If you're into sailing, skiing, or just navigating a seriously rainy commute, you probably already trust Helly Hansen for its high-performance weatherproof gear. The brand is a titan when it comes to durable, technical pieces that keep you dry and warm in harsh conditions, thanks to innovative fabrics and a design philosophy rooted in outdoor sports.
But if you're looking to expand your wardrobe with other brands that deliver on that same promise of weatherproof quality, you're in the right place. From premium technical specialists to rugged heritage labels and stylish, sustainable options, here are 19 similar brands that will keep you protected from the elements.
Patagonia is legendary for its high-quality, durable outdoor clothing with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Their range includes innovative waterproof jackets and technical layers perfect for hiking and skiing. While priced similarly to Helly Hansen ($100-$400), Patagonia's key differentiator is its vocal and transparent eco-conscious mission, which appeals to shoppers who want top-tier performance from a brand that does good.
Shop now at patagonia.com
For reliable, weatherproof gear without the steep price tag, Columbia is a fantastic choice. Known for their proprietary Omni-Tech and OutDry technologies, they deliver solid waterproofing and breathability in their jackets, coats, and rain gear. They share Helly Hansen's focus on performance but are significantly more budget-friendly, with most pieces falling in the $50-$200 range, making them accessible for everything from family camping trips to daily wear.
Shop now at columbia.com
A giant in the outdoor world, The North Face is a direct competitor to Helly Hansen, offering rugged apparel built for tough weather. Their jackets and parkas, featuring advanced fabrics like DryVent and Gore-Tex, are trusted by everyone from dedicated hikers to urban commuters. With a price range of $100-$600, they occupy a similar market space, catering to both serious adventurers and those seeking stylish, highly functional outerwear.
Shop now at thenorthface.com
If you're looking for premium, professional-grade gear with a clean, minimalist aesthetic, Arc'teryx is the pinnacle. This brand is celebrated for its technical excellence, using Gore-Tex to create exceptionally lightweight, durable, and waterproof outerwear. Arc'teryx comes at a higher price point ($200-$1000+), positioning itself as an upgrade from Helly Hansen for serious athletes and mountaineers who demand the absolute best in performance.
Shop now at arcteryx.com
Marmot strikes a great balance between serious performance and reasonable prices. Their lineup of waterproof shells and insulated jackets uses trusted tech like Gore-Tex and their own NanoPro fabric to keep you dry. Like Helly Hansen, they create performance-focused gear, but often with a broader, more casual appeal. With prices generally in the $100-$300 range, Marmot is perfect for weekend warriors who want quality without a professional price tag.
Shop now at marmot.com
As a specialized sub-brand of Columbia, Montrail is laser-focused on trail running and fast-paced hiking gear. Its jackets and shells are engineered to be ultralight, breathable, and fully waterproof, making them ideal for high-exertion activities. If you find some of Helly Hansen's gear a bit heavy for your sport, Montrail offers a nimbler alternative, with prices typically between $50 and $150.
Shop now at columbiasportswear.com
Hailing from the UK, Rab is a brand born from mountaineering heritage, specializing in high-performance technical clothing. They're renowned for their lightweight yet incredibly tough Gore-Tex shells and down jackets that are built for extreme conditions. Rab shares Helly Hansen's dedication to technical precision but caters especially to the climbing and mountaineering crowd, with a price range of $150-$600.
Shop now at rab.com/us/
Famous for their "light and fast" design philosophy, this Japanese brand excels at creating minimalist outdoor gear that doesn't compromise on protection. Montbell's waterproof jackets use advanced fabrics to deliver excellent weather resistance in astoundingly lightweight packages. If you love the technical aspect of Helly Hansen but want to shed some grams from your pack, Montbell is a brilliant choice, with pieces falling between $100 and $400.
Shop now at montbell.us
Titanium is Columbia's premium line, created to showcase its most advanced weatherproof technologies like OutDry Extreme. This collection is for a more serious outdoor enthusiast who pushes the limits, putting it in direct competition with Helly Hansen's high-performance tier. If you're a fan of Columbia's value but are ready for elevated technical specs for more extreme conditions, this is the line to check out.
Shop now at columbiasportswear.com
As the name suggests, Mountain Hardwear builds gear for demanding alpine environments. They are a favorite among climbers and high-altitude adventurers for their incredibly durable and lightweight waterproof shells made with fabrics like Gore-Tex and Dry.Q. Their gear is technically on par with Helly Hansen's but with a specific focus on the needs of those who spend their time on the side of a mountain. Expect prices around $150-$500.
Shop now at mountainhardwear.com
If modern tech fabrics aren't your thing, Filson offers a rugged, heritage-inspired alternative. Known for their unbreakable gear made from materials like heavy-duty waxed canvas, Filson's jackets provide outstanding weather resistance with a classic, timeless aesthetic. It's less about breathable membranes and more about bombproof durability that lasts a lifetime. Prices are higher ($150-$600), but you're buying a piece of clothing you'll likely pass down.
Shop now at filson.com
Kuhl excels at creating outdoor apparel that seamlessly blends technical performance with everyday style. Their weatherproof jackets and pants are designed with comfort and durability in mind but feature a more casual, sophisticated look perfect for travel or town. If you want gear that functions as well as Helly Hansen but has a less sporty, more relaxed vibe, Kuhl ($100-$300) is your brand.
Shop now at kuhl.com
While Helly Hansen offers a full wardrobe, Sealskinz specializes in one thing: total waterproof protection for your extremities. They are masters of waterproof, windproof, and breathable socks, gloves, and hats. If you already have a great jacket but constantly suffer from wet feet or clammy hands, Sealskinz products are the game-changing accessories you need to complete your weatherproof kit, with most items priced from $50-$200.
Shop now at sealskinz.com
This popular European brand focuses on creating functional, reliable outdoor gear that performs well and is built to last. Their range of weatherproof jackets and apparel offers solid protection for hiking and daily outdoor life. Jack Wolfskin is a practical, often more affordable alternative ($80-$250), with a strong emphasis on user-friendly designs that make sense for a family of active nature lovers.
Shop now at us.jack-wolfskin.com
Known for its yoga and climbing roots, Prana also offers a great selection of versatile and stylish outdoor apparel, including weather-resistant layers and jackets. Their focus is on sustainable materials and designs that are just as comfortable on a mountain trail as they are at a coffee shop. Compared to Helly Hansen, Prana has a much stronger lifestyle-oriented vibe while still delivering on performance for light-to-moderate weather conditions.
Shop now at prana.com
A true classic in American outdoor wear, Eddie Bauer provides reliable and well-priced weatherproof gear. Using their proprietary technologies like StormRepel, their insulated jackets and rainwear offer quality weather protection that's accessible for everyday outdoor needs. In short, Eddie Bauer delivers similar weatherproof functionality to Helly Hansen but at a more approachable price point ($70-$250), making it a great all-around choice.
Shop now at eddiebauer.com
Black Diamond is another brand built from the ground up for climbing and skiing. Their technical shells and outerwear are obsessed with high performance, durability, and a lightweight design ethos. If a brand being "by climbers, for climbers" resonates with you, their gear is a high-end alternative to Helly Hansen's technical sailing or ski lines. Expect prices in the $150-$600 range for their top-tier pieces.
Shop now at blackdiamondequipment.com
Cotopaxi stands out with its bold color-blocking, unique personality, and commitment to sustainability. Their collection includes vibrant and highly functional waterproof jackets and layers made with eco-friendly or repurposed materials. For shoppers who want weatherproof gear that performs well but reject the muted, "serious" look of many tech brands, Cotopaxi offers a much more expressive and fashion-forward alternative in the $80-$250 range.
Shop now at cotopaxi.com
Circling back to a true powerhouse in the space, Columbia Sportswear deserves a final mention simply for its sheer breadth and accessibility. From hardcore waterproof shells to casual rain jackets, their lineup is vast, innovative, and almost always provides incredible value for the money. They truly rival Helly Hansen's commitment to weatherproof tech but ensure it's available to a much broader audience and budget.
Shop now at columbia.com
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