dog.it was top class and very ATV friendly..

Reason I chose this business:

Was told about it

Thumbnail of user dardeel
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 15th, 2023
Verified purchase

Shopping with Northbound was very easy. My new insulated pants are well fit, stylish for outdoor wear and good quality.

Reason I chose this business:

I liked that Northbound made gear specific for women. I find that outdoor companies often ignore woman as customers.

Thumbnail of user northboundg1
Northbound G. – Northbound Gear Rep

Hi Dardee,

Thank you for the fantastic feedback and the 5-star rating! I'm delighted to hear that shopping with Northbound was a breeze for you.

It's great to know that your new insulated pants are not only well-fitting but also stylish for outdoor adventures. Quality and comfort are our top priorities, and we're thrilled to have delivered on that for you. If you ever need more outdoor gear or have any questions, we're here for you. Happy exploring!

Thumbnail of user elijahf59
1 review
4 helpful votes
March 15th, 2022

Northbound came recommended by my hiking friends and I can see why, their backpack and tactical pants are truly impressive. The adventure pants especially are well made, very warm and reasonably waterproof.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user jasonn897
1 review
0 helpful votes
December 3rd, 2023
Verified purchase

Ordered 2 pairs of pants over a month ago. Still have not received. Northbound gears answer was to have me spend hours on the phone with the post office and still unable to find. They also refuse to refund by money. Very dissatisfied with how they have handled this. Will never use again.

Reason I chose this business:

They seemed to have a good a good product?

Thumbnail of user ninaz45
1 review
0 helpful votes
January 17th, 2023
Verified purchase

Great quality product, awesome fleece lining, great exterior material for hiking, but a poor fit. Very tight through the thigh and loose in the waist. I'm 5'2" and 160lb, ordered a short size 12. I can't freely move my legs to hike because of how tight the pants are in the thigh. Even with a belt, the pants are way too big in the waist and are consistently falling down. I won't be able to get another size because if I go down a size for the waist, the legs will be too tight, and if I go up a size for the legs, the pants will fall off my waist. I will need to be sending these pants back unfortunately.

Reason I chose this business:

Good material, lots of pockets, designed for what I love to do (outdoor activities) while staying warm

Thumbnail of user williamm4041
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
March 20th, 2023
Verified purchase

I don't why there is a tipping thing if there is no human interaction involved. This appears to be fully automated... anyway I'm not complaining, I have a pair of your winter adventure pants on that I absolutely love (I'm in Vermont and there is 2 Ft of snow outside).

Reason I chose this business:

I really like the product (winter adventure pants) and am trying the summer one. If quality and price hold I will keep buying... great product. You are doing a great job. Thank you

Thumbnail of user virginiae764
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 12th, 2023
Verified purchase

I was offered a timed discount of an additonal 25% if I added another pair of Adventure pants. I did add it immediately and the discount did not come through. The customer service chat person said they were sorry about that and gave me a code for 10% off. Also, the welcome discount code i received in my email was invalid! After I completed my order they offered me a 25% off coupon again. Shipping was slower than I had hoped but I did read it could take 2 weeks to 30 days after I made the order. Returns are not as smooth as I am used to with other company's. I filled out the request for return form twice. When I finally called to get return directions I was told they never got the request I had sent twice from their return merchandise page. I did then receive permission to return one of my items which has to be sent to Canada, not New Jersey where the package came from. Shipping costs were high. I am still waiting for one item on my original order. They were not clear about how the shipments would be divided for delivery in the beginning of this whole thing but that's a long story.

Thumbnail of user jeffw1580
1 review
0 helpful votes
January 19th, 2023
Verified purchase

The high level of comfort is deceiving given the degree of protection these quality pants provide. Trekking across a rugged landscape or kneeling over a hole in the ice, these pants move with you. Ordered 1 snug fit for active days and 1 slightly loose fit to allow room for a second layer on colder days. Great quality gear!

Reason I chose this business:

Was looking for an insulated pair of rugged wear pants that would provide protection from the elements.

Thumbnail of user cathyp490
1 review
0 helpful votes
September 12th, 2023

I bought one WeatherproofTactical" Jacket,I normally size is XL,we bought Xxxlstill very short and quality is not good,it delivered from china yiwu this town made most of cheap clothes of the world.the company website said all stuff made in canada it is not true

* Northbound Gear attempted to help this customer through the Sitejabber Resolution Center, but the customer did not respond

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user andrewt1444
1 review
0 helpful votes
August 24th, 2023
Verified purchase

I was a little bit skeptical buying clothing online, but decided to take a punt based on the great prices of both the adventure pants and the tactical jacket. I haven't tested them out in the bush yet, but even wearing them around the city keeps me so warm.

Reason I chose this business:

Ads looked interesting

Thumbnail of user northboundg1
Northbound G. – Northbound Gear Rep

Hi Andrew,

Thank you so much for giving us a 5-star rating! We understand that buying clothing online can raise some skepticism, and we truly appreciate your trust in choosing Northbound Gear. It's wonderful to hear that they have made a positive impression, and we hope that they serve you just as well during your future outdoor pursuits.

If you ever have more thoughts to share or if you need assistance down the road, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to ensure your experience remains top-notch.

Thumbnail of user wendya459
1 review
0 helpful votes
January 8th, 2023
Verified purchase

I just ordered another pair of pants but with the high waist option as I found the regular rise a bit too low for my liking. I just got the pair I ordered previously and LOVE them (other than the low rise)! I hope they come quicker than the last pair though...bit of a problem there, but they finally arrived!

Reason I chose this business:

Second pair...like the ones I already have.

Thumbnail of user shelleyh342
1 review
0 helpful votes
October 31st, 2023
Verified purchase

Love these pants this time of year when it is getting colder. Love to spend as much time as I can outside and these pants help me stay warm and dry. Will definitely be ordering more very soon.

Reason I chose this business:

Saw it advertised and read lots of greatcomments.

Thumbnail of user northboundg1
Northbound G. – Northbound Gear Rep

Hi Shelley,

Thank you for your wonderful feedback and for giving us a 5-star rating!

I'm happy that you love our pants and that they're keeping you warm and dry during this season. It's great to know that you enjoy spending time outdoors, and we're honored to be a part of your adventures. We look forward to assisting you with your future orders!

If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out. We're here to help!

Thumbnail of user beeb91
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
April 23rd, 2023
Verified purchase

I ended up purchasing about five items from Northbound Gear. I was told I would be given a discount, and the code wasn't working correctly for all the items so I contacted someone and they told me to go ahead with the purchase, and that the amount saved on the code would be reimbursed.

So I want to head with that and waited for the reimbursements, but I got an email saying that they could not figure out how to refund me my money. As an alternative they offered to give me a good discount for next time. However, I made a big purchase and I won't need a discount code anytime soon as I won't be buying anything anytime soon. I explained that to them and they said that they would look into it and get back to me. About two weeks have gone by and I haven't gotten any follow up from them even though they said they would get back to me right away.

No matter how good the products may be, it's not worth being lied to by the customer service team.

Will not purchase from you again unless this is resolved. I made a big purchase, so please stick to your original promises.

Tip for consumers:
All items are shipped from China and tend to get lost in the mail or take a long time

Products used:
Shees belt hat backpack survival bracelet

Thumbnail of user davep772
1 review
3 helpful votes
March 18th, 2022

To say I'm happy with my purchase would be an understatement. As I'm more than ecstatic with the winter weather trekking pants. They are true to size as well as being the most comfortable winter weather pants that I have ever purchased.

Products used:
Pants

Thumbnail of user debbiej430
1 review
0 helpful votes
January 18th, 2023
Verified purchase

The winter hiking pants are very comfortable and fit nicely. I ordered summer hiking pants too but haven't had a chance to try them out. They fit well when I tried them on.

Reason I chose this business:

I was looking for a pair of warm winter pants and saw the ad on Facebook so thought I would try them. Liked that Northbound is Ecofriendly and pants are designed in Canada

Thumbnail of user andyi66
1 review
0 helpful votes
July 2nd, 2023
Verified purchase

3rd item I have ordered.
All have been great in the bush!
Same great Service as usual.

Reason I chose this business:

Great products. Thx guys.

Thumbnail of user markn1492
1 review
0 helpful votes
October 30th, 2023
Verified purchase

Love the pants, great fit, great look. Definitely need to wear the pants with a belt though. The elastic waist is great for comfort but can ride down when bent over.
Constant email and marketing can be less. So many specials, and discounts its hard to keep track of whats a good deal or not. The more marketing that gets sent out, the faster it gets read and deleted maybe to my own detriment..

Reason I chose this business:

Searched the internet, looking for rain pants I could wear for golf.

Thumbnail of user staceyr348
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 30th, 2022
Verified purchase

Best work pants ever. I work in the logging industry marking timber. Ive had my first two pair three years and theyre still going strong. Amazingly comfortable as well. Thanks

Reason I chose this business:

Theyre amazing

Thumbnail of user garys2618
1 review
0 helpful votes
March 11th, 2023
Verified purchase

6 emails and 5 phone calls and you never returned my call emails were not much better said u would look into where my pants were no follow up got message that they were clearing customs ….really Vancouver to Toronto north to Bracebridge…3 weeks

Reason I chose this business:

Like the ad and what was said abt these pants

* Northbound Gear attempted to help this customer through the Sitejabber Resolution Center, but the customer did not respond

Thumbnail of user susanh4018
1 review
0 helpful votes
June 6th, 2023
Verified purchase

I have returned the Women's Explorer summer pants, Size 12 as they were too small. I had purchased size 14 last year and they were a bit too big.
I have exchanged the Women's Adventure Water Resistent pants size 12 because they were too short waisted. I purchased Size 14 last year and they were too big. I have asked to exchange them for Size 12 high waisted. Last year they came with a belt but not this year.
I noticed the styles have changed since last year and I don't feel the quality is the same.

Reason I chose this business:

Recommended by others

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From the business

Northbound Gear is a leader in water-resistant outdoor clothing, made tough with a strong commitment to the environment and the communities we work in.

Business History

ABOUT THE TEAM
The Northbound Gear Family is a small but mighty team of 12 movers and shakers from around the world. We span 6 continents and speak a combined 7 languages. A truly global team brought together for the sole purpose of creating the highest quality sustainable apparel on the planet.

HOW WE STARTED
As three outdoor enthusiasts, we set out on a mission to design innovative outdoor apparel that is durable, comfortable, & stylish.

The company name, Northbound Gear, symbolizes what we stand for. We are always moving forward and never looking back. From our products to our lifestyle, we strive to be the best we can possibly be, and design the best products to enhance your next outdoor adventure.

We are constantly field testing, noting customer feedback, and improving our designs so we can create the best possible products in the world. As a rule of thumb, If we won't wear it, we won't sell it!

If you have any feedback about your purchase or have any product ideas you would like to see us design, we’d love to hear from you!

Contact us and let us know how we can serve you better.

Onwards & Upwards!

Company Representative

Thumbnail of user northboundg1
Northbound G.
Shawn - Customer Happiness Team
Typically responds within 5 days
Shawn
I started working with Northbound Gear in 2019 after I took up hiking as a way to deal with the stress of a messy divorce. I first came across Northbound Gear on Facebook, bought my first pair of adventure pants, and was really impressed with the quality and performance of the gear. Looking for a switch in career, and a fresh start overall, I decided to apply to join the team, and instantly it felt like my new home. I've been with Northbound Gear ever since and I love my work. It's a pleasure working with customers who enjoy the outdoors as much as I do, and being of service to the most amazing community—I couldn't ask for anything more.

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3.8
1,674 reviews
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