Youll be able to narrow your search based on the fabric you want, the size you need, or even by the activity youre planning on undertaking. Bean gear on the trails and around town in places like Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire. All in all, we consider it a nice middle ground between budget brands like Columbia and high-end specialists like Arcteryx above and Norrna below. Personally, I love their Phil Mid boot. Location: Salt Lake City, UtahPopular products: Fuego and TecaWhat we like: Retro styling and clear commitment to doing good.What we dont: Not a true performance brand and some dont love the bold looks. Giver: Best Outdoor Brand for Gloves, 10. Im a strong believer in buying gear for lifejust as long as you get the righttravel gear. All in all, this brand is definitively on the rise, and were excited by their recent progress. They have also partnered with the John Muir Trust, European Outdoor Conservation Association, and Community Action Nepal to support local projects in different communities. Founded in 1938 as a hat distributor, Columbia Sportswear has since grown to epitomize casual outdoor apparel. No Fjallraven? Cotopaxi is also a certified B Corp and climate neutral-certified, working to measure, offset, and reduce emissions and minimize their overall impact on the environment (for reference, their Do Good motto is featured on much of their clothing and accessories). We cant discuss Fjllrven without mentioning their signature and hardwearing G-1000 fabric, which they use throughout most of their lineup and consists of 65 percent polyester and 35 percent cotton. Outdoor Research: Best Brand for Outdoor Equipment, 11. Made for big American fatties with stupidly long arms! We especially like their new SuperStrand LT Hoodie, a synthetic piece that does a great impression of downs lofty warmth and compressibility (read our in-depth review here). These bad boys can handle fire, ice, boiling water you name it. Cotton often gets a bad rap in the outdoor apparel world for its inability to wick moisture (which can lead to hypothermia when you work up a sweat), but weve found that Fjllrvens blend is entirely functional, and you can apply their Greenland Wax for better water resistance. Helly Hansen has also designed a line of life and leisure wear, ideal for hanging around the house or hitting the beach. Outdoor Researchs mission is to provide gear that inspires people to venture outdoors. In 1992, the founders of prAna set out to create sustainably made and stylish yoga and climbing apparel, and the brand has mostly stayed true to those roots. Arcteryx below is the irrefutable leader in technical mountain apparel, but Patagonia gear consistently crosses over nicely between daily and backcountry uses. In the end, casual outdoor-goers can save serious cash by buying from brands like Marmot, Columbia, or REI Co-op, but Arcteryx remains the gold standard among hardcore adventurers and backcountry enthusiasts. Below we break down the best rain As the cold weather approaches, that doesn't necessarily mean it's time to stay indoors and shut down for the winter. Its not the cheapest brand on the market, but their gear will last forever (literally). This list is incomplete at best. A comfy pair of hiking boots is necessary. When Ithink about the top outdoor clothing companies, I look to see if they have three things: comfort, durability, and style. Impressively, The North Face also excels at the casual end of the spectrum, evidenced by their legendary and ubiquitous Denali fleece and around-town-friendly ThermoBall synthetic. Location: rnskldsvik, SwedenPopular products: Greenland,Vidda, and AbiskoWhat we like: A growing lifestyle brand that makes durable and hardwearing products.What we dont: Pricey, heavy, and sometimes overly technical looks. They also expanded into the ski realm recently with their Powderbound and Gore-Tex-equipped First Chair collections. Columbiais one of those outdoor brands that has just about everything you could possibly want when it comes to clothing. Thats a pretty damning comment, what makes you say that?. Theyre not too keen on supporting you if stuff breaks either. You never want to get stuck out in the elements with the wrong gear. Their hardshell lineup is particularly well-executed, including the flagship Trollveggen and ski-focused Lofoten. Your engagement on this site allows us to bring you this content for free. Replies to my comments. Unlike the brands above, Japan-based Montbell appeals to one very niche area of the market: the ultralight (UL) crowd. This means you can shop for and wear your new gear guilt-free. I also love their Ascender Soft Shell Jacket, which is versatile enough to wear in the spring or in the fall. For serious outdoor adventurers committed to traveling fast and light, it remains a top pick year after year (and MH recently released an even lighter UL version). The clothes at KHL is invariably top quality and is probably the most stylish outerwear companies on the market at the moment. Marmot is affordable compare to the other brands. If your ski gear is even a few years old, theres new technology out there that will help make good days on the snow even better. They also have different bags for cycling, biking, climbing, and even diving! On the hardshell front, the brands Exposure/2 collectionwhich ranges from the minimalist Paclite to the premium Gore-Tex Pronicely balances protection and weight, and their ski lineup also incorporates Gores proven membranes. In terms of outerwear, TNFs Summit Seriesranging from the expedition-ready L6 Cloud Down Parka to the more approachable Down Hoodieare undeniably premium pieces built for harsh conditions and demanding pursuits. Like Outdoor Research above and Eddie Bauer below, L.L. Then finally if youve arrived at the destination heading to the pub, then you can put on your Arcteryx hiking pant it will do well. Although its not the cheapest company on this list (jackets are between $250 and $700), you can still find a durable jacket or parka for your trip. I can guarantee that your jacket will last through the most rugged of adventures. One of their best selling items is the spring-loaded camming device for rock climbers. Besides pants, they also sell tops, outwear, accessories for both men and women. If youre looking for clothing, then Black Diamond also has you covered. However, Kathmandu produces more than just outdoor clothes for traveling. In fact, Barbour even has royal warrant to supply the Queen of English with all her waterproof and protective clothing! Based out of British Columbia, Arcteryx is an industry leader in technical mountain apparel and one of the most revered outerwear brands on the market. Like Outdoor Research, Eddie Bauer is a staple in the Pacific Northwest. Essentially, they stock everything you could ever need for your trip. They use recycled materials and energy efficient dying processes to produce their clothing. Additionally, availability is a little limited in the U.S. compared to many of the brands above (Arcteryx included), although a few reputable online retailers, including Backcountry and Evo, carry a healthy selection. Its incredibly easy to shop online in 2022, with a variety of gear retailers and manufacturers carrying most of the brands above. From winter jackets to down parkas, hiking pants, and trekking tights, Fjllrvens products are stylish, durable, and highly capable in mountain environments. Bean arent sold anywhere else). All told, if your outdoor goals include serious alpine and backcountry objectives, its worth having Norrna on your radar. One standout in prAnas current lineup is their Stretch Zion pant (and womens Halle), which snagged the top spot in our hiking pant round-up this year due to its excellent combination of comfort and performance. Arcteryx climbing jackets are way too boxy with long arms and Ive had quite a few. Within the products section, you can shop by activity this will help you find the exact bag you need, no matter what type of journey youre embarking on. The last of these often tend to be the hardest to find. Location: Kent, WashingtonPopular products: 650 Down Jacket, Rainier,and StormhengeWhat we like: Excellent balance of price and performance.What we dont: Cant match the fit and finish of brands like Arcteryx and Patagonia. Your email address will not be published. While jackets can run into the hundreds of dollars, at Patagonia you can kit yourself out reasonably well without breaking the bank. A leader in the fast-and-light category, Montbell is known for their ultra-premium down products (including the 1,000-fill-power Plasma series) and ultra-thin shells (like the 10-denier Versalite rain jacket). No doubt youve already seen people sporting this mainstay outerwear brand on some hiking route somewhere. They sell an array of items, including clothing, backpacks and bags, sleeping bags, jackets and more. REI Co-op is another great place to shopboth in store and onlineand offers a number of benefits and discounts to members throughout the year. All Although they produce great outdoor apparel, Marmot also specializes in outdoor gear, like winter jackets, merino wool, technical apparel, rain gear and backpacks. In general, Kuhl products are known for their distinctive and often utilitarian styling. Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. Founded in 1973 by accomplished rock climber Yvon Chouinard, the company has positioned itself as a staple in the outdoor industry with a vast selection of outdoor apparel ranging from hardshells to baselayers, accessories, and much more. Location: Rohnert Park, CAPopular products: PreCip Eco, Montreal, and MinimalistWhat we like: Excellent budget/mid-range offerings for the casual outdoor adventurer.What we dont: A step down in quality and cant match the expansive collections of the brands above. They may have my favorite hiking pants on the market right now! They also sell durable packing cubes to keep your clothing and other items organized while traveling. Since then, the brand has expanded its focus considerably and covers activities ranging from hiking to skiing, with a particularly well-executed selection of shells and insulation (both down and synthetic). Out of all their products, Barbour is most famously known for selling waxed cotton jackets. Made from leather and breathable mesh, theyve become my new favorite all-rounder boots for winter. The company was founded in the early 1900s in Freeport, Maine, and originally sold only a single product: their legendary duck boots, which remain a cornerstone in the lineup today and come in a wide variety of styles, colorways, and heights. Helly Hansen: Best Outdoor Clothing Brand for Jackets, 19. If your looking for durability Fjllrven and Klttermusen is your best bet. Required fields are marked *, Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. The Trollveggen competes with Arcteryxs top-end Alpha SV in a big way, with an alpine-ready Gore-Tex Pro construction, burly 70-denier face fabric, helmet-compatible hood, oversized pit zips, and even a secondary main zipper to accommodate thicker midlayers underneath. And their hoodies and tees are produced with recycled and organic materials. But notSmartwool! Have you ever gone camping with a sub-standard tent? From baselayers to daypacks, hiking and approach shoes, insulation, climbing and skiing gear, and more, Arcteryx products exude quality and top-end craftsmanship. Learn how your comment data is processed. Tortuga Outbreaker vs. Since then, the company has outfitted many defining expeditions across the world, including early summits of K2 and Mt. Their colorful line of parkas and fleeces are extremely comfortable. That said, weve been impressed by their down products in particular, including the MicroTherm series that uses premium 800-fill down and incorporates performance features like stretchy side panels and interior stash pockets for items like gloves or goggles. Fortunately, there is plenty of gear out there that still looks good, even as you take on the great outdoors. 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. Wool clothing can be warm, but its often itchy and hard to clean or take care of. In addition to backpacks, Osprey offers a range of bag-related accessories, including bag covers and toiletries packs. Osprey: Best Outdoor Brand for Hiking & Backpacking, 15. But Kuhl excels in the durability departmentweve been particularly happy with their hiking pant collections, including the popular Renegadeand the quality is excellent. If your looking for a down jacket to bring on more hard hikings Rab is your best choice. Columbia: Best All-Around Outdoor Clothing Brand, 13. Theyre built with durable cowhide and waterproof materials, which can withstand temperatures from -40F to 400F. Some of our long-time favorites within Marmots lineup are the PreCip (now the PreCip Eco) and Minimalist rain jackets and the Montreal Down Coat, all of which undercut the competition considerably and offer great all-around performance for light outdoor uses. Plus, youre supporting one of the little guys, which always feels nice. Two other European companies that stand out in the technical/high-end category are Norrna (below) and Mountain Equipment, although they have an even smaller presence in the U.S. market. But the biggest benefit is that it can regulate your body temperature while also staying odor resistanta huge help for those showerless, multi-day treks! Your email address will not be published. Most notably, the company stands out for their premium down products and growing fleet of Gore-Tex shells and snow gear. Location: Salt Lake City, UtahPopular products: Renegade and Arktik DownWhat we like: Great on-the-trail durability.What we dont: Utilitarian styling can be polarizing. I have looked at their product and it seems fit for purpose to me. Not to mention, the brand is pretty moderately priced given its excellent quality. But if youre looking for quality, then look no further than Mammut. Arcteryx: Best High Quality Outerwear, 2. However, Mammut is known for its durable and protective all-weather clothing. For example, the Watertight will soak through much faster than more premium shells, and breathability is a major step down with the cheap build and lack of pit zips. I like Marmot always have they make good clothing and Salomon for footwear. Another one of their most well-known pieces is the original Alpha SV Jacketa piece that will last you, literally, for your lifetime. Rab also makes a handful of premium Gore-Tex shells, including the fully featured Muztag GTX and ski-focused Khroma series. Ski jackets are the best fit for waterproofs, Tantalus, Rush and Sabre all top jackets and colourful/attractive too unlike the climbing jackets. However, keep in mind that Cotopaxi isnt a technical brand, and those looking for specialized gear for long and demanding mountain missions should instead check out companies like Arcteryx, Mammut, or Rab. Their collection of clothing and footwear is suitable for a wide range of activities, like climbing, biking, and mountaineering. Two other brands popup in my mind Jack Wolfskin and Mammut ! L.L. This innovated company has designed a line of itch-free, moisture-wicking and shrink-resistant wool products for different types of outdoor activities. No Monatne, Mountain Equipment, Rab, Paramo, Jottnar or PHD? 1. As with Kuhl above, some might find the looks a bit polarizing, but we personally like the unique fabrics and robust constructions. As a heads up for first-time buyers: outdoor clothing can get pricey. Having tried out a number of its products, I can vouch for the brand with confidence. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Most of their hiking pants are under $100, making them one of the most affordable brands. If youre looking for a one-stop shop,Kathmanduhas what you need. If your looking for a thinner insulation piece on your hikes Arcteryx is superb, their Atom and Proton is just fantastic. Which of these are you trying out on your next adventure? Great service. Unlike traditional bulky hiking boots, Forsake Co. shoes are stylish and made to fit your active lifestyle. Oh yes! Theyve been selling high-quality garments to the UK market for over 120 years. The North Face: Best Outdoor Clothing Brand for Snow Sports, 14. REI Co-op is well-respected among outdoor lovers all over the country, and for good reason. Their Watertight II rain jacket is case in point: Priced at $70 and often found online for less, you get a durable, 2-layer build that can handle moderate precipitation and short jaunts on the trail with relative ease. Availability is another downside for some, as their products are only sold in-store and through their website, with most of their retail locations focused on the East Coast. The North Facemight be one of the most recognizable brands on this lis. Below are the Patagonias popular Torrentshell got a notable update a few seasons ago, shifting from a 2.5-layer design to a more hardwearing and weather-ready 3-layer construction. You can usually find him on the trail, on the road, jumping from bridges or hustling on his laptop working to produce the best travel and outdoors content today. In addition to the steep price tags, Arcteryx offerings are often very technical and trim-fitting. Bonus: Columbias products are very affordable! Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. That said, reduced prices almost always come with reduced quality and performance, and Columbia isnt known for high-end materials or long-lasting designs. Thanks for the rec! Today, the company uses premium materials from brands like PrimaLoft, Pertex, and Gore, with popular offerings like the Stormhenge Down Hybrid Jacket and XeroDry and Stormbolt rain shells incorporating high-end fabrics at great prices. We primarily serve a US & UK audience and these are Scandinavian brands. Its worth noting that prAna was acquired in 2014 by outdoor giant Columbia Sportswear, but the quality and environmental ethos remain. Finally, we love that prAna often offers each piece in a wide array of colors and sizesone editor landed on the brand years ago because they sold a 31-inch-waist pant, which is fairly uncommon in the market. In terms of quality, their items are high-end, but the prices remain in the midrange region. After spending much of his childhood living in impoverished regions of Central and South America, Smith committed to creating a brand centered around giving back, and Cotopaxi does a lot of that today. Location: Freeport, MainePopular products: Sweater Fleece and 850 Down SweaterWhat we like: Well-made clothing that nicely transitions from the outdoors to around town.What we dont: Not widely available outside of the East Coast. But its hard to knock the styling and all-around appeal, which is why youre bound to see plenty of L.L. Bean nicely toes the line between casual and performance, although most of their products are best suited for activities like camping and hiking rather than technical backcountry pursuits (think cozy cabin trips, fall hikes, mild-weather snowshoeing, etc.). Much of Black Diamonds apparel has a climbing/backcountry skiing focus, which makes sense given the brands background. The latest Ghost Whisperer is a shining example: The original model helped define the ultralight down jacket category, and the latest /2 carries the torch with a sub-9-ounce weight, excellent packability, healthy dose of high-quality down, and functional feature set. This has absolutely no effect on our recommendations or evaluations. Since then, the collection has grown considerably and consists of a fairly impressive lineup of quality shells and insulation, as well as baselayers and accessories like hats and gloves. Named after the famous volcano in Ecuador,Cotopaxiis a company with a social conscience. From baselayers to down and winter jackets, Kuhl offers a nice selection of competitively priced options that will stand up to regular use and abuse. And if youre taking your little ones up to the mountain with you, they also have big selection of jackets, tops and footwear to purchase for kids. Location: Osaka, JapanPopular products: Plasma 1000 and VersaliteWhat we like: A leader in the ultralight insulation and rainwear markets.What we dont: Lacking in everyday appeal. In fact, theyre more affordable than other big name brands on this list. Great list, Ill definitely try to check out some of these brands. kathmandu is horrible, overpriced and the worst gear in the world. Smartwool: Best Outdoor Clothing Brand for Merino Wool, 12. They sell jackets, hoodies, gloves and hats to keep you warm and cozy during your trip. Backcountry excels in the outerwear market in particular, with a wide selection of brands and available colorways and sizes (as well as free standard shipping on orders over $50). You dont get the same painstaking attention to detail or top-end fit and finish of brands like Arcteryx, Fjllrven, or Patagonia, but youre not paying for it either. With 168 stores across the U.S., excellent sales throughout the year, and a host of member benefits (including a yearly dividend, access to Garage Sales, and discounts on gear rentals and shop services), REI stands out as a community-focused brand with a strong commitment to the outdoors. I haveits not pretty. Patagonia focuses a lot of its time and money on environmental and sustainability initiatives, including incorporating recycled materials and responsibly sourced down into their products, offering repair services (at select locations and via mail), and selling used gear through their Worn Wear program. In addition, REI is involved in a number of environmental and community initiatives, conservation efforts, and sustainability practices within its own line of outdoor apparel and gear. But the brands lifetime guarantee against defects is one of the most generous policies on the market, and prices are often good for what you get. They make base layers to keep you warm, breathable undergarments to keep odors at bay, and even socks and scarfs for winter. You can get a durable parka for under $200 and a backpack for under $100. With any of these outdoor clothing brands, youll stay toasty, cool, or dry. Shop discounted deals on major outdoor brands at REI. visitgors are acttually sharing pleasant Berghaus also takes measures to ensure that its brands remain environmentally and ethically conscious. The best thing about Forsake Co. footwear is that you can wear them for almost every type of activity. There are tons of benefits to wearing merino wool. Unfortunately, cutting weight often comes with compromises, and the main sacrifice here is everyday appeal. Location: Portland, OregonPopular products: Bugaboo, Steens Mountain, and WatertightWhat we like: An impressively wide selection of affordable clothing and gear.What we dont: Decidedly casual and not the best quality. Built to keep you warm even in the harshest of conditions, their award-winning hardshell parkas and insulated jackets are made with windproof and waterproof fibers. Being from Seattle, we get asked for rain jacket recommendations a lot, and we often steer people to the Marmot PreCip. Ill need to add them to the list. Instead, with the proper gear, you can get outside and enjoy the crisp air and beautiful snowy landscapes. Ill check it out. Let me know in the comments below! For a step down in price and performance from the brands above, Marmot represents an excellent value for the casual outdoor adventurer. Their down jackets, parkas, and rain shells are moderately priced, especially considering the high level of quality. This cozy insulation type offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio on the market and packs down smaller than synthetics for easy storage. But, that winter coat has lasted me four years so far and helped me brave the winds of Patagonia. Now you can do your part in protecting the environment while also looking super stylish. Additionally, many of the companies above have modern websites that allow you to access their full collections, including Patagonia, Arc'teryx, Outdoor Research, The North Face, and more (and as we mentioned, brands like Eddie Bauer and L.L. Marmotis one of those companies that offers the golden combination of good quality and reasonable prices. Their Fuego down jacket and Teca windbreaker are two particularly popular offerings, with fun looks and quality materials that both perform well for casual outdoor use and look good around town. Further, we appreciate the brands ever-growing focus on sustainability, highlighted by responsibly sourced down and recycled materials in many of their new and updated offerings. Location: Bellevue, WashingtonPopular products: MicroTherm and CirrusLiteWhat we like: A storied mountain brand with over 100 years of experience in the industry.What we dont: Popularity has waned over the years. This depends on the specific kinds of skiing you enjoy mostskinning up a sunny ridgeline in the North Cascades is far different than bracing Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Review. Unlike the brands above, Seattle-based Outdoor Research (OR) is popular in one area of the country in particular: the Pacific Northwest. With Cotopaxi, you can stay warm while also doing your share to help the environment. Their greatest strength is their hardshell jacket collection, including long-standing models like the Beta ARand Alpha SV. On top of its catalog of gloves, Giver has a decent collection of headwear, shirts, and accessories. As one of the biggest outdoor brands in the United States, they sell thousands of clothing items for a wide range of activities. Best of all, Jack Wolfskin products are extremely affordable, especially compared to other clothing brands. Barbour: Best for Everyday Jackets and Sweaters. They are a fashion brand. With over 700 stores across the world, German-based companyJack Wolfskinis one of the largest brands for outdoor apparel and sports equipment. Location: Salt Lake City, UtahPopular products: First Light, Mission, and StormLineWhat we like: A new but fairly impressive lineup of backcountry-ready shells and insulation. Arcteryx to last forever, litteraly is just a plain lieyes they make some of the best gear in the world but it wont last longer than comparable brands and by far shorter than otheralso Arcteryx do not have the most environmental friendly business. Like Arcteryx, Norrna focuses most of their efforts at the highly technical end of the spectrum, which also translates to steep price tags (the Trollveggen and Lofoten check in at $749 and $699 respectively). For more information and our top picks in each category, see our hiking gear, ski gear, and winter gear reviews. REI committed to making their own clothing in 2014 and quickly assembled a well-rounded lineup that runs the gamut from hardshells to down jackets, winter parkas, and more. The net result is remarkably low weights across the board, with the Plasma 1000 Down Jacket checking in at a scant 4.8 ounces and the Versalite at 6.4. 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. Besides clothing, The North Face also specializes in luggage, backpacks, rain gear and winter jackets. A few decades later, the company filed for bankruptcy, and Black Diamond was born. I think most of my outdoor clothing comes from Marmot, but it is great to see some opportunity for choice. And I saw you say you mainly serve US and UK but miss most of and the best UK brands! Another one of the most popular brands isPatagonia, which distinguishes itself in this sector with its commitment to saving the environment. In other words, these are targeted pieces that wont hold up to regular wear, and the styling is decidedly technical (we recommend reserving them specifically for hardcore adventures when weight and packed size matter most). It's tough to beat a great down jacket, whether its for casual use or tearing around the backcountry. Their unique fabrics and vintage washes make it one of my favorite travel clothing brands in the outdoor clothing category. Fromcarry-on backpacksto sleeping bags to rain covers for your luggage, Kathmandu has something for every category. This is one of the few brands that has all kinds of travel gear for sale on its website, includingbackpacking tentsof varying sizes. You can wear it alone or layer it under a heavier coat for colder days. Over the past 35 years, theyve donated more than $89 million different grassroots environmental campaigns around the world. 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! They have also partnered with dozens of brands and non-profits to promote outdoor education and environmental stability. Kathmandu gear is very low quality for its price. Cotopaxi: Most Eco-Friendly Outdoor Clothing, 7. Although they are known for high-quality outdoor clothing and technical apparel, they also sell a wide variety of accessories, climbing gear and backpacks. Location: Lysaker, NorwayPopular products: Trollveggen, Lofoten, andFalketindWhat we like: Arcteryx-level quality and performance.What we dont: Expensive, technical, and limited availability in the U.S. Not many brands can hold a candle to Arcteryx in terms of outright quality or performance, but Norway-based Norrna comes pretty darn close. Patagonia is a well-loved outdoor brand with a rich history in mountain exploration.
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