When you're gearing up for an adventure, brands like Columbia and Patagonia are often the first names that come to mind. They've built a reputation for creating durable, functional, and dependable outdoor apparel that performs when you need it most, whether you're hitting the trails or just braving a rainy day.
But the world of outdoor gear is vast and full of amazing brands that offer unique styles, specialized tech, and different price points. If you love the reliable quality of Columbia and Patagonia but are curious about what else is out there, we've got you covered. Here are 17 other excellent outdoor brands worth checking out.
An icon in the outdoor world, The North Face offers high-performance apparel and gear for everyone from serious mountaineers to city explorers. Their technical jackets, backpacks, and tents are known for their durability and innovative design. While Columbia is known for its accessibility and broad appeal, The North Face often carries a slightly higher price point (jackets range from $70-$400) and leans more into specialized gear for extreme conditions.
Their style has famously crossed over into streetwear, making them a brand that's as comfortable on a mountain peak as it is on a city street. If you're looking for gear that combines technical prowess with a cool, modern aesthetic, this is a great place to start. Shop now at thenorthface.com
Arc’teryx is the gold standard for high-tech, minimalist outdoor gear. Renowned for its cutting-edge materials and meticulous construction, the brand creates apparel for serious climbers, skiers, and hikers who demand peak performance. With pieces often priced between $150 and $600, it sits at a premium tier above Columbia and Patagonia.
While sharing a focus on durability, Arc’teryx stands out with its sleek, lightweight designs and obsession with technical detail. It’s the brand you choose when you want professional-grade functionality wrapped in a sharp, understated aesthetic. Shop now at arcteryx.com
As a member-owned cooperative, REI is a one-stop-shop for outdoor enthusiasts. Their in-house brand, REI Co-op, offers a fantastic range of practical and budget-friendly apparel and gear, with most items priced from $20 to $300. Similar to Columbia, their private label brand provides reliable performance for hiking, camping, and other outdoor sports.
What makes REI Co-op stand out is its commitment to sustainability and accessible pricing. It's a fantastic alternative if you love the dependability of bigger brands but want to support a community-oriented company with a strong focus on eco-conscious products. Shop now at rei.com
No list would be complete without Patagonia, a trailblazer in sustainable outdoor gear. Beyond their high-quality fleeces, technical jackets, and everyday apparel, their core mission is environmental activism. Prices typically range from $60 to $350, reflecting their commitment to using recycled materials and ethical manufacturing processes.
Whereas Columbia often leads with tech-driven features like Omni-Heat, Patagonia leads with its environmental promise. Their gear combines casual, functional style with a purpose, appealing to outdoor lovers who want their purchases to make a positive impact. Shop now at patagonia.com
Mountain Hardwear specializes in highly technical gear designed for the rigors of climbing, skiing, and mountaineering. They share Columbia's focus on weather-resistant durability but cater to adventurers tackling more extreme environments. With prices ranging from $80 to $400, their products are built for high-performance use.
Their gear is engineered with innovative fabrics to withstand the toughest conditions, making them a go-to for those who need equipment they can trust when the stakes are high. If your adventures take you to high altitudes and challenging climates, Mountain Hardwear is a name you can rely on. Shop now at mountainhardwear.com
Marmot is a fantastic brand known for its high-quality outdoor clothing and equipment, especially waterproof jackets, tents, and sleeping bags. Their products, typically priced between $50 and $350, offer excellent value by blending performance with affordability. Like Columbia, Marmot puts a strong emphasis on weatherproof technology and durability.
Where they differ is in their aesthetic, Marmot often features a more vibrant color palette and a slightly more contemporary outdoor style. It's an ideal choice for outdoor lovers who want dependable, high-performance gear that doesn't break the bank. Shop now at marmot.com
Black Diamond is the brand for dedicated climbers, skiers, and mountain athletes. They create specialized equipment like headlamps, harnesses, and carabiners, alongside sleek, performance-oriented technical apparel. While they share Columbia's dedication to durability, Black Diamond hones in on equipment for specific mountain sports.
With accessories starting around $20 and technical shells reaching up to $500, they serve professionals and serious enthusiasts. It's the place to go when you need expert-level hardware and apparel for vertical or backcountry adventures. Shop now at blackdiamondequipment.com
With roots in sailing and Scandinavian design, Helly Hansen excels at creating waterproof and insulated gear for wet and cold conditions. They are a top choice for skiing, sailing, and severe winter weather, with prices ranging from $80 to $400. While also focused on weather-resistant technology, they cater to more extreme weather enthusiasts than the average Columbia customer.
Their gear masterfully blends functionality with a clean, European style. If you need hardworking apparel for the harshest environments that still looks sharp, Helly Hansen delivers. Shop now at hellyhansen.com
Cotopaxi brings a blast of color and a powerful social mission to the outdoor gear space. Known for their vibrant, often one-of-a-kind jackets and backpacks made from repurposed materials, their style is impossible to miss. Priced from $50 to $200, Cotopaxi makes functional gear with a unique personality.
Their "Gear for Good" promise means every purchase supports global poverty alleviation. While Columbia provides practical, reliable basics, Cotopaxi offers expressive, functional pieces for those who want their gear to tell a story and make a difference. Shop now at cotopaxi.com
Prana creates versatile, eco-friendly apparel perfect for those who seamlessly transition from the yoga studio to the hiking trail. Their clothing, priced from $40 to $150, blends sustainable fabrics with a casual, stylish vibe. Compared to Columbia's sporty focus, Prana’s aesthetic is more relaxed and fashion-forward.
This brand is ideal for those who value comfort and multifunctionality. Their pieces are designed to perform during outdoor activities but are stylish enough for everyday life, making them some of the most versatile clothes in your closet. Shop now at prana.com
Outdoor Research (often called OR) offers thoughtfully designed technical gear for serious adventurers. They are particularly famous for their award-winning gloves, hats, gaiters, and waterproof jackets. With prices ranging from $50 on accessories to over $400 for technical shells, OR serves those who don't compromise on equipment.
Much like Columbia, they build durable, weather-ready gear. However, OR zeroes in on the more hardcore user, with innovative designs and specialized features tailored to mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and alpine climbing. Shop now at outdoorresearch.com
It's always worth circling back to the original inspiration. Columbia remains a crowd favorite for a reason: they consistently deliver reliable, high-performance outdoor gear at an accessible price point, typically from $40-$200. Their signature technologies, like Omni-Heat reflective lining and Omni-Tech waterproofing, offer tangible benefits in keeping you warm and dry.
Their practical, sporty style is designed for the everyday outdoor enthusiast - whether you're fishing, hiking, camping, or just walking the dog on a chilly morning. For dependable quality that simply works, Columbia is tough to beat. Shop now at columbia.com
Sierra Designs is dedicated to making the outdoors more accessible with cleverly designed, user-friendly gear. They specialize in lightweight tents, sleeping bags, and apparel ideal for backpackers and campers who prioritize function and simplicity. Their gear is generally priced from $50 to $300.
Like Columbia, they offer reliable and durable equipment, but Sierra Designs' key differentiator is its focus on lightweight packability. Their products are perfect for long treks and minimalist adventures where every ounce in your pack counts. Shop now at sierradesigns.com
Born in the mountains of Colorado, Flylow makes rugged, hardcore outerwear for skiers and snowboarders. This independent brand focuses on creating durable, breathable, and waterproof gear that can withstand storms and endless backcountry laps. With higher-end pieces priced from $150 to $500, Flylow is an investment for serious winter athletes.
Like Patagonia, Flylow prioritizes performance and durability but lasers in on the needs of the freeski community. Their aesthetic is sporty, bold, and built for people who live and breathe mountain culture. Shop now at flylowgear.com
Kuhl excels at creating outdoor apparel that doesn't look like outdoor apparel. They blend technical performance with a casual, stylish aesthetic, making their pants, shirts, and jackets perfect for both exploring trails and grabbing a beer afterward. Priced between $50 and $150, Kuhl offers a more fashion-conscious take on outdoor wear.
Compared to Columbia’s more traditional sporty vibe, Kuhl uses articulated designs and premium fabrics for an exceptional fit and comfortable feel. This is the brand for people who want high-performance gear that fits perfectly into their everyday style. Shop now at kuhl.com
A true American classic, L.L.Bean is beloved for its timeless, rugged outdoor clothing and gear. Famous for their iconic Bean Boots and flannel shirts, they offer durable products built to last for generations. Their prices, from about $30 to $200, are comparable to Columbia, and they share a focus on reliable staples for outdoor living.
Where L.L.Bean sets itself apart is its heritage-inspired design and legendary satisfaction guarantee. Their style is less about technical fabrics and more about traditional, field-tested dependability. Shop now at llbean.com
Canada's answer to REI, MEC is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts looking for quality gear at a great value. Their private-label brand offers a comprehensive range of products for hiking, camping, and climbing, often with a commitment to sustainability. At a price range of $20-$300, MEC provides affordable alternatives to pricier brands.
Similar to Columbia, MEC creates practical and durable products designed for the outdoors. Their emphasis on eco-friendly materials and community values makes them a favorite for conscious consumers looking for gear that aligns with their principles. Shop now at mec.ca
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