Silver Winner In The Category Outdoor Lifestyle
Historically, the outdoor gear market has been designed around a narrow range of body types and physical abilities, leaving significant portions of the active population underserved. However, as awareness of inclusive design grows, so does the demand for gear that genuinely works for a wider range of users, including wheelchair users and those with other mobility or visual impairments. The North Face Universal 20L Daypack is part of the brand’s Universal Collection, which was developed in collaboration with adaptive athletes to address this issue. It has been recognised as the winner of the European Outdoor Award.
The Universal 20L Daypack features an adaptive carry system designed to fit a wide range of body types and mobility devices; a one-handed FIDLOCK® magnetic top closure for quick, uninhibited access; and a self-standing haul-boot construction for convenient loading and unloading. Intentional material, trim and colour cues provide orientation support for users with visual impairments. As a European Outdoor Award winner, the pack demonstrates that functional, technical outdoor gear and genuine inclusivity are not mutually exclusive.
What convinced the jury:
★ The Adaptive Carry System
The configurable straps fit a wide range of body types and mobility devices, including wheelchairs. This allows for versatile and comfortable use by all explorers, regardless of their physical ability.
★ FIDLOCK® magnetic top closure
The top closure enables quick and intuitive one-handed access, even when wearing gloves or mittens. This removes a common usability barrier for users with limited hand function or dexterity.
★ Self-standing design and intentional cues
The haul-boot construction allows the pack to stand upright for easier loading and unloading. Meanwhile, strategically placed materials, trims and colour cues provide orientation support for users with visual impairments.
Jury Statement:
The Universal Daypack was developed through the lens of universal design – the result is a product that removes real barriers without compromising technical performance.
Product Scoring:
Inclusive by design, not by compromise
The innovation of the Universal 20L Daypack lies as much in its development methodology as in its specific features. Designed with direct input from adaptive athletes Vasu Sojitra and Maureen Beck, the pack’s design reflects real-world requirements rather than assumed needs.
The combination of an adaptive carry system, one-handed magnetic closure, self-standing construction and intentional visual cues makes the pack genuinely usable for people with a wide range of physical abilities, without compromising on durability or performance. The construction, inspired by climbing packs, and the rugged, water-resistant materials meet the same standards as The North Face’s performance line.
Product Specifications:
- Volume: 20 litres
- Weight: 780 g
- Colours: TNF Black / Summit Gold
- Closure: FIDLOCK® auto-locking magnetic closure (main compartment)
- Construction: Climbing-pack-inspired haul-boot, self-standing
- Retail price: €135
- Guarantee: 2 years
The North FaceThe North FaceThe North FaceDesign & Materials
The Universal 20L Daypack is made from a rugged, highly water-resistant fabric and features a durable boot construction inspired by climbing packs to ensure long-term performance. The adaptive carry system boasts configurable webbing straps that can be adjusted to fit a wide range of body types, and it can also be attached to wheelchair frames. The FIDLOCK® magnetic closure on the main compartment can be operated with one hand and locks automatically, eliminating the need for visual alignment.
Intended Usage
The North Face Universal 20L Daypack was designed to make outdoor exploration more accessible for a wider range of athletes and adventurers.
- Day hiking and outdoor exploration
- Everyday carry and commuting
- Use with wheelchairs and other mobility devices
- Activities requiring one-handed gear access
Target group: All explorers, including those with diverse body types, users of mobility devices and individuals with visual impairments. It is also suitable as a versatile everyday daypack for users seeking an accessible and functional design.
Interview with Lorenzo Ferro
We sat down with Lorenzo Ferro, Product Merchandiser at The North Face, to find out more about the newly awarded daypack and The North Face’s new Universal Collection in general.
In your opinion, what is the key innovation or USP of your product?
The key innovation behind the Universal Collection lies in its inclusive, user-centred design approach. Developed around core principles such as equitable use, flexibility, intuitive functionality, low physical effort and ease of access, the collection rethinks outdoor equipment through a more universal lens. What began as a project focused on supporting people with limited mobility evolved into a broader innovation platform designed to make the outdoors more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Importantly, the insights and solutions developed through the collection are already influencing future technical innovations across The North Face product ecosystem — for example, oversized zipper systems first introduced in the Universal Collection will be integrated into Summit Series bags from Spring/Summer 2027 onward.
Who is the product designed for?
The Universal Collection was created for a broad spectrum of outdoor users, with a particular focus on improving accessibility and ease of use. While initially inspired by the needs of people with limited mobility, the collection ultimately serves anyone seeking more intuitive, functional and user-friendly outdoor equipment. The goal was to design products that reduce barriers and create a more inclusive outdoor experience without compromising on performance or design.
What is the specific performance advantage for the end consumer and why should they buy your product?
The key performance advantage of the Universal Collection is its ease of use. Every design decision was made to minimise physical effort and maximise accessibility — from simplified tent setup to easier entry and access points in sleeping systems. Features such as oversized zippers, intuitive construction and thoughtful ergonomics create a smoother user experience in outdoor environments. Consumers benefit from gear that is not only highly functional, but also more comfortable, practical and confidence-inspiring to use in real-world conditions.
What does the EOG Outdoor Award mean to you?
Receiving recognition from the EOG Outdoor Award represents an important milestone for The North Face and the Universal Collection. It highlights the importance of inclusive innovation within the outdoor industry and reinforcees the idea that accessible design can drive meaningful product advancements for all consumers. We hope the recognition helps inspire broader conversations around inclusivity in the outdoors while further amplifying the collection’s mission to make outdoor exploration more approachable and welcoming for everyone.
