If you love outdoor gear that’s as fun as it is functional, chances are you’re a big fan of Kavu. Their signature playful prints, sturdy strap-caps, and durable rope bags have become staples for anyone who lives for adventure but doesn't take themselves too seriously.
Kavu perfectly blends a quirky, laid-back vibe with the ruggedness needed for hiking, camping, and travel. But if you’ve already filled your closet with their awesome gear and are looking for something new, you’re in luck. Here are 19 other brands that capture a similar spirit of outdoor fun and practicality.
Columbia is an absolute classic in outdoor apparel, known for its wide range of performance-ready clothing, shoes, and accessories. From their iconic fleeces to their innovative waterproof jackets, their gear is built to take on everything from a casual hike to a serious backcountry trip. Their style is generally more traditional and technical than Kavu's.
Prices typically fall in the $30-$150+ range, making them a super accessible choice for reliable gear. If you love Kavu for its outdoor readiness but need something with a bit more technical focus for tougher weather, Columbia is a fantastic and dependable option. It's the go-to brand for gear that simply works.
Shop now at columbia.com
Patagonia is legendary for its high-quality outdoor gear and its fierce commitment to environmental activism. They offer everything from technical shells for climbing to cozy fleece pullovers perfect for a bonfire, all produced with a focus on sustainability and fair labor practices. Their aesthetic is functional, earthy, and built for a life spent outdoors.
Compared to Kavu, Patagonia lands at a slightly higher price point (around $50-$300), but every piece is an investment in durability and eco-consciousness. If the sustainable aspect of outdoor gear is important to you and you want pieces that perform exceptionally while supporting a great cause, Patagonia is unmatched.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Another titan of the outdoor world, The North Face is synonymous with adventure and exploration. Renowned for their highly durable outerwear, backpacks, and performance gear, they are a favorite among hardcore athletes and casual urban explorers alike. Their style is sleek, modern, and backed by innovative tech designed to withstand extreme conditions.
While Kavu is fun and laid-back, The North Face is more focused on high-octane performance, with prices ranging from $50 to over $500 for specialized equipment. This is the brand you turn to when you need a top-tier GORE-TEX jacket or a backpack that can survive a trek through the mountains.
Shop now at thenorthface.com
You probably know this Swedish brand for its iconic Kanken backpack, but Fjallraven offers a full range of durable, minimalist, and eco-friendly outdoor gear. Their products champion simplicity and function, with a clean Scandinavian aesthetic that works just as well in the city as it does in the wild. They use sustainable materials like their own G-1000 fabric, built for toughness and longevity.
With most items in the $80 to $250 range, Fjallraven is a step up in price, but you’re paying for timeless design and eco-conscious manufacturing. If you love Kavu's durability but prefer a more understated, earthy style, Fjallraven’s classic gear is for you.
Shop now at fjallraven.com
As a key player in the outdoor space, Columbia Sportswear warrants a second look for its sheer range and reliability. They’re a go-to for families and individuals who need solid, no-fuss gear that covers all the basics - from rain jackets and hiking pants to sun-protective shirts and thermal base layers. You can always count on finding practical pieces that get the job done.
What they might lack in Kavu’s quirky personality, they make up for in performance technology and accessibility. It's the perfect brand for stocking up on trusted essentials for skiing, fishing, or simply enjoying a walk in the park without worrying about the weather.
Shop now at columbia.com
REI's in-house brand, REI Co-op, delivers outstanding value and thoughtful design across a massive range of outdoor products. They create everything from tents and sleeping bags to apparel and hiking boots, all informed by decades of feedback from their members. Their style is practical, inclusive, and focused on making the outdoors accessible to everyone.
With prices ranging from $20 to $200, REI Co-op offers high-quality gear that’s often more affordable than the big name brands it sits next to. It's an excellent alternative for adventurers who prioritize function, well-designed features, and a community-focused mission.
Shop now at rei.com
An American heritage brand, L.L.Bean is beloved for its classic, rugged outdoor equipment and apparel. Famous for their iconic "Bean Boots" and sturdy canvas totes, they offer timeless pieces that are built to be passed down through generations. Their style is traditional, preppy, and deeply functional, perfect for everything from a weekend camping trip to a rainy day in the city.
L.L.Bean has legendary quality and a fantastic customer service guarantee. While their aesthetic is much more classic than Kavu's vibrant look, they share a commitment to durability and creating gear you can truly rely on.
Shop now at llbean.com
Prana beautifully blends an outdoor spirit with a chill, yoga-inspired vibe. This brand is perfect for those who want gear that moves seamlessly from a climbing session or a hike to coffee with friends. They are known for their comfortable fits, soft, sustainable fabrics, and stylish prints that feel more boho-chic than purely technical.
With items priced around $50-$150, Prana shares Kavu’s love for color and easygoing style but channels it into pieces perfect for climbing, yoga, and travel. If you're looking for versatile pants or tops that are sustainable and effortlessly stylish, Prana is a fantastic choice.
Shop now at prana.com
While largely known for their urban messenger bags and backpacks, Timbuk2 builds its products with outdoor-grade toughness. Their bags are designed to handle daily abuse, whether you're commuting by bike or navigating an airport. Their aesthetic is modern, urban, and highly functional, with many customizable options to let your personality shine.
Priced similarly to Kavu's bags ($50-$150), Timbuk2 offers a different flavor of cool. It's less "quirky-outdoorsy" and more "sleek-city-explorer." If you need a ridiculously durable bag that combines practical features with a cool, contemporary look, look no further.
Shop now at timbuk2.com
For those who take their adventures very seriously, there's Arc'teryx. This premium brand is known for its obsessive attention to detail, minimalist design, and unparalleled performance in harsh conditions. Specializing in gear for climbing and skiing, their products are incredibly lightweight, durable, and engineered to perfection.
Arc'teryx sits at a much higher price point ($100 to over $500), and its sleek, technical aesthetic is a world away from Kavu's playful vibe. However, if your outdoor pursuits demand the absolute best in high-performance gear, it’s in a class of its own.
Shop now at arcteryx.com
If you love Kavu’s vibrant colors, you are going to fall head over heels for Cotopaxi. This mission-driven brand is famous for its bold, color-blocked backpacks and jackets made from repurposed materials. Their motto is "Gear for Good," as they dedicate a portion of their revenues to alleviating poverty. Their style is fun, eye-catching, and unapologetically cheerful.
Priced similarly to Kavu ($50-$200), Cotopaxi shares a playful and adventurous spirit. It's the perfect brand for people who want their gear to be expressive, unique, and connected to a positive social impact.
Shop now at cotopaxi.com
Eddie Bauer has a rich heritage in outfitting adventurers, offering reliable and rugged gear with a classic, "American outdoors" style. They are known for functional layering pieces, down jackets, and comfortable everyday apparel that transitions easily from the trail to the town. Their focus is durability and practical design.
With prices from about $30 to $200, Eddie Bauer provides excellent quality for the cost. Compared to Kavu, their aesthetic is more traditional and less whimsical, appealing to those who want timeless, dependable gear that stands up to the elements season after season.
Shop now at eddiebauer.com
Primarily a brand for climbers, skiers, and serious mountain athletes, Black Diamond is all about high-performance, technical equipment. While their main offerings are things like harnesses, helmets, and ice axes, their apparel line is designed with the same rigorous standards. You'll find sleek, functional shells, base layers, and pants built for peak performance.
Black Diamond serves a more niche audience than Kavu, and their gear is priced for serious technical use ($50-$400+). It’s the brand for adventurers whose hobbies require specialized, life-saving equipment that absolutely cannot fail.
Shop now at blackdiamondequipment.com
Outdoor Research (often called OR), creates highly innovative and thoughtfully designed gear for all kinds of outdoor pursuits. They are especially famous for their award-winning gloves, hats, and rainwear. Every product is backed by extensive testing in extreme environments, ensuring it holds up when it matters most.
OR’s look is technical and sleek, but they often throw in pops of color. Items range from $30-$250, offering professional-grade performance that's still accessible. It’s an ideal choice for outdoor lovers who geek out on clever features and gear that solves real-world usability problems.
Shop now at outdoorresearch.com
For those who love a clean, minimalist look, Himalaya offers thoughtfully designed outdoor gear with a strong focus on sustainability. Their collections include apparel and backpacks made from recycled and organic materials, marrying eco-consciousness with modern style. The vibe is earthy, understated, and built for mindful travel and adventure.
With price points between $50 and $150, Himalaya presents a fresh, modern alternative. While Kavu is loud and playful, Himalaya is quiet and considered, making it perfect for the eco-aware adventurer who prefers a more muted, nature-inspired palette.
Shop now at himalayaoutdoor.com
Every good adventurer needs a reliable light source, and Princeton Tec specializes in making some of the best outdoor lighting available. They focus exclusively on headlamps, flashlights, and lanterns that are durable, bright, and easy to use on the trail or at the campsite. Their gear is trusted by everyone from casual campers to tactical professionals.
Rather than a direct apparel competitor, Princeton Tec is a brilliant complementary brand to Kavu. After you've got your fun Kavu bag and hat, a high-quality headlamp from Princeton Tec is the essential utility piece you'll need for any overnight adventure.
Shop now at princetontec.com
Sehha is another brand putting sustainability at the forefront of its design philosophy. They create comfortable and versatile outdoor lifestyle apparel with a clean, minimalist aesthetic. Their products are made from eco-friendly fabrics and are designed to function just as well on a light hike as they do running errands in the city.
At an affordable price point of around $40-$120, Sehha focuses on subtle style and sustainable materials. It’s a great option if you identify with Kavu’s outdoor ethos but gravitate towards a more modern and understated wardrobe.
Shop now at sehha.com
At Apart Style, we're obsessed with curating the best in fashion, beauty, and jewelry to help you discover new brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, style, and uniqueness. When you make a purchase through our links, Apart Style may earn a commission - which helps support our small team, and allows us to continue bringing you the best in online style brands.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our full brand directory or check out our curated brand guides to find your new favorite thing.
