If you're into outdoor gear, chances are you already know and love Montbell. The Japanese brand is famous for its brilliantly designed, lightweight, and high-performance apparel that packs down to nothing without sacrificing warmth or durability. Their minimalist, function-first approach is perfect for everything from serious backpacking to a chilly morning commute.
But when you're ready to explore other options that offer a similar commitment to quality and technical innovation, there are plenty of great brands on the market. Whether you need something for extreme mountaineering or just want a reliable jacket for fall hikes, here are 19 brands like Montbell worth checking out.
Patagonia is a titan in the outdoor world, offering everything from technical jackets and fleeces to everyday wear. Like Montbell, they are obsessed with performance and durability, but with a huge emphasis on sustainability and environmental activism. Their pieces often come at a slightly higher price point, but you're paying for top-tier quality and a brand dedicated to fair labor and eco-friendly materials.
Shop now at patagonia.com
If you're seeking the absolute peak of performance for extreme conditions, Arc'teryx is your brand. This premium Canadian company is known for its sleek, minimalist designs and impeccable construction, particularly its GORE-TEX shells that are practically bombproof. While Montbell is focused on lightweight balance, Arc'teryx leans into maximum protection for serious mountaineers, climbers, and skiers, with a price tag to match its elite reputation.
Shop now at arcteryx.com
For dependable outdoor gear that won't drain your bank account, Columbia is an excellent choice. They offer a huge range of jackets, boots, and layers at a more accessible price point than Montbell. While their style is more mainstream and less technical, their proprietary technologies like Omni-Heat reflective lining provide reliable warmth and value for casual hikers, campers, and weekend adventurers.
Shop now at columbia.com
A globally recognized force, The North Face makes gear for almost any outdoor scenario imaginable, from urban explorer parkas to high-altitude expedition suits. They share Montbell's commitment to innovation but offer a much broader style range. If you want trusted performance from a brand that has proven its durability on countless adventures, The North Face is a reliable go-to for jackets, sleeping bags, and tents.
Shop now at thenorthface.com
Hailing from the UK, Rab is a brand by and for climbers and mountaineers. They specialize in lightweight, highly technical outerwear that performs exceptionally in extreme conditions. Their focus is sharper than Montbell's, zeroing in on high-altitude functionality with sleek, no-fuss designs. If you need a down jacket or shell for a serious alpine objective, Rab's gear is some of the best you can get.
Shop now at rab.equipment
Marmot strikes a great balance between performance and affordability, much like Montbell. They're well-known for high-quality down jackets, rain shells, and camping equipment that offers solid durability without a premium price tag. Their gear is a versatile workhorse for hikers, skiers, and campers who need reliable equipment for a wide range of outdoor activities.
Shop now at marmot.com
While Black Diamond is famous for its world-class climbing and backcountry ski gear, their apparel line is equally impressive. Their jackets and layers are built with climbers in mind, prioritizing durability, fit, and movement. They are a great Montbell alternative for anyone who spends their time on rock, ice, or snow and needs gear that can handle tough, abrasive environments without restricting performance.
Shop now at blackdiamondequipment.com
True to its name, Mountain Hardwear creates innovative, high-performance gear for serious adventurers. They share Montbell's obsession with lightweight designs and cutting-edge fabrics, making them perfect for mountaineering and fast-and-light trail activities. Often coming in at a slightly higher price point, their gear is engineered for those who push their limits in demanding conditions and need equipment that can keep up.
Shop now at mountainhardwear.com
Eddie Bauer offers classic outdoor style fused with modern performance. Known for their legendary down jackets and comfortable flannels, they provide great quality at a mid-range price. The aesthetic is more traditional than Montbell's minimalist vibe, making it a great option for those who want durable, warm gear for casual hikes and everyday life that still performs when the weather turns.
Shop now at eddiebauer.com
Though they are known for their backpacks, Gregory also offers apparel built with the same focus on comfort and utility. Their backpacks are legendary for their fit and weight distribution. If your main priority is carrying a load comfortably over long distances, Gregory is the brand to look at. They align with Montbell's spirit of enhancing outdoor performance, but with an unparalleled specialization in pack technology.
Shop now at gregorypacks.com
Kuhl is where rugged outdoor performance meets laid-back style. Their clothing is known for its incredible durability, comfortable fit, and thoughtful features like articulated knees and gusseted crotches for better movement. Compared to Montbell, Kuhl leans more toward versatile "trail-to-tavern" apparel but doesn't skimp on technical fabrics that are quick-drying and tough enough for real adventure.
Shop now at kuhl.com
Born in Norway, Helly Hansen knows a thing or two about harsh weather. The brand excels in producing highly protective outerwear for sailing and skiing, where waterproofness and insulation are non-negotiable. They bring a similar technical focus as Montbell but are geared toward extreme wet and cold conditions, often with a slightly higher price and a distinctly Scandinavian design sensibility.
Shop now at hellyhansen.com
For the ultralight backpacker and minimalist traveler, Sea to Summit is a holy grail. The brand specializes in brilliantly designed, space-saving gear, including cookware, dry bags, sleeping pads, and technical layers. Their apparel aligns perfectly with Montbell’s philosophy of lightweight performance, making them an ideal choice for anyone prioritizing packability and weight savings above all else.
Shop now at seatosummit.com
Outdoor Research (OR) is a brand trusted by climbers, backcountry skiers, and explorers who face unpredictable weather. They are masters of creating gear like jackets, hats, and gloves that offer superior protection from the elements. Like Montbell, OR is deeply invested in functional design and innovative fabrics, building gear that is both smart and incredibly reliable when you're miles from anywhere.
Shop now at outdoorresearch.com
A true American classic, L.L.Bean is beloved for its time-tested durability and excellent customer service. Their outdoor gear, from iconic flannel-lined jackets to sturdy hiking gear, is practical, dependable, and generally more affordable than more technical brands. While less focused on ultralight innovation than Montbell, L.L.Bean guarantees quality that is built to last for generations of moderate outdoor use.
Shop now at llbean.com
Prana blends performance with a stylish, eco-conscious aesthetic inspired by yoga and climbing culture. Many of their pieces are made from sustainable and organic materials, offering a fashionable alternative for light outdoor activities. Where Montbell is purely technical, Prana brings a lifestyle focus, creating clothes you can comfortably hike in and then wear out for coffee afterward.
Shop now at prana.com
This popular German brand creates outdoor gear that balances technical performance with practical, everyday-friendly style. They offer a huge range of jackets, backpacks, and footwear designed to be both weather-resistant and comfortable for hiking or city life. Jack Wolfskin competes with Montbell in offering functional outerwear but with an aesthetic that leans more toward casual European outdoor fashion.
Shop now at jack-wolfskin.com
Filson stands for unfailing goods. For over a century, they have produced incredibly rugged clothing for fishers, hunters, and anyone working in the great outdoors. They use materials like tin cloth and mackinaw wool that are built to withstand decades of hard use. While stylistically very different from Montbell's technical look, they share a deep commitment to durability and creating gear you can truly rely on.
Shop now at filson.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.
