In what appears to be an increasing trend, the North Face has launched a social networking site called Planet Explore. The online community is designed to connect people with outdoor activities, which of course they’d prefer we do while wearing their clothes and using their gear.
Planet Explore has all of the usual things you’d expect from a social networking site, including blogs, podcasts, and videos. It also offers a nice online calendar of events for your favorite activities, such as hiking, camping, climbing, and more. You can even narrow your search to a few select locations as well, and connect with other people who are interested in the same activities.
The site has an impressive list of partners, such as the American Hiking Society, the Sierra Club, Outward Bound, and more. It’s nice to see these outdoor and conservation focused groups join the community at such an early stage, and perhaps that bodes well for the future.
While the site is operated by The North Face, they are thankfully not over the top with the marketing of their equipment. The question is however, do we need another “online community” or “social networking” site? There seems to be plenty out there already, and I know I personally don’t need to join another.
- Gear Review: The Xero Scrambler Mid is an Ultralight Hiking Shoe for Spring - March 1, 2023
- Gear Review: Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler - August 18, 2022
- Kristin Harila Continues Pursuit of 8000-Meter Speed Record - August 16, 2022
Thanks Kraig for this news. I haven't checked out this new "online community" , but I am sure it will gain popularity in no time. I mean, we are talking about NF and other "big" outdoor corporations here. As for "whether we need another "social networking" site
or not"- this is not going to be like Facebook or Twitter ( I certainly hope so), people will share one interest only – their love for outdoors and adventures ( but I am sure, spammers will discover it soon). I belong to a number of "communities" (or meetups), and the perfect one is still long to come.
Pretty much agree with your comments across the board Paul. None of them are prefect, some are definitely better than others. This one has potential, and I like that there isn't North Face gear all over the site at the very least.