If there’s one thing every traveler should have, it’s high quality gear from one of the best outdoor clothing brands on the market.
When I think about the top outdoor clothing companies, I look to see if they have three things: comfort, durability, and style.
The last of these often tend to be the hardest to find. There’s no point in having a winter jacket that lasts a lifetime if it looks terrible. Fortunately, there is plenty of gear out there that still looks good, even as you take on the great outdoors.
As a heads up for first-time buyers: outdoor clothing can get pricey. The first time I bought a heavy duty down jacket I almost had a heart attack. But, that winter coat has lasted me four years so far and helped me brave the winds of Patagonia.
Outdoor clothing is expensive but well worth the investment. I’m a strong believer in buying gear for life—just as long as you get the right travel gear.
Here are some of my favorite outdoor apparel brands to help get you started:
I was delighted with the North Face when I took a nine-year old jacket for repair (the lining tapes had come lose) and they replaced it with a new one. Great service.
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Two other brands popup in my mind – Jack Wolfskin and Mammut !
Oh yes! Those are good ones too. I’ll need to add them to the list.
I was surprised that fjallraven wasn’t on the list
kathmandu is horrible, overpriced and the worst gear in the world
That’s a pretty damning comment, what makes you say that?. I have looked at their product and it seems fit for purpose to me. I accept it isn’t highe end mountaineering but then its no true meant to be.
I think most of my outdoor clothing comes from Marmot, but it is great to see some opportunity for choice. Great list, I’ll definitely try to check out some of these brands.
i will love to visit Cotopaxi
Oh yes! Those are good ones too. I’ll need to add them to the list.
Thanks for sharing clothing brands.
You will look like a dork wearing North Face. They are a fashion brand.
Why isn’t Rab on this list?
Hadn’t heard of it! Looks like it’s a British brand. I’ll check it out. Thanks for the rec!
Thanks for sharing clothing brands.
Well.. this stuff might work in California but by no means does it cut it in Scandinavia where you encounter four seasons on a hiking trip.
Arc’teryx to last forever, litteraly is just a plain lie…yes they make some of the best gear in the world but it won’t last longer than comparable brands and by far shorter than other…also Arc’teryx do not have the most environmental friendly business.
If your looking for durability Fjällräven and Klättermusen is your best bet. This is products that really come close to lasting for ever.
If your looking for a down jacket to bring on more hard hikings Rab is your best choice.
If your looking for a thinner insulation piece on your hikes Arc’teryx is superb, their Atom and Proton is just fantastic.
If your looking for wool pieces to seriously keep you warm nothing, and I mean nothing, beats Devold.
If your looking for the greatest there is in softshell, Rab is where you find it.
If your planning on climbing and walking while needing a shell jacket, Rab also have that one.
If your looking for the most hard-wearing pant for all year use Kkättermusen Gere is what you need.
If your looking for the most comfortable and usable pant Fjällräven Keb is the top piece.
If you are looking for a shell pant to keep you safely dry Arc’teryx got them.
Then finally if you’ve arrived at the destination heading to the pub, then you can put on your Arc’teryx hiking pant 🙂 it will do well.
Thanks for your recommendations, Daniel!
Hadn’t heard of it! Looks like it’s a British brand. I’ll check it out. Thanks for the rec!
I think Fjallraven should be on this list based on their commitment to the environment and durability of products. They may have my favorite hiking pants on the market right now!
Marmot is affordable compare to the other brands.
No Norrona? No Fjallraven? This list is incomplete at best.
We primarily serve a US & UK audience and these are Scandinavian brands. While their products are available here from specialty stores, they’re not common and don’t suit our market.
Kathmandu gear is very low quality for its price. They’re not too keen on supporting you if stuff breaks either.
No Monatne, Mountain Equipment, Rab, Paramo, Jottnar or PHD? And I saw you say you mainly serve US and UK but miss most of and the best UK brands!
Berghaus is good and all but way too mainstream, streetwear for chavs and same with North Face.
I like Marmot always have they make good clothing and Salomon for footwear.
Arcteryx climbing jackets are way too boxy with long arms and I’ve had quite a few. Made for big American fatties with stupidly long arms! Ski jackets are the best fit for waterproofs, Tantalus, Rush and Sabre all top jackets and colourful/attractive too unlike the climbing jackets. If I’m spending a lot of money on a jacket, on top of the obvious which is functionality I want it to look good as well. Arcteryx are more like a fashion brand I see more people on a street wearing it or hiking in the Lake District rather than on a mountain!
I stick to mainly British brands but Mammut reign supreme for me, the Nordwand Pro urinates all over the Alpha SV with looks and fit but both do the same thing.