Shipping Policy – Thenorthfane

At Thenorthfane, we know that getting your outdoor gear—whether it’s a waterproof ski jacket for an upcoming trip, a lightweight hiking backpack, or a durable camping tent—on time and in perfect condition is just as important as the gear itself. This Shipping Policy outlines our delivery options, processing timelines, shipping costs, and guidelines to ensure your order arrives safely and ready for your next adventure, no matter where you’re exploring.

1. Shipping Coverage

We proudly deliver our outdoor performance clothing & gear to adventurers worldwide, so you can gear up for your journey—whether it’s a local trail or a remote mountain:

Domestic Shipping: All 50 states in the United States (including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories like Guam—ideal for island hiking or tropical camping).
International Shipping: Major countries and regions across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and select parts of South America/Africa. A full list of eligible destinations will be displayed during checkout; if your location isn’t listed, contact our team at [email protected]—we’ll help explore shipping options for remote adventure spots.

2. Order Processing Time

Before your gear ships, we take extra care to prepare and verify it—ensuring technical items (like waterproof jackets or camping stoves) are in perfect working order and sized correctly for your needs:

Standard Processing: Most orders are processed within 1-3 business days (Monday to Friday, excluding weekends and major U.S. holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day). Processing includes:
Confirming product availability (e.g., checking if your preferred hiking boot size is in stock).
Inspecting gear for defects (e.g., testing tent zippers, verifying waterproof fabric seals).
Packaging items securely (with extra padding for delicate gear like ski goggles or tent poles).
Peak Season Adjustments: During high-demand periods—such as back-to-school hiking gear season, winter ski prep, or holiday shopping—processing time may extend to 3-4 business days. We’ll notify you via email if your order is delayed, and we’ll prioritize shipments for customers with upcoming trips (just mention your adventure date in the order notes!).

3. Domestic Shipping Options & Timelines (United States)

For U.S. adventurers, we offer flexible shipping options to fit your trip schedule—with a focus on protecting your gear during transit:

3.1 Standard Shipping

Cost: Free for all domestic orders (no minimum purchase required)—our way of supporting your outdoor journeys.
Delivery Timeline: 3-5 business days from the date of shipment (excludes processing time). For remote areas (e.g., rural Alaska for backcountry camping, Hawaiian islands for trail running), delivery may take an additional 1-2 business days.
Carrier: USPS Priority Mail or UPS Ground. Both carriers use gear-friendly handling (e.g., upright positioning for tents, padded containers for fragile items like camping cookware) to prevent damage.

3.2 Expedited Shipping

Cost: $14.99 per order (flat rate, regardless of gear size or value—great for last-minute trip prep).
Delivery Timeline: 2 business days from the date of shipment (excludes processing time).
Carrier: USPS Priority Mail Express or UPS 2nd Day Air. Ideal if you need gear fast (e.g., a replacement ski jacket for a weekend trip) or want to avoid waiting for essential items like hiking boots.

3.3 Overnight Shipping

Cost: $29.99 per order (flat rate—perfect for urgent adventures).
Delivery Timeline: 1 business day from the date of shipment (excludes processing time). To qualify for overnight delivery, orders must be processed before 12:00 PM ET (Monday to Thursday). Orders placed after this time or on Fridays will be delivered on the next business day (no weekend delivery for most locations).
Carrier: USPS Express Mail or UPS Next Day Air. We prioritize these shipments and add extra protective packaging (e.g., insulated bags for gear needed in cold climates) to ensure fast, safe arrival.

4. International Shipping Options & Guidelines

For adventurers outside the U.S., we partner with trusted carriers to deliver gear securely—with clear guidance to avoid delays that could disrupt your trip:

4.1 International Standard Shipping

Cost: Free for all international orders (no minimum purchase required—we cover shipping to get your gear to global trails).
Delivery Timeline: 7-14 business days from the date of shipment (excludes processing time and customs clearance). For remote international locations (e.g., mountain regions in Europe, Australian outback), delivery may take an additional 2-3 business days.
Carrier: DHL eCommerce or UPS Worldwide Saver. These carriers specialize in shipping outdoor gear and provide end-to-end tracking for most destinations.

4.2 Critical International Notes

Customs & Duties: International orders may be subject to import duties, taxes, or fees imposed by your country’s customs authorities. These charges are the responsibility of the customer—Thenorthfane does not collect or cover these fees. We recommend checking with your local customs office before placing an order (e.g., asking about duties for a camping tent or ski gear) to avoid surprises.
Customs Documentation: We include all necessary paperwork (e.g., commercial invoice, product safety certificates for technical gear like hiking boots) to declare your order as “personal outdoor equipment” (not for resale). This helps speed up customs clearance and reduces the risk of delays.
Gear Restrictions: Some countries have regulations on importing certain outdoor gear (e.g., restrictions on fuel canisters for camping stoves, or materials in waterproof jackets). We reserve the right to cancel an order if it violates local import laws, and we’ll notify you promptly with a full refund—so you can find alternative gear for your trip.

5. Order Tracking

Once your gear ships, you’ll receive a shipping confirmation email within 24 hours. This email includes:

A unique tracking number (linked directly to the carrier’s website, e.g., UPS.com, DHL.com).
Estimated delivery date (adjusted for your location and shipping method).
Tips for monitoring your shipment (e.g., setting up delivery alerts for when your tent arrives).

Tracking Tips for Outdoor Adventurers:

Domestic Orders: Tracking updates in real time—you can check status 24/7 to see if your hiking gear is on track for your trip.
International Orders: Tracking may take 48-72 hours to appear (due to cross-border processing). If tracking isn’t updating after 3 days, email us with your order number—we’ll work with the carrier to trace your gear (critical for time-sensitive trips like ski vacations).

6. Shipping Exceptions & Issue Resolution

We take extra care to protect your gear during shipping, but occasional issues may arise. Here’s how we resolve them to keep your adventure on track:

6.1 Undeliverable Orders

If your package is marked “undeliverable” (e.g., incorrect shipping address, recipient unavailable at a trailhead lodge), the carrier will attempt delivery 2-3 times. If delivery fails:

The package will be returned to our warehouse.
Once we receive it, we’ll email you to confirm your correct address (e.g., a campground’s shipping office or your home address for post-trip gear).
We’ll reship your order for free (no extra shipping costs) or process a full refund—whichever works best for your adventure plans.

6.2 Damaged or Missing Gear

If your gear arrives damaged (e.g., a crushed tent, torn backpack) or items are missing (e.g., no tent stakes in a camping set), take these steps:

Contact us within 7 days of delivery with your order number, clear photos of the damage/missing items, and the original packaging (if damaged).
Our team will review your claim within 24 hours and offer a solution:

Free Replacement: We’ll ship a new item (in stock) via expedited shipping if you have an upcoming trip.
Full Refund: Including original shipping costs—no need to return severely damaged gear (we may ask you to discard it for safety).
Missing Items: We’ll ship the missing parts (e.g., tent stakes, backpack rain covers) for free, with tracking.

6.3 Lost Packages

Domestic Orders: If your gear is marked “shipped” but not delivered within 7 business days of the estimated date, contact us. We’ll file a claim with the carrier and, upon confirmation of loss, reship your order or issue a full refund—prioritizing delivery if you have a trip planned.
International Orders: For lost international packages, claims take 2-4 weeks to resolve (due to cross-border logistics). We’ll keep you updated throughout the process and ensure you get your gear or a refund as soon as possible.

7. Shipping FAQs for Adventurers

Can I change my shipping address after placing an order? We can update your address only if your order hasn’t shipped. Contact us within 12 hours of placing your order with your order number and new address (e.g., a friend’s house near your hiking trailhead)—once shipped, we can’t modify delivery details.
Do you ship to PO boxes or APO/FPO addresses? Yes! We ship to U.S. PO boxes (via USPS) and APO/FPO addresses (via USPS Military Mail) for military adventurers deployed overseas. Overnight shipping isn’t available for these addresses, but standard shipping is free.
How do you protect gear during shipping? We use gear-specific packaging:
Tents and large items: Sturdy cardboard boxes with bubble wrap and corner protectors.
Technical clothing: Water-resistant poly bags to prevent damage from rain during transit.
Fragile items (e.g., ski goggles, camping stoves): Padded envelopes or foam inserts to avoid scratches or dents.

At Thenorthfane, we’re committed to making your shipping experience as smooth as your adventure. If you have questions about your order’s delivery or this Shipping Policy, contact our team at [email protected]—we’re fellow outdoor lovers, and we’ll help you get geared up for whatever trail lies ahead.