20 Popular Outdoor Brands To Explore In 2023

Since 1974, Marmot has been producing high-quality mountaineering and outdoor equipment. They have been the choice of equipment for the films ‘Eiger Sanction’ as well as the National Geographic documentary ‘Journey to the outer Limits’. Marmot was one of the first outdoor brands to use Gore-Tex fabric and have been innovating ever since.

Since 1938 Colombia has been producing equipment for all types of outdoor activities. Tested in the rugged and tough conditions of the Pacific Northwest, they can handle anything you can throw at it, making Columbia one of the best outdoor brand on the market.

Arc’teryx‘s name refers to one of the earliest known birds, the Archaeopteryx and it embodies the company’s vision of creating innovations that are disruptive and ‘evolutionary’ in the outdoor brands and equipment industry. Arc’teryx is a brand you can count on even in the most extreme conditions.

The North Face is a name synonymous with high-quality outdoor brands and equipment and derived from the notorious north face of Mt Everest. They have produced equipment that has ascended the worlds highest peaks as well as catered for ‘Hypebeasts’ of the world, no matter your intended use, anything from The North Face is bound to keep you warm, dry and stylish.

Literally founded as a result of frostbite, Outdoor Research produces gear to keep you warm and dry even in the most outlandish conditions. They are constantly testing their gear and innovating on all aspects to ensure they provide the highest quality product. They even provide a ‘Lifetime warranty’, now that is confidence in your product you won’t get from all outdoor brands.

Mountain Hardwear is an outdoor brand that focuses on producing high quality, high-performance equipment for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes alike. They sponsor several athletes that have climbed all of the world’s 8000m+ peaks, who have tried and tested the gear to ensure it will cater to anyone’s needs.

Patagonia is now a brand synonymous with the outdoors and adventure. The outdoor brand’s gear is made to extremely high standards and they have committed to sourcing all their materials from sustainable and ethical sources. To further bolster their ‘activist’ status Patagonia gives 1% of its annual profit to charity organisations that focus on conservation and sustainability. Patagonia is the brand for you if you’re looking for high quality gear that looks good whilst saving the environment.

A close relative to Patagonia, Black Diamond was founded by the same man, Yvon Chouinard, a mountaineering legend. Black Diamond focuses on climbing, skiing and mountain sports equipment with a focus on making the best gear possible. From rain jackets to carabiners, they draw on decades of knowledge of the mountains and snow to ensure their gear performs to the highest standards.

Danner is an American boot manufacturer that specialises in both handcrafted leather boots as well as specialist hiking, hunting, law-enforcement and military boots. Safe to say these boots are about as tough as it gets, whether your about be deployed in a war or needs some boots for Aspen Apré Ski, Danner has a pair to suit your needs.

Most famously known for their ‘Kånken’ backpack, Fjällräven also produces a range of other outdoor equipment. Designed and made in Sweden, the outdoor brand’s gear is designed to handle the cold of a Swedish winter and the heat of their summer aka just about anything you can possibly think of. Their gear is all made sustainably and they support various wildlife charities.

One of the top outdoor brands since the very first jolly swagman put his billy on to boil (pretty much), Kathmandu is much loved across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. It is solid, reliable and has some pretty decent muted prints to complete your look (all while keeping you warm or cool, of course).

Originating in New Zealand, MacPac is known for their camping and travel equipment. Their backpacks, in particular, stand heads above other outdoor brands and have been used by backpackers as well as ascenders of Everest. Whatever you throw at your MacPac gear, they are sure to cope with it.

Forsake build high quality waterproof, leather shoes for hiking, travel, and casual use. Built to give you freedom wherever you go, their boots are inspired by the mountains and fit for every journey; hence their inclusion on our outdoor brands list.

From South Korea, BlackYak has been producing superb outdoor garments under the radar for the last 40 years. Their testing and innovation takes place in the Himalayas to ensure quality and durability. They have sponsored several expeditions and has won several ISPO awards for their efforts.

Traditionally an outdoor equipment retailer, Backcountry has seen it all, from the best raincoats to the best boots. This deep understanding of what makes the best, well, the best has enabled them to create their own collection of gear to suit all budgets, whilst ensuring top quality.

This brand is driven by its “Gear for Good” initiative which demonstrates a commitment to making a positive impact on the world by donating a significant portion of their profits to various social causes. From eye-catching backpacks to rugged jackets, Cotopaxi effortlessly blends style and performance. Questival is an annual event that blends outdoor fun with making a positive impact, showing how committed they are to bringing together adventurers who care about making a difference.

REI, which stands for Recreational Equipment, Inc., is the ultimate playground for outdoor enthusiasts. They’ve been in the game since 1938, offering a treasure trove of gear and equipment for all things outdoorsy. Think hiking, camping, cycling, and beyond – they’ve got you covered. REI isn’t just a store, it’s a co-op. That means when you become a member, you’re a part-owner and get perks like annual dividends and exclusive sales.

Founded in 1981, Jack Wolfskin is a German outdoor brand renowned for its high-quality equipment and clothing for outdoor activities. It is the go-to brand for adventure junkies, and for good reason. From weather-resistant jackets with handy features to durable backpacks, Jack Wolfskin products are designed to perform in the great outdoors. Overall, Jack Wolfskin is a reliable option for anyone in need of dependable outdoor gear that’s both practical and eco-friendly.

KÜHL has a range of outdoor apparel that’s designed to tackle the demands of the wilderness while making sure you look good doing it. With thoughtful features like practical pockets and robust zippers, KÜHL pays attention to the finer details that matter. What sets them apart is their emphasis on high-quality materials, ensuring their gear can withstand the most rugged conditions. In terms of sustainability, KÜHL is making strides with eco-friendly fabrics and responsible manufacturing practices.

Helly Hansen is a Norwegian brand with over 140 years of history that has established itself as a heavyweight in the world of outdoor gear. They practically invented waterproof clothing back in the 1870s and haven’t stopped innovating since. Their Helly Tech technology is like a force field against bad weather, and you can trust it to keep you dry. With cool features like the Life Pocket, which saves your phone’s battery in the cold, and a focus on eco-friendly materials, they’re pretty forward-thinking.