Andy Altepeter

Technical Development Manager, Apparel Wear Testing

The North Face

How did you get started in product?

I didn’t initially set out to work in product development; I thought my career would remain rooted in outdoor education and guiding. However, spending so much time in the field, I became incredibly detailed and thoughtful about my apparel and equipment systems. I was always analyzing how products performed, making notes on how they could be refined, and considering how different pieces worked together holistically. That curiosity, combined with some fortunate networking, steered me toward the team I lead now, where we validate products through field testing. I genuinely feel grateful every day to help bring better gear to life, knowing it might help someone stay warm, go farther, or feel more confident out there doing what they love.

Can you tell us about your role?

I oversee field testing and validation for key apparel programs and advanced concepts at The North Face. While apparel and components are also validated through lab testing, my team leads structured wear testing initiatives where detailed insights can be gathered and analyzed. A key part of my role is leveraging data from platforms like MESH01 to inform decision-making at key moments in our go-to-market process and ensure our products meet and exceed expectations in real-world conditions.

What are some of the primary challenges you’ve faced while seeking or gathering product feedback?

One of the biggest challenges in product testing is ensuring that feedback is both actionable and representative of real-world use cases. With such a diverse range of consumers, from elite athletes to everyday adventurers, it’s crucial to structure tests that capture meaningful data without overwhelming the process. Another challenge is balancing qualitative and quantitative insights to provide a complete picture of how a product is performing.

How long have you been using MESH01 for product feedback?

We’ve been using MESH01 for more than five years now, and it has become an essential tool in our product testing ecosystem. It allows us to streamline our tester engagement, collect structured feedback, and generate insights that directly influence product decisions.

How do you typically use MESH01 in your product creation processes?

MESH01 plays a critical role in gathering targeted feedback at various stages of product development. We use it to recruit testers, collect both qualitative and quantitative data, and analyze insights that help refine everything from fit and function to durability and user experience. Our tests span everything from early-stage concepts to existing styles featuring new material developments to commercialized products. The platform enables us to quickly identify trends, address potential issues early, and ensure our products meet consumer expectations before they hit the market.

How has using a customer feedback platform impacted your work?

Having a structured platform for gathering and analyzing feedback has transformed how we validate products. It allows us to make data-driven decisions with confidence, reduces the guesswork in product refinement, and helps align our internal teams around real user insights. The ability to centralize and track tester feedback over time has also enhanced our ability to measure long-term performance and durability.

Why is engaging customers during product creation important to you and The North Face?

Engaging customers early in the process ensures that we’re creating products that truly meet their needs. The North Face is built on a legacy of exploration, and our customers push our gear to the limits. By involving them in the development process, we can create products that are more functional, durable, and aligned with real-world demands. This collaboration strengthens our connection with the outdoor community and keeps us at the forefront of innovation.

Have you ever been surprised by tester feedback?

Absolutely. I’ve been surprised when testing new concepts or innovations and seeing how, over the course of field testing, perceptions that were originally more skeptical have shifted dramatically as testers recognized value in real-world scenarios. Ideas that didn’t fully resonate at first sometimes become standout components once their functionality and performance are experienced in context. It’s a great reminder that thoughtful design, validated through wear testing, can reveal the potential of ideas that don’t immediately click.

What types of product feedback do you find to be the most useful?

The most valuable feedback is specific, detailed, and tied to real-world use cases. While stories from multi-day expeditions and extreme conditions can bring to light critical performance insights, we also place high value on the everyday details that general consumers notice. Things like pocket usability, zipper feel, or how a layer integrates into someone’s daily system can drive meaningful refinements. Whether it’s a technical issue on a mountaineering trip or a small design friction in day-to-day use, these observations help us create better, more versatile gear for everyone.

How does consumer product feedback impact The North Face?

Consumer feedback is at the core of how we refine and innovate our products. It helps us validate new materials, optimize designs, and ensure that our gear performs in the environments it was built for. This input not only enhances individual products but also informs broader trends and advancements in our product lines.

What advice would you give to someone looking to get started in a role like yours?

Be curious and gain as much hands-on experience as possible. Understanding how products function in real-world conditions is invaluable, and you don’t necessarily need a traditional product development background to get started. My own path came from extensive time in the field, developing deep expertise in the end-use of products and how equipment and apparel systems work holistically. I encourage anyone interested in this type of work to talk to people in product development and product testing roles, ask questions, and learn more about what the job actually entails. Reaching out to people in the industry can help you better understand if this is a direction you’d like to pursue. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn! I’m happy to share more about what this work looks like day to day.

Do you have a message you’d like to share with your product feedback community?

Thank you! The insights you provide are invaluable to making better products. Your honest feedback, detailed observations, and willingness to put gear to the test directly shape the future of outdoor apparel. Your input helps ensure that every piece of gear performs at the highest level, so keep exploring, pushing limits, and sharing your experiences!

Andy Altepeter

Technical Development Manager, Apparel Wear Testing

How did you get started in product?

Can you tell us about your role?

What are some of the primary challenges you’ve faced while seeking or gathering product feedback?

How long have you been using MESH01 for product feedback?

How do you typically use MESH01 in your product creation processes?

How has using a customer feedback platform impacted your work?

Why is engaging customers during product creation important to you and The North Face?

Have you ever been surprised by tester feedback?

What types of product feedback do you find to be the most useful?

How does consumer product feedback impact The North Face?

What advice would you give to someone looking to get started in a role like yours?

Do you have a message you’d like to share with your product feedback community?

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