Choosing outdoor clothing can feel overwhelming. Every outdoor brand fights for your attention, and each one claims to be the best choice for your next adventure. So, we’ve rounded up the 9 best outdoor clothing brands for every occasion you’ll face in the great outdoors.
Fjallraven – for explorers who need durability and hardwearing gear
Fjallraven started as a backpack company. Today, this Swedish brand is known for products that simply perform. In particular, Fjallraven built its reputation on G-1000 fabric, a material that delivers both practicality and resistance. Beginners might find better starting points elsewhere, but if you want gear built to last for years, Fjallraven is a great choice.
The North Face – for the on-trend explorer
The North Face has boosted its popularity considerably over the past few years. For instance, the 1996 retro Nuptse jacket became one of the most hyped jackets around. Meanwhile, the brand’s collaboration with Gucci pushed it into a new corner of the luxury market. Despite these exciting developments, The North Face still focuses on providing the best equipment and clothing on the market. Look beyond the brand’s most-wanted pieces, and you’ll find gear for skiing, mountaineering, and trail running. Because The North Face has worked in this market for more than 50 years, you can buy with confidence from a brand that does it all.
Marmot – for the mid-budget outdoor explorer
Marmot lives by the slogan “if you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong.” As a result, the brand builds its gear around making outdoor exploring exciting and inclusive. Admittedly, the outdoor clothing market is packed with technical jargon, which can overwhelm a novice who isn’t ready to spend their life savings on a new hobby. However, Marmot cuts through that noise with a simple, refreshingly retro approach to adventuring.
Patagonia – for earth-conscious outdoor explorers
Patagonia works hard to reduce its impact on the planet. To do this, it builds its products using the most environmentally friendly methods and materials it can find. Additionally, the brand actively supports grassroots activist groups through Patagonia Action Works, working to minimise human impact on the climate crisis. Beyond its outdoor clothing, Patagonia stands out for its commitment to education and change — a focus that should sit at the heart of any outdoor clothing purchase. For more, read our guide to sustainable fashion brands.
Arc’teryx – for the high-performance explorer
Arc’teryx wants you to feel fully immersed in the outdoors. So, it designs cutting-edge gear that never holds you back. In fact, the brand aims to make you forget you’re wearing equipment at all, which makes its collections a brilliant option if you don’t want to feel weighed down. Consequently, Arc’teryx constantly updates its technology and searches for new versatility, giving it an innovative approach to keeping you protected in any outdoor climate.
Columbia – for the budget-conscious family explorer
Columbia has spent decades proving that great outdoor gear doesn’t need a luxury price tag. Specifically, the brand’s Omni-Heat and Omni-Tech technologies deliver genuine warmth and weatherproofing without the premium cost of some competitors. Also, Columbia designs generously across men’s, women’s, and kids’ ranges. This makes it a smart pick if you’re kitting out the whole family for a camping trip or school ski week. You won’t get the cutting-edge tech of Arc’teryx here, but you will get dependable performance at a price that lets you actually enjoy the outdoors.
Rab – for the serious mountaineer
Founded in the Peak District in 1981, Rab began by sewing sleeping bags for climbers who needed gear that wouldn’t fail them at altitude. That mountaineering DNA still runs through every product the brand makes today. Specifically, Rab specialises in technical insulation, from down jackets rated for genuine expedition use to hardshells designed for the UK’s wettest, windiest conditions. So, if you’re heading somewhere remote and need gear tested by people who actually climb, this brand earns its reputation.
Berghaus – for the British-weather realist
Since 1966, Berghaus has designed gear for exactly what British weather does to you. Its Gore-Tex outerwear and Hydroshell technology handle the sideways rain and sudden temperature drops that catch out less prepared hikers on UK trails. As a result, Berghaus sits in a sweet spot between accessible pricing and genuine technical performance. This combination makes it a favourite among hillwalkers who want reliability without the premium mark-up. Ultimately, it’s a brand built by people who understand that “waterproof” needs to mean something in Britain.
Salomon – for the trail runner and fast-and-light explorer
Salomon made its name on the ski slopes, but the brand has since become just as essential on running trails and fastpacking routes. Rather than prioritising bulk, Salomon designs its outdoor clothing to move with you, focusing on lightweight, breathable fabrics. This makes it the go-to choice if your idea of adventure involves covering distance quickly, whether that’s a trail marathon or a multi-day hut-to-hut hike. Plus, Salomon’s footwear reputation carries over into its clothing line, with the same obsessive attention to fit and movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best outdoor clothing brand overall?
There’s no single “best” brand — it depends on what you need. For example, Arc’teryx leads on performance and innovation, while Fjallraven wins on durability. Meanwhile, Patagonia stands out for sustainability, and Columbia offers the best value for money. So, match the brand to your activity and budget rather than chasing a single “best” answer.
What’s the difference between Gore-Tex and other waterproof fabrics?
Gore-Tex is a specific waterproof, breathable membrane licensed to brands like The North Face, Arc’teryx, and Berghaus. Alternatively, other brands, including Fjallraven and Columbia, use their own proprietary technologies (G-1000, Omni-Tech) that aim for similar performance, often at a lower price point. Although Gore-Tex tends to carry a premium, it has decades of proven reliability behind it.
Which outdoor clothing brand is best for beginners?
Both Columbia and Marmot offer accessible entry points without overwhelming technical jargon or expedition-level price tags. As a result, they give you dependable performance while you work out what activities and conditions you’ll actually be facing regularly.
Are expensive outdoor brands like Arc’teryx worth the money?
If you’re heading into demanding conditions regularly — serious mountaineering, extended expeditions, extreme weather — premium brands justify their price through superior materials, construction, and performance. However, for occasional weekend walks or family camping trips, a mid-range or budget brand like Columbia or Marmot will serve you just as well.
How do I choose the right outdoor clothing brand for hiking versus mountaineering?
For general hiking, prioritise brands like Berghaus or The North Face, which balance weatherproofing with comfort and affordability. On the other hand, serious mountaineers should look to Rab or Arc’teryx, both of which design gear specifically tested in extreme, high-altitude conditions. Meanwhile, trail runners and fastpackers should look to Salomon for lightweight, movement-focused designs.
What should I look for when buying outdoor clothing?
Focus on the conditions you’ll actually face: waterproofing and breathability for wet climates, and insulation ratings for cold environments. Additionally, consider weight if you’re covering distance.
