If you're into winter sports, you know how crucial the right base layer is. That's why Under Armour's ColdGear line is a legend - it keeps you warm and dry without making you feel like a marshmallow, thanks to its sleek, moisture-wicking tech.
But whether you're looking for something with a different fit, a splash of color, a more sustainable focus, or just want to expand your cold-weather wardrobe, there are some amazing alternatives out there. For those who love what ColdGear does but are curious about other options, here are 22 similar brands perfect for your next winter adventure.
Columbia is a giant in the outdoor world, and for good reason. Their winter activewear stands out with its Omni-Heat thermal reflective technology, which uses little silver dots to reflect your own body heat for extra warmth. While ColdGear nails moisture-wicking and compression, Columbia’s main game is insulation and weatherproofing for seriously harsh winter conditions.
With jackets usually in the $80-$200 range, it offers great performance without a massive price tag. It's the practical, reliable choice for anyone hitting the slopes or the trails who needs gear that can handle snow and biting cold.
Shop now at columbia.com
The North Face is an icon for technical outerwear built for extreme weather. Technologies like ThermoBall and Gore-Tex deliver serious warmth and waterproof protection, making their gear ready for mountain expeditions. Prices lean premium, with base layers around $100 and jackets often hitting $500 or more.
If you find ColdGear's compression focus is a bit light for your needs, The North Face offers rugged, insulated pieces that feel more like armor against the elements. Their sleek, functional vibe appeals to adventurers who push their gear to the absolute limit.
Shop now at thenorthface.com
For the eco-conscious athlete, Patagonia is the answer. They specialize in high-performance winter gear that’s also sustainable, using recycled materials and championing ethical production. Popular lines like their R1 and Capilene base layers are designed to be durable and long-lasting.
Unlike ColdGear's high-tech fabric focus, Patagonia offers performance with a conscience. Expect prices between $60 and $250 for pieces that are not just technically sound but also built to align with your values.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Arc'teryx is the brand for minimalists who demand maximum performance. Known for its sleek, technically brilliant designs, this premium brand excels at creating waterproof shells and insulated layers for extreme conditions. Be prepared for a higher price point, with items usually starting at $200 and climbing from there.
Where ColdGear focuses on being the perfect next-to-skin layer for managing sweat, Arc'teryx is all about creating an impenetrable outer barrier. It's the go-to for serious adventurers who appreciate innovative construction and tailored, precise fits.
Shop now at arcteryx.com
Hailing from Norway, Helly Hansen knows a thing or two about cold weather. They offer pro-grade technical gear for skiing and snowboarding that performs exceptionally well. Their Lifa and Helly Tech materials ensure you stay warm, dry, and breathable on the mountain.
With jackets in the $100 to $400 range, Helly Hansen shares ColdGear's functional spirit but places a much stronger emphasis on rugged style and waterproof technology. If you need gear that feels tough and ready for the slopes, this is it.
Shop now at hellyhansen.com
Think of Columbia Montrail as Columbia's speedy and agile sibling. It specializes in high-octane winter gear for trail running, hiking, and mountain sports where staying light and dry is key. Their tech is all about active performance rather than just battling the cold.
ColdGear is fantastic for general layering, but Montrail is specifically tuned for athletes in motion, focusing on designs that won't create bulk. Prices are similar to the main Columbia line, typically running from $50 to $180.
Shop now at montbell.us
L.L.Bean offers a more classic, timeless take on winter wear. Their insulated jackets, fleeces, and base layers are durable, comfortable, and made to last. The aesthetic is less aggressively technical and more about cozy, reliable quality at a friendly price point of $50 to $200.
While ColdGear is packed with slick, modern fabrics, L.L.Bean’s charm lies in its rugged, traditional feel. It's perfect for someone who wants functional outdoor gear that looks just as good on a winter hike as it does on a trip into town.
Shop now at llbean.com
Marmot is a solid choice for dedicated winter sports enthusiasts who need gear that really performs. Focusing on insulation and waterproofing, their jackets and layers are built to stand up to intense cold and activity. You’ll find pieces ranging from $100 to $400.
Compared to ColdGear's lightweight layering philosophy, Marmot is more about providing a protective shield against the weather. Their sleek, technical designs are for skiers and snowboarders who want reliable performance when conditions get tough.
Shop now at marmot.com
As the name suggests, this brand makes seriously tough gear. Mountain Hardwear delivers advanced outerwear and base layers for people who are truly pushing their limits in the mountains. Their fabrics are engineered for superior moisture management and warmth in demanding environments.
It's comparable to ColdGear's target audience of dedicated athletes but leans much more into high-end, expedition-grade apparel. With prices from $150 to $500, it's for those who see gear as an essential piece of survival equipment.
Shop now at mountainhardwear.com
Rab makes highly technical, lightweight climbing and mountaineering gear. Their Neutrino down jackets and Xenon insulated pieces are engineered for extreme cold at punishing high altitudes. This is specialized equipment, reflected in price tags that usually run from $200 to $600.
If ColdGear is for training on a cold day, Rab is for summiting a frozen peak. They focus on maximum protection with minimum weight, making them a favorite among alpine purists who count every ounce.
Shop now at rab.equipment
Jack Wolfskin is a popular European brand focused on sturdy, practical, and weatherproof outdoor gear. Featuring technologies like Texapore for waterproofing, their jackets and fleeces are built for functionality on the trail. Most items are priced in the accessible $80 to $250 range.
Unlike ColdGear's compression fit, Jack Wolfskin designs offer a more rugged, relaxed feel suited for winter hiking and general outdoor adventures. It’s a great option if you value durability and straight-up function over sleek styling.
Shop now at jack-wolfskin.com
If you’re just getting into winter sports or need gear that won't drain your bank account, Decathlon's Wed'ze line is a lifesaver. This in-house brand offers ski wear, base layers, and jackets that are surprisingly functional for their ultra-low price point, often from $20 to $100.
Wed'ze strips away the fancy tech and premium branding to deliver solid, accessible performance. It's the polar opposite of ColdGear's high-tech, premium positioning, making it perfect for beginners and casual enthusiasts.
Shop now at decathlon.com
Fjallraven marries timeless Scandinavian style with robust, eco-friendly materials. Known for their durable outdoor trousers and jackets, their Keb and Polar series are fantastic for handling winter conditions. Expect price points from $150 to $400.
Think less tech-fabric and more heritage waxed canvas. Fjallraven is for the outdoor lover who wants gear that is both durable and has a classic, rugged aesthetic that ColdGear's modern look doesn't offer.
Shop now at fjallraven.com
This Japanese brand is obsessed with "light and fast" design. Montbell creates highly packable and incredibly warm gear, especially their down jackets and thermal layers. Their minimalist, functional style is perfect for backpackers and trekkers who need warmth without weight.
If ColdGear is about managing sweat during high-output activity, Montbell is about providing maximum lightweight insulation when you stop moving. Items typically fall in the $100-$300 range, offering amazing value for the weight.
Shop now at montbell.us/special/product_information/
Black Diamond is a brand born from climbing, and their apparel reflects that DNA. They engineer technical gear for intense pursuits like ice climbing, backcountry skiing, and mountaineering. This gear is built for performance and safety in unforgiving environments, with prices often starting over $200.
While an athlete might wear ColdGear for a winter run, they’d wear Black Diamond to scale a frozen waterfall. It's highly specialized, performance-driven equipment for those pushing the boundaries of winter sports.
Shop now at blackdiamondequipment.com
Ortovox leads with two key principles: mountain safety and merino wool. They offer incredible merino base layers that are naturally anti-odor and temperature-regulating, alongside top-tier avalanche safety equipment. This combination of comfort and protection caters to serious backcountry skiers.
Instead of ColdGear's synthetic fabrics, Ortovox puts its trust in the performance of natural fibers. With pieces priced between $100-$400, it's a premium choice for those who love the feel of wool and prioritize safety in the mountains.
Shop now at ortovox.com
Salomon is a powerhouse in skiing and trail running, and their apparel reflects that focus on agility and speed. They create insulating layers and waterproof jackets that are specifically designed for high-motion winter sports. Their AdvancedSkin tech excels at balancing warmth and breathability.
Salomon shares ColdGear's athletic spirit but carves out its space with activity-specific gear that offers more weatherproofing features. Priced from $100 to $350, it's perfect for runners and skiers who want a dialed-in fit for their chosen sport.
Shop now at salomon.com
KUHL designs outdoor apparel that blends performance with a rugged, casual style. They emphasize comfort and fit, often using unique fabric blends that include everything from technical synthetics to organic cotton and soft merino. Their pants are a cult favorite for a reason.
If ColdGear feels a little too "gym-focused," KUHL offers a great alternative that's comfortable, durable, and looks great off the trail. Price-wise, you can expect their gear to fall between $80-$250.
Shop now at kuhl.com
For those times when warmth is the only thing that matters, Pyrenex delivers. This French brand specializes in high-end down-filled jackets and parkas, using ethically sourced down for incredible insulation. Their gear is luxurious, functional, and very, very warm.
Forget lightweight moisture-wicking, Pyrenex is about creating a cozy fortress against extreme cold. With prices starting around $300, it's an investment piece for those who want to blend high-fashion style with serious BIFL down insulation.
Shop now at pyrenex.com
Haglofs brings a clean, Scandinavian design ethos to high-performance outdoor gear. Using technical fabrics like GORE-TEX, their jackets, shells, and layers are durable, thoughtfully designed, and perfect for handling tough weather without a lot of fuss.
Similar to ColdGear’s audience but with a much more understated and minimalist aesthetic, Haglofs pieces are versatile enough for the mountains and the city. Find their apparel typically between $150 and $400.
Shop now at haglofs.com
Montane makes lightweight technical clothing designed for trekking and climbing in challenging conditions. Their base layers are excellent at managing moisture, while their shells offer great weather protection without weighing you down. The focus is always on lightweight, breathable performance.
While ColdGear is great for broadly "active" scenarios, Montane's gear is specifically tuned for endurance activities like fast-packing and alpinism where every gram matters. With prices from $100 to $350, it's built for the serious minimalist.
Shop now at montane.co.uk
If you want to be seen on the slopes, Spyder is your brand. This premium ski and snowboard apparel company is known for its bold, vibrant designs and commitment to technical excellence. Think bright colors, sharp patterns, and a very distinct on-piste presence.
Spyder trades ColdGear’s subdued, functional aesthetic for loud, stylish confidence, backed by top-tier waterproofing and insulation. It’s expensive - starting at $200 and shooting up past $600 - and perfect for skiers who want to make a statement without compromising on performance.
Shop now at spyder.com
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