If you're an adventurer who loves gear that's rugged, reliable, and built for the outdoors, you probably have a few pieces from Kathmandu in your closet. The brand is a go-to for its blend of quality, practical design, and commitment to sustainability, making it perfect for everything from weekend hikes to epic international trips.
But when you're ready to expand your collection of functional apparel and equipment, there are tons of other amazing brands to explore. For those who love Kathmandu's balance of performance and value, here are 19 similar brands that will get you geared up for your next adventure.
REI Co-op offers a massive selection of outdoor gear for hiking, camping, and climbing. Their in-house brand is known for amazing quality and durability, hitting that sweet spot between performance and affordability that Kathmandu fans appreciate. What makes them unique is their cooperative ownership model and a strong focus on sustainability, with many products made from recycled materials.
If you like Kathmandu but wish you had an even wider selection of brands and products under one roof, REI is your one-stop shop. Their exclusive REI-branded gear often provides unbeatable value for serious adventurers and weekend warriors alike. Shop now at rei.com.
Patagonia is a powerhouse in the outdoor world, famous for its high-performance gear and unshakable commitment to environmental activism. Their apparel is built to last for serious outdoor use but has also become a staple for stylish, everyday wear. Their emphasis on fair labor, eco-friendly materials, and product repairs makes them a leader in sustainable fashion.
Compared to Kathmandu, Patagonia's gear generally comes with a higher price tag. However, if your top priorities are long-lasting performance and supporting a brand that puts the planet first, Patagonia is a purchase you can feel great about. Shop now at patagonia.com.
Columbia is a household name for a reason, offering reliable jackets, footwear, and outdoor gear at super accessible price points. They're known for proprietary tech like Omni-Heat reflective lining for warmth and Omni-Tech for waterproofing. This makes their gear perfect for anyone who wants proven performance without a massive investment.
Like Kathmandu, Columbia is focused on creating functional, weather-resistant gear for outdoor lovers. However, Columbia also has a huge range of casual and everyday adventure styles, making them a fantastic, budget-friendly alternative. Shop now at columbia.com.
A global icon, The North Face excels at creating technical outdoor gear that performs in extreme conditions but looks just as good in the city. Their jackets, tents, and backpacks are trusted by serious mountaineers and backpackers worldwide. A key differentiator is their blend of innovative technology with street-style aesthetics, making them a highly desirable brand.
While both brands make trusted gear, The North Face often leans more high-end and tech-focused than Kathmandu. If you're looking for top-tier equipment that doubles as a fashion statement, The North Face is a perfect pick. Shop now at thenorthface.com.
For those who demand the absolute best in technical performance, Arc'teryx is the gold standard. This premium brand is known for its obsessive attention to detail, cutting-edge materials, and minimalist designs. Their jackets, packs, and climbing gear are built for serious athletes in harsh alpine environments.
Where Kathmandu offers great all-around gear, Arc'teryx is for the specialist who needs impeccably constructed, lightweight equipment. It's a significant step up in price, but for those tackling extreme conditions, its unmatched durability and performance are worth the investment. Shop now at arcteryx.com.
Mountain Hardwear makes high-performance apparel and equipment specifically for climbers, skiers, and hardcore hikers. Their technical jackets, tents, and sleeping bags are engineered with advanced fabric tech to handle challenging conditions. Durability and functionality are at the core of their design philosophy.
Similar to Kathmandu, Mountain Hardwear builds rugged gear meant to be used and abused. However, they place a stronger emphasis on equipment for extreme alpine adventures, making them an excellent choice if you're venturing into more demanding environments. Shop now at mountainhardwear.com.
Eddie Bauer blends timeless style with practical outdoor features, appealing to families and casual adventurers who want comfort and reliability. They offer a great range of jackets, fleeces, and camping essentials that are dependable and moderately priced. Their aesthetic is classic and relaxed, perfect for everyday outdoor life.
Like Kathmandu, Eddie Bauer values practicality, but with a more traditional design sensibility. If you appreciate gear that feels as good on a morning coffee run as it does on a weekend trail, Eddie Bauer’s classic designs are a great choice. Shop now at eddiebauer.com.
Black Diamond is the brand for true mountain athletes, specializing in hardcore gear for climbing, skiing, and mountaineering. They are industry leaders in harnesses, carabiners, headlamps, and technical apparel where precision and safety are paramount. Their gear is designed by users, for users, and trusted on the world's highest peaks.
While Kathmandu offers gear for general hiking and travel, Black Diamond is laser-focused on specific, high-risk mountain sports. If your adventures involve ropes, alpine starts, or backcountry skiing, this is the brand to trust. Shop now at blackdiamondequipment.com.
Marmot is a fantastic brand for apparel, tents, and sleeping bags aimed at backpackers and mountain explorers. Their products are designed to be lightweight, packable, and incredibly weather-resistant, perfect for multi-day trips where every ounce counts. They manage to balance this technical focus with accessible pricing.
Marmot is very similar to Kathmandu in its commitment to providing great value. However, Marmot often excels in the ultralight category, making it a dream for thru-hikers and serious backpackers looking to shed pack weight without sacrificing performance. Shop now at marmot.com.
A Scandinavian heavyweight, Helly Hansen is renowned for creating some of the best waterproof and insulated gear on the planet. Originating from gear for sailors and workers, their apparel is built to handle the harshest wet and cold conditions you can imagine. This makes them a top choice for sailors, skiers, and anyone adventuring in brutal winter weather.
Compared to Kathmandu's versatile line, Helly Hansen specializes in technical gear for extreme marine and winter environments. If your adventures are primarily in the snow or on the water, Helly Hansen offers superior protection. Shop now at hellyhansen.com.
This popular German brand offers a wide range of functional and stylish outdoor clothing, backpacks, and tents. Jack Wolfskin is known for using eco-friendly fabrics and creating gear with a slightly more casual, lifestyle-oriented vibe. It’s perfect for nature lovers who want reliable equipment that feels comfortable and looks great.
Next to Kathmandu, Jack Wolfskin leans more into casual travel and day-hiking gear. If you appreciate practical features but also want something that looks good for an afternoon stroll through town post-hike, you'll love their collections. Shop now at jack-wolfskin.com.
Canada's answer to REI, Mountain Equipment Co-op is beloved for its durable, functional, and well-priced outdoor gear. Their in-house brand, MEC Label, covers everything from hiking and camping to cycling and watersports. Like Kathmandu, MEC has a strong focus on sustainability and building a community around outdoor adventuring.
MEC operates on a similar mission to provide high-quality, practical gear for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. They are a staple for Canadian adventurers and an excellent choice for anyone looking for reliable equipment with an eco-conscious ethos. Shop now at mec.ca.
Craghoppers excels at producing adventure travel and hiking apparel with unique, protective technologies. They are especially famous for their NosiLife clothing line, which offers permanent insect-repellent fabric to protect against mosquitos and ticks. This makes their gear perfect for jungle treks, safaris, and trips to the tropics.
While their commitment to practical adventure gear is similar to Kathmandu's, Craghoppers’ standout specialty is insect protection. If you're heading somewhere buggy, their innovative apparel is an absolute game-changer. Shop now at craghoppers.com.
Hailing from the UK, Rab is a master of high-performance gear designed for cold weather and mountaineering. They are trusted by climbers and explorers for their incredibly warm insulated jackets, sleeping bags, and fully waterproof shells. Rab's reputation is built on creating pinnacle-level gear that thrives in the world's most severe conditions.
If you find that your adventures often take you into frigid temperatures or up snowy mountains, Rab is a definitive step-up. While Kathmandu provides great all-around gear, Rab specializes in technical alpine and winter equipment that offers superior warmth and durability. Shop now at rab.equipment/us/.
Outdoor Research (or OR) is all about thoughtful, functional innovation in its apparel and gear. Known for award-winning gloves, hats, and technical wear, OR creates products packed with smart features for mountaineers, skiers, and backpackers. Think waterproof zippers, expertly placed pockets, and highly breathable fabrics.
Both brands serve the outdoorsy crowd, but Outdoor Research goes deeper into technical design for niche pursuits. If you're a gearhead who nerds out over clever features designed for extreme weather, OR is the brand for you. Shop now at outdoorresearch.com.
Siegle is a more budget-friendly outdoor brand offering lightweight and compact gear perfect for casual hikers and backpackers. They focus on providing essential hiking and camping equipment that gets the job done without extra frills or a high price tag. Their appeal lies in accessibility and portability for those just starting out or needing a cheap and cheerful kit.
Compared to Kathmandu, Siegle offers more entry-level options that are easier on the wallet. If you're looking for gear for occasional use or want to try a new activity without making a big financial commitment, they are a great place to start. Shop now at varuste.net/en/b/2573/siegle-active.
An American icon, L.L.Bean is beloved for its classic, durable outdoor apparel and camping gear with an almost legendary customer service policy. Famous for their iconic Bean Boots, flannel shirts, and cozy fleeces, their products are built for longevity and comfort. Their style is timeless and appeals to families and casual adventurers.
If you admire Kathmandu's quality but prefer a more traditional, heritage-inspired aesthetic, L.L.Bean is your brand. Their focus is less on hyper-technical features and more on dependable, classic styles that will last a lifetime. Shop now at llbean.com.
Eider is a French outdoor brand with a sharp focus on technical gear for skiing and other mountain winter sports. Their jackets, pants, and accessories combine performance features like waterproofing and breathability with a sleek, Alpine style. Eider is designed to keep you warm and dry, whether you're on a chairlift or skinning up a backcountry bowl.
While Kathmandu offers a broad range of outdoor gear, Eider's specialty is the mountain in winter. If skiing or snowboarding is your main passion, Eider provides a stylish yet high-performance alternative specifically tailored to your needs. Shop now at eider.com.
Salomon is a leader in gear for fast-paced mountain sports, especially trail running and hiking. They are renowned for their footwear, delivering an incredible fit, grip, and comfort that helps you move quickly and confidently on variable terrain. They also offer a full range of high-performance apparel and packs designed for athletic adventures.
Unlike Kathmandu's more general outdoor approach, Salomon's vibe is energetic and performance-driven. If your idea of a perfect day outside involves covering ground quickly, their specialized shoes and lightweight gear will help you get there. Shop now at salomon.com.
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