Ready to explore the Great Outdoors? Not so fast!
Before you head out, you’ll need to pack the proper outdoor clothing.
Whether you’re visiting hot, dry places or cool, dense forests, there are outdoor clothing brands that sell the precise clothing you’ll need to be protected from the elements.
Keep reading to learn more about eight of the best outdoor clothing brands–some of them widely popular and some of them lesser known–and how their products can benefit you!
Our Top Picks
1. Patagonia
Patagonia is a highly-regarded household name when it comes to clothing for outdoor recreation. Founded in 1973 and based in Ventura, California, Patagonia started selling mountain-climbing gear, but its product line has since expanded to include clothing for many other recreational uses.
Named one of the most respected brands in a recent Axios and Harris Poll, you’re surely in good hands (and material) when you wear Patagonia.
Aside from its clothes, there are a few more perks that make Patagonia so appealing, especially for outdoor lovers. Firstly, 94% of the company’s clothing uses recycled materials. Patagonia also donates 1% of sales to 1% for the Planet, a nonprofit committed to the restoration and preservation of the planet, which was co-founded by Patagonia’s founder, Yvon Chouinard.
Sought-After Selections
Among Patagonia’s fan-favorite outerwear is the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie. Available in men’s sizes and in eight colors, the jacket is made from 100% recycled polyester ripstop and insulated with 800-fill-power goose down. Its shell fabric is also coated with a durable water-repellent finish. Pack the jacket into its own internal zippered chest pocket for easy storage.
Another top cold-weather choice is the Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Vest in women’s. Available in seven colors, this vest is the perfect pairing for winter hikes or outdoor runs. It’s also made using 100% post-consumer recycled materials, and it’s wrapped in a windproof and moisture-wicking shell. Like the men’s jacket, it also has an internal chest pocket that it can be packed into for stress-free travel.
2. Columbia Sportswear
Columbia Sportswear is another great brand that’s synonymous with outdoor clothing for sports and recreation. The Portland, Oregon-based brand offers functional, high-quality, and thoughtfully designed clothes for camping, hiking, skiing, running, and more. It’s the perfect brand to shop from if you’re looking for mid-range weather products, specifically.
Founded in 1938 by Gert Boyle, Columbia Sportswear has been around for 85 years now. The company offers an extended list of outdoor clothing, which includes clothes for golfers and hunters.
If you’re looking for something more casual, the brand also sells fashionable footwear for everyday use. To boot, the company is a partner of the Planet Water Foundation, a nonprofit that brings clean drinking water to impoverished communities.
Sought-After Selections
If you plan to venture into harshly cold weather, or if you live in a climate that gets extra chilly, the Columbia Women’s Suttle Mountain Long Insulated Jacket is a product you won’t want to be without.
The jacket is made from 100% polyester synthetic down insulation and has a reflective lining to keep you warm and toasty. Its water-resistant fabric keeps moisture out, and its adjustable hood ensures a snug fit.
On the contrary, if you’re looking for something to sport in the summer, you’ll want to get your hands on the Women’s Columbia Anytime Skort! Available in 24 colors, this skort has built-in shorts to provide maximum coverage while playing tennis, walking, or running after the kids. It also offers UPF 50 protection and is lightweight, stretchy, and breathable for the utmost mobility.
For men, the Columbia Silver Ridge Utility Pant is ideal for a wide range of uses and weather conditions. Available in nine colors, these low-maintenance, machine-washable pants feature two-way stretch and come with a removable belt. The pants are made from 100% recycled polyester and are moisture-wicking and UV-blocking to keep wearers protected and comfortable all day long.
3. The North Face
The North Face is yet another highly-respected outdoor brand that’s known for its cold-weather gear and puffy, insulated jackets. Founded in 1966 and based in Denver, Colorado, the North Face is a leading outdoor clothing brand for hiking, running, skiing, camping, and more.
There’s a lot to love about The North Face, beginning with its product insulation. The North Face products are insulated with 500- to 500-fill goose-down, which is the highest-quality goose-down available. When you purchase a jacket from this brand, you can have the confidence of knowing that you’ll be warm and protected from the elements–and that your jacket will last for years to come.
Speaking of its clothing, the brand has pledged to 100% responsibly source the materials for its clothes, footwear, and sports/camping equipment by the year 2030! The brand also co-founded The Conservation Alliance, which is a collective of companies that band together to protect land, water, wildlife, and people and provide nature-based solutions to climate change.
Sought-After Selections
Unlike some of the other outdoor brands, The North Face segued into being recognized as a fashion brand–as well as a staple in the outdoor world–years ago. One of its most popular jackets this season is The North Face Alta Vista Jacket in men’s. Available in three colors, this 100%-recycled nylon jacket is machine-washable, waterproof, and features underarm vents for added breathability. Wear it to perform any activity in chilly, wet weather.
The North Face Freedom Insulated Bib Snow Pants are also something you’ll be glad to have handy when the winter hits. Available in six colors, this 100% nylon all-mountain bib is waterproof and windproof and features inner-thigh vents for breathability. The suit has gaiters with gripper elastic to keep the snow out of your boots and away from your legs. Adjustable suspenders and belt loops allow for a custom fit.
For women, The North Face Clementine Triclimate Jacket might be the only outerwear you’ll need to get through the winter–and the fall and spring! This jacket comes equipped with a three-in-one system: wear the shell and inner jacket for total warmth and wet-weather protection; wear the inner jacket for cold, dry days. Or sport the shell jacket for warm, wet days. Layer sweatshirts underneath for even greater warmth.
4. Cotopaxi
A newer brand, albeit another great outdoor clothing brand, is Cotopaxi. Founded in 2014 and based in Salt Lake City, Utah, founder Davis Smith named Cotopaxi after one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. The brand is known for its brightly-colored collection of outdoor essentials and its eco-friendly commitment: 94% of Cotopaxi’s products are made using recycled materials.
Like the other brands listed above, Cotopaxi contributes to the betterment of the environment. The company designates at least 1% of total revenue to the Cotopaxi Foundation, which supports nonprofits such as United to Beat Malaria and the International Rescue Committee.
Sought-After Selections
One of the most popular Cotopaxi products is its Fuego Hooded Down Jacket, available in men’s (seven colors) and women’s sizes (eight colors). This down jacket is made with 800-fill-power goose down, though it remains lightweight (14 ounces) and easy to pack. Its 20-denier giant ripstop nylon shell has a water-repellent coating, so moisture beads up on the surface and wearers stay dry.
Another great find from Cotopaxi is the Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie in pebble, saltwater, canyon, and deep sea. The hoodie offers lightweight UPF 50+ protection and is ideal for shielding wearers from the sun during afternoon hikes. It also has an antimicrobial coating to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
5. Fieldsheer
Fieldsheer is a clothing brand that’s a bit different than the other brands on our list. The San Marcos, California-based brand was founded in 1978 as a manufacturer of protective motorcycle gear. Over the years, the company has since evolved into a line of outdoor clothing, as well as work and heated apparel.
And what better wearable to have when hiking, walking, or camping in the winter than something that heats up and keeps you warm throughout?
Sought-After Selections
One of the heated clothing options available from Fieldsheer is the Fieldsheer Backcountry Men’s Electric Heated Jacket with Battery. This jacket is made with built-in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that you can set to four different heat settings. Enjoy up to 2.5 hours of heat on high and up to 10 hours of heat on low! The 100% nylon jacket is also conveniently machine-washable, as well as water- and wind-resistant.
While you’re at it, take a look at some of the brand’s heated accessories, like the Fieldsheer Slopestyle Heated Leather Glove With Over-The-Top Heat Zone. These well-designed gloves are also made with ultra-slim, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with four heat settings. Administer up to 2.2 hours of heat on high and up to eight hours of heat on low to the fingers and tops of hands. Fingertips features a material that’s compatible with iPhone and Android use.
6. Arc’teryx
Arc’teryx is a Vancouver, Canada-based brand that’s known for high-quality outdoor clothing at affordable and competitive price points. Founded in 1989 as Rock Solid, this high-performance brand manufactures outerwear and equipment for climbing, skiing, and navigating high-altitude terrain.
Sought-After Selections
Among the Arc’teryx favorites is the Arc’teryx Men’s Gamma MX Hoody. This lightweight, breathable, and highly durable jacket is ideal for a mid or outer layer. It’s weather-resistant to accommodate nearly all changing weather conditions. The fabric is machine-washable and allows vapor to escape, which helps the wearer to regulate their body temperature.
Another great choice to consider is the Arc’teryx Women’s Cerium Vest. This lightweight vest is made with 850-fill European white goose down, and at least 30% of its fabric is made from recycled materials. Breathable and compatible, the vest comes with a stuff sack for easy packability. Store your belongings in the two zippered hand pockets or the internal zippered security pocket.
7. REI
Recreational Equipment, Inc., known as REI, carries just about everything in the space of outdoor clothing and recreation products. The company was founded in 1938 in Seattle, Washington when a group of 23 climbing buddies wanted to develop a solution to finding high-quality products to support their love of outdoor adventures. Today, the brand sells products for hiking, climbing, cycling, running, fitness, camping, snow, and travel.
The clothing that REI carries is known for being slightly more pricey than department stores, but overall superior quality. The company itself also has convenient capabilities, such as the option to rent some of the gear you’re interested in trying. As a giveback component, REI manages the REI Cooperative Action Fund, which donates several million each year to nonprofits that support environmental protection and restoration.
Sought-After Selections
One of the must-have products from REI, especially if you’re a fan of hiking, is the REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants. Available in both men’s and women’s sizes, these pants convert to shorts in a matter of seconds; you don’t even need to sit down or remove your shoes! The lightweight, fast-drying, and water-repellent pants also have vertical zippers from the bottom hem to the mid-thigh for added ventilation.
Another fan-favorite product is the Rainier Rain Jacket. Available in men’s and women’s sizes, and 10 and six colors, respectively, the 2.5-layer jacket has a three-piece adjustable hood, pit zips for ventilation, and sealed seams. Its ripstop nylon shell is made with recycled materials and has a durable water-repellent finish. The jacket is also windproof up to 60 miles per hour. When you’re ready to pack it away, the jacket conveniently packs into its own left pocket.
8. Sunday Afternoons
Sunday Afternoons is an outdoor brand that specializes in outdoor hats. Founded in 1992 in Talent, Oregon, and named after the founders’ favorite day and time of the week, the company offers a range of products that’ll have your whole family covered–literally! Best of all, Sunday Afternoon products come with a lifetime guarantee.
Sought-After Selections
One of the most popular Sunday Afternoons products is the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat. The water- and stain-resistant cap offers UPF 50+ sun protection and has a wicking sweatband to manage moisture. It also has a folding clamshell brim, a neck cape, crown ventilation, and a slit to hold sunglasses in place. Hand-wash only; use the drawstring closure to ensure a perfect fit.
Other top choices, some for fashion and others for function, include the Sunday Afternoons Havana Hat, Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat, and the Sunday Afternoon Ultra Adventure Storm Hat.
Outdoor Clothing Brand Buyer’s Guide
When you’re looking to choose a few key outdoor clothing items for your wardrobe, there are a few features you should keep top of mind.
Function
The function of a clothing item is perhaps its most important quality. When you’re choosing clothes for the outdoors, it’s critical for the product to perform what it’s intended to and successfully shield wearers from the elements–whatever those elements might be.
Common functional details include a water-resistant outer shell, draw-string closures, ventilation, and lightweight fabrication.
Packability
Packability is especially key if you’re someone who enjoys camping, hiking, or packing up and hitting the open road. Many outdoor clothing products are made with a packable function, such as the ability to fold and pack into itself.
Products with this feature make it easier to stash inside small spaces, such as tents, cars, and backpacks, and to carry on your person. When you’re traveling on foot, less bulk is always better.
Wrapping up Outdoor Clothing Brands
Now that you’re familiar with some of the top outdoor clothing brands, it’s time to shop for your favorite items–and start planning your next trip!
But before you go, check out our blog post, How To Dry Wet Clothes Fast While Camping! In the event of spontaneous rainfall or close encounters with a waterway, you’ll be able to quickly dry and continue taking full advantage of your outdoor clothing without worry.