18 Brands Like Salt Murphy for Unique Outdoor Gear
If you're obsessed with Salt Murphy's blend of modern style and rugged functionality, you know the magic of outdoor gear that looks just as good in the city as it does on the trail. Their sleek backpacks, cool water bottles, and minimalist accessories have set a new standard for adventure-ready essentials.
But part of the fun is discovering new brands that share that same spirit. For those who appreciate thoughtful design and gear that keeps up with your life, here are 18 similar brands that perfectly balance aesthetics and performance.
1. Cotopaxi
Famous for its vibrant, color-blocked designs, Cotopaxi makes adventure gear with a conscience. From their iconic Allpa travel packs to their down jackets, every piece is made sustainably and ethically. While Salt Murphy masters the art of sleek minimalism, Cotopaxi delivers a joyful, expressive Crayon-box aesthetic. If you want gear with personality and a positive impact, look no further.
2. Patagonia
A true legend in the outdoor space, Patagonia is synonymous with durability, environmental activism, and timeless design. They offer everything from technical jackets built for the harshest conditions to everyday backpacks that last a lifetime. While Salt Murphy's style is more modern and urban-leaning, Patagonia offers a rugged, classic look that's trusted by hardcore adventurers and daily commuters alike.
3. Fjallraven
Home of the iconic Kånken backpack, Fjallraven is the master of Scandinavian minimalist design and function. Their gear emphasizes simplicity, longevity, and practicality, crafted from tough materials like their proprietary G-1000 fabric. Like Salt Murphy, they believe in gear that works for both nature trails and city streets, but with a more utilitarian, heritage-inspired feel.
4. Sehgal
Sehgal blends clean aesthetics with smart, tech-forward functionality for the modern urban explorer. Specializing in water-resistant bags, travel pouches, and sleek accessories, their designs are all about protecting your gear in style. It shares Salt Murphy's minimalist vibe but leans more into the tech-wear space, making it perfect for those who need accessories that can handle both a hiking trail and a client-facing meeting.
5. Topo Designs
Topo Designs is where mountain culture meets modern city living. Known for their classic silhouettes updated with bold color pops and thoughtful details, they create backpacks, bags, and apparel that are both durable and fun. They share Salt Murphy's passion for versatile, stylish gear but bring a more playful, vibrant energy that stands out from the crowd.
6. Matador
For the minimalist traveler, Matador is a game-changer. They create ultra-light, incredibly packable gear - think weatherproof backpacks that fold down to the size of your palm and compact travel towels. Matador takes Salt Murphy's ethos of sleek functionality and pushes it to the extreme limits of portability, proving that powerful gear can come in a tiny package.
7. United By Blue
With sustainability at its core, United By Blue creates eco-conscious gear and apparel for people who care about the planet. They use recycled materials and organic cotton to craft everything from durable backpacks to stainless steel tumblers. While they share Salt Murphy's commitment to thoughtful production, their aesthetic is a bit more rugged and earthy, inspired directly by the wilderness they're working to protect.
8. Ciele
While Salt Murphy covers a wide range of accessories, Ciele focuses on doing one thing perfectly: performance headwear. Their running and hiking caps are known for being incredibly lightweight, breathable, and stylish, featuring vibrant colors and technical fabrics. If you love Salt Murphy's eye for design, Ciele is the perfect brand to complete your outdoor kit with a high-performance, fashion-forward hat.
9. Hynes & Co.
Hynes & Co. crafts sleek, modern outdoor bags and accessories that feel decidedly luxurious. Using premium materials like recycled nylon with thoughtful leather accents, their bags are both highly functional and exceptionally stylish. This brand aligns with Salt Murphy's clean aesthetic but elevates it with a more refined, sophisticated touch for adventurers who refuse to compromise on polish.
10. Poler
Poler is all about "Camp Vibes" - creating gear that's fun, accessible, and a little bit quirky. Their backpacks, tents, and apparel often feature retro-inspired designs and playful colors that don't take themselves too seriously. While Salt Murphy goes for cool and minimalist, Poler is its fun-loving cousin, reminding us that getting outdoors is supposed to be about having a good time.
11. Arc'teryx
For those who need uncompromising performance, Arc'teryx is the gold standard. This brand makes technically advanced outdoor apparel and gear, from industry-leading hardshell jackets to precision-engineered climbing harnesses. While Salt Murphy excels at stylish gear for everyday adventures, Arc'teryx serves the serious enthusiast who needs elite, bombproof equipment for extreme conditions. It's a significant step up in price and technicality.
12. YETI
YETI is legendary for its indestructible coolers and insulated drinkware, engineered to withstand anything. Their products have a rugged, premium feel and are known for their insane performance - keeping drinks ice-cold for days. If Salt Murphy represents sleek outdoor style, YETI is its hardcore, performance-obsessed counterpart. It's the go-to for durable accessories that are over-engineered in the best way possible.
13. JanSport
A true classic, JanSport makes the simple, dependable backpacks that have been a staple for decades. While they aren't as feature-packed or technical as many modern outdoor brands, their commitment to durability and functionality is undeniable. Their straightforward designs make them a practical, affordable choice that shares Salt Murphy's focus on creating reliable gear that just works.
14. Eagle Creek
Eagle Creek is the ultimate brand for organized travelers. They specialize in high-quality luggage, packing cubes, and travel accessories designed to make your journey smoother. Similar to Salt Murphy, they're focused on durable accessories for people on the move, but Eagle Creek focuses a great deal on organizational features and travel-specific smarts that are perfect for maximizing every inch of your suitcase.
15. Osprey
Osprey is a backpacker's favorite, known for creating exceptionally comfortable and highly functional packs for hiking, trekking, and travel. Their secret sauce is their ergonomic designs and precise fit systems. While Salt Murphy deals in stylish, versatile daypacks, Osprey focuses on technical performance for serious adventures where comfort and load-bearing are critical.
16. KUHL
KUHL designs performance-driven outdoor apparel that seamlessly transitions from trail to town. Known for their excellent fit and durable, articulated fabrics, their pants, shirts, and jackets are built for movement and comfort. They share Salt Murphy's mission to create gear that is both stylish and functional, but KUHL directs that passion primarily toward innovative outdoor clothing.
17. L.L.Bean
An American heritage brand, L.L.Bean is the epitome of timeless, reliable outdoor style. From their iconic Bean Boots to their rugged canvas totes, their products are built to last and often backed by a legendary guarantee. While Salt Murphy's aesthetic is clean and modern, L.L.Bean offers a classic, preppy outdoor vibe for those who appreciate old-school quality and dependability.
18. REI Co-op
REI's in-house brand, REI Co-op, offers a massive range of quality outdoor gear at an accessible price point. Their line includes everything from backpacks and technical apparel to camping gear, all designed with a great balance of performance, value, and sustainability. They are a one-stop-shop that mirrors Salt Murphy's commitment to thoughtful, stylish, and functional gear, but with a range that covers virtually every outdoor activity imaginable.
Written by
Ash Read
