I don’t know about you, but I love just clothes. In fact, I even get dressed most days. And when it comes to choosing the right clothes for travel, well I know just what to wear and all the best outdoor clothing brands who manufacture them.
My number 1 secret for finding travel clothes is that less is more – invest well and the best outdoor clothing brands will last you for years, for life on the road, on the trails, and even at home.
In this post I am going to review my favorite outdoor clothing brands and pieces below, but just to give you a bit of inspiration and dutiful advice: do NOT skimp out on hiking shoes, merino wool socks, or a reliable down jacket. If you spend a lot of time in the rain or mountains, then a quality shell is just as important.
By investing in durable, quality outdoor clothing, and often include excellent warranties. is a worthy purchase for life on the road and the trails.
Quick Answer – These Are The Best Outdoor Clothing Brands
Patagonia
Brilliantly mixing functionality with style, Patagonia is hands down the best overall outdoor clothing brand. Patagonia’s jackets and fleeces are top rate and their baseball caps will bag you bonus hipster points!
- Finding The Best Outdoor Clothing Brands
- Top Outdoor Clothing Brands
- Best Outdoor Clothing Brands for Base Layers
- Best Outdoor Clothing Brands for Outerwear
- Best Outdoor Clothing Brands for Casual Wear
- Best Outdoor Clothing Brands on a Budget
- Best Outdoor Brands for Accessories – Shoes, Packs, and Beyond
- How We Tested This Gear
- FAQ about the Best Outdoor Clothing Brands
- Final Thoughts on the Best Outdoor Clothing Brands
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Finding The Best Outdoor Clothing Brands
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Technical outdoor clothing brands are generally pricey, but absolutely essential for extreme sports, such as alpine climbing pictured above, but even if you don’t plan to climb a mountain anytime soon, outdoor gear is equally imperative for adventure travel.
The last thing you want to deal with is a leaky rain jacket while trekking Nepal, or blistering feet on a sunrise hike in Bali. Even urban travel can call for a couple of outdoor clothing pieces, like a versatile and warm jacket and pants that work for every activity. That being said, wearing the best mountain clothing brand might just be overkill for a jaunt down Khao San Road!!
Because technical brands are finally fashionable, there’s no need to invest in a ton of clothing and gear, just those few cornerstone pieces. (I mean, walk down the streets of SF, and you’ll count more Patagonia down vests than suits and ties.)
So, whether you plan to go backpacking in Central America, brace the winds of Patagonia, take on the brutal climates of Africa, party your way through South East Asia, or go trekking throughout the US, my favorite outdoor clothing brands will have your back (on your back ;).
Why should you trust my review? Because I remember the first time I bought $15 socks and an expensive winter jacket. To say I was STICKER SHOCKED is an underestimate, but after spending a lot of time camping and climbing outdoors, and traveling to over 30 countries, I am fully converted to the value of durable and high-quality outdoor clothing.
Finally, I know that shopping for outdoor gear can be daunting because of the number of options and prices. Anyone who has spent 3 hours in REI understands. After years of trial-and-error, I’m proud to present my in-depth guide chalked full of my favorite outdoor clothing brands.
There are only 10 pieces I pack every time, and I’ve listed my favorite outdoor clothing brands to help get you started when it comes to packing the best outdoor clothes for your next adventure.
Top Outdoor Clothing Brands
I’ve broken down my favorite outdoor clothing brands into sections. First, I cover my two go-to’s for base layers. Next up are my most recommended brands for layering – think your outerwear, winter jackets, down vests, and rain shells.
Next, I cover the best outdoor clothing brands for the easiest going day-to-day travel. These brands are great for hikes, urban travel, and active movement, like climbing, running, and yoga.
Finally, I give you a couple of options for the more conscious spender. None of the clothing brands on this list are “cheap” because you’re going to have to invest a bit to get quality, technical gear. That said, all of these brands are worthy of being on this list.
REI is one of America’s biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers.
Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals.
Join REI Today!Best Outdoor Clothing Brands for Base Layers
Right, let’s start at the base and identify the best brand for making base layers.
Icebreaker – To cover your Merino Wool Base Layers
Icebreaker is one of my favorite outdoor clothing brands. They cover all the bases, literally.
Merino wool is made from sheep’s wool; it blends moisture control, performance, insulation, and sustainability – no synthetics like polyester aka plastic! While cotton socks get disgustingly sweaty after one workout or walk out in the city, merino wool socks can last you for days without a wash. It feels gorgeous against the skin and is well worth its price tag.
100% merino wool socks run at $13+ and tops can cost $60+ easily. Base layer bottoms cost over $100. I hope I haven’t scared you away yet because I know the buy-in is pricy, but it is also invaluable, especially if you plan to hike, spend nights in cold temperatures, or sweat a lot.
Now, Icebreaker is a merino wool company and one I feel proud to support. The brand started selling wool tees in the 90s, but now New Zealand’s biggest technical apparel maker makes merino gear of all sorts at the highest ethical and sustainable standards.
Don’t skimp out on their merino wool socks. They also come with a life-long warranty, so take care not to lose them as Icebreaker will replace socks with holes! It’s these sorts of guarantees we’re looking for when it comes to picking the best outdoor clothing brand, it means they back themselves too!
I am also a huge fan of their base layer tops for all types of travel and trekking. I rarely take off my Icebreaker light zip-up when I’m out camping. In addition to providing warmth, a base layer gives you much-needed protection from the searing sun. Even if the weather is quite warm, I still recommend wearing your base layer top to help prevent sunburn. If you’re looking for the best outdoor wear, a base layer is a must.
Our team collectively are massive fans of Icebreaker and their Merino range. In particular, they love that they can be worn over multiple days without smelling or becoming too damp. This might sound a bit rank but believe me, when you’re on a multiday hike these things can really make the difference.
To summarize, in order, get a pair of short socks + long socks for hiking, half-zip light jacket (it’s stylish too), base layer tee – it will wick sweat and smell for days on end – and eventually merino wool leggings for warmth… No need to buy them not all at once; this is a collection you build up slowly.
Smartwool – Alternative Best Clothing Brand for Merino Wool
Smartwool has it going on! This is another one of my favorite outdoor clothing brands that focus on merino wool.
Quick story: I went on a 15-day hike with 2 long sleeve shirts. One was merino wool and the other a synthetic moisture-wicking athletic shirt. The synthetic (albeit not cheap) top was smelly and wet after 2 days. I wore my merino wool long-sleeve in the sun and cold for the other 12 days and it never smelled. Guess which one I bring on every hiking and travel trip from here on out?
I’m a big fan of Smartwool’s leggings, which happen to fit my body better than Icebreaker, but this is subjective! Go ahead and treat yourself to the most comfortable merino wool boxers, dudes. You won’t need to travel with more than 3-4.
My boyfriend also lives in their stylish long sleeve merino wool shirt for travel, climbing, work-outs, and hanging out at home. Finally, they have some casual sweaters and more technical gear for snow sports.
Our team are always on the hunt for cheaper but well-performing alternatives, as Broke Backpackers this is pretty important to us. I mean sure, super expensive products you expect will work well, but the team were mega impressed by how Smartwool performed to keep them dry, smelling fresh and didn’t take up a shedload of room in their packs.
Best Outdoor Clothing Brands for Outerwear
Patagonia – leading the way in green fashion and tech fashion
Named after one of the world’s most pristine environments, Patagonia is an iconic, sustainable logo known for its ethical and environmentally conscious focus. They were the first company to have a green print (before that was a thing). They donate their time and services to environmental causes, and their tax cuts plus at least 1 percent of their sales to help hundreds of grassroots organizations all over the world.
Patagonia began as an alpine clothing brand but has since expanded into more casual technical wear, bathing suits, and more. Anything outdoors and you’re covered, but they have a particular emphasis on cold and wet-weather apparel.
Simply put, the might just be THE best outdoor brand! When it comes to the top outdoor jackets, they are always reliable, long-lasting and sustainable too. Me and my partner swear by them and her favourite jacket has to be the Patagonia Houdini.
The Broke Backpacker team and I agree that the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie is a staple for travel, the chilly nights at camp, and early morning starts on the trail. This insulation provides you with the ability to lock in your body heat, even when temperatures fall to freezing or below. It feels like a warm hug to wear on a cool night and when it gets sweaty, you can zip it open and it breathes perfectly. The material is also high quality, the zips are solid and the seams are clearly very tailored.
Their fleece jackets are iconic, and the Patagonia Better Sweater is my go-to casual and warm jacket when it is not quite cold enough to throw on the down jacket. You can also hike in the fleece without getting overheated. The only con is that it doesn’t pack down as well for travel as a down jacket does.
I think Patagonia is excellent for any outdoor enthusiast. I don’t think they make the most cutting-edge alpine and climbing jackets and shells but still, they manage to do a good job.
Any traveler will be more than happy with their standard, and it doesn’t hurt that their apparel is fashionable! I have been living in my Patagonia down jacket and fleece jacket for years, and recommend them to anybody.
I bought my girlfriend the Houdini Air Jacket and now she swears by it of backpacking trips. It’s light and compact, water proof and offers a layer of warmth for when hot climes cool down. That said it can get sweaty in tropical heat though, but it’s still one of the best Patagonia waterproof jackets.
Check out our rundown of the best Patagonia jackets to find the right one for your trip. We’ve also got a specific Patagonia winter jackets guide too for the colder months.
The North Face – The Most Popular Outdoor Clothing Brand
It would be a shame to not mention the best-known outdoor clothing brand out there: The North Face. The thing is, I’ve never owned a piece of their clothing, so I can’t review them wholeheartedly, but no doubt you’ve already seen people sporting this outerwear brand before. I would put them in the same camp as Patagonia, and I just happen to lean towards Patagonia, but the choice is yours.
They have a long history of providing alpine climbers with durable and warm gear. Whether you need a rain jacket for skiing or pants for yoga, The North Face has got you covered. This brand is also pretty moderately priced given its quality.
Not having owned any North Face gear myself I once again turned to the other members of our team who were much more familiar with this well-known brand. Again, they are pretty popular amongst the rest of the team and in particular, they rated the Hydrenalite Down Hoody highly. They felt it was perfect for backpacking in cooler climates as it offers great protection with its water-repellant exterior, 550-fill goose down and super lightweight construction.
Arcteryx – For the Mountaineer who made it to the top (Best Rain Gear too)
If you’ve made it to the top of a mountain, you deserve some Arcteryx gear, and if you’ve made it to the top monetarily, you can probably afford them too ;). Arcteryx is the Gucci of outdoor clothing brands, but unlike Gucci, they make some of the best hardcore outdoor clothing in the world.
The original Alpha SV Jacket moved the industry from baggy GORE-TEX jackets to today’s slim profiles.
Arc’teryx gear is built for outdoor extremes, from fast and light (FL) climbing gear to blizzard-ready severe weather (SV) shells. If you are going to be handling extreme temperatures and adventures, then Arc’teryx is a worthy investment.
Writer and traveler, Chris, here at the Broke Backpacker, says his Arc’teryx Beta AR jacket is irreplaceable. It’s a hardshell rain jacket that handles any rain, wind, and snow you can encounter. A rain shell is a key to a successful layering system as they function as a sort of warmth seal in addition to acting as a barrier to the elements, specifically rain and wind.
Cheap rain jackets just do not cut it in the wilderness. They leak, get clammy, and will result in your other layers getting wet. Stylish, expensive, and most importantly top-notch quality, Arcteryx has it going on.
Our team have been really impressed with the quality across the board from Arc’teryx. Personally I love the Atom Lt hoody. It’s a great all-rounder for backpacking trips in different climates to be used as a light jacket or a mid-layer. It’s also super light and packs down well so it’s great for throwing into a backpack or day pack.
REI – One of the Best and Affordable Cold Weather Clothing Brands
REI, (Recreational Equipment, Inc) are one of North America’s best loved retailer and manufacturers of outdoor recreation gear, sporting goods, and clothing. REI was founded as workers co-op in 1938 by a group of mountaineers in Seattle, and has since grown into a national chain with over 150 retail stores across the United States.
REI’s mission is to inspire, educate, and outfit people for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship of the outdoors. They offer a wide range of products, from camping and hiking gear to bicycles, kayaks, and outdoor apparel.
In fact, if you read this blog on the reg then you’ll know we often include a lot of REI products in our reviews and rundowns. They make excellent and affordable gear and while their cold weather gear can’t quite compete with high-end brands like Arc’terxy, it is perfectly functional and excellent for those on a budget.
BÆRSkin – One of the Best Affordable Waterproof Jacket Brands
BAERSkin prides itself on creating clothing that not only equips you for wild extremes but does so whilst looking and feeling great to wear too. Their clothes are made to fit just right, not too baggy or too tight and have the muscular figure in mind. I mean hey, who doesn’t want to show off their gains whilst keeping dry on the trails?
Their clothing, particularly their jackets, are made to look good and perform both in the outdoors and the city, making them super versatile for all life’s different adventures.
Two jackets I have been super impressed with are the Heavy-Storm Rain Jacket and the waterproof softshell.
Their heavy storm jacket offers 10k Waterproof rating with a 2.5 layer design and features taped seams and BÆR-Tex water-repellent coating for the ultimate in rain protection. Adjustable toggles on the hood and wrists keep water out from any angle and the 4 waterproof pockets keep your gear nice and dry. What’s better is that it packs away into a tiny pouch that is small and light enough to chuck into any bag, so you’re always prepared.
The waterproof softshell offers a rugged exterior featuring BÆR-Tex Coating on a double-thick woven shell that’s both light and hard-wearing. Inside the jacket is 330GSM BÆRSkin Fleece designed to keep you warm in 0°F temperatures. A massive 9 waterproof pockets means you can leave the dry bag at home and hike with confidence and freedom.
Best Outdoor Clothing Brands for Casual Wear
Kuhl – Best outdoor clothing brand for pants
I’ll keep this section short and sweet. Kuhl has made a name for itself because of its selection of pants. They have a pair for every travel and activity. If you want a pair of versatile, stylish, and durable pants, look no further.
Our team loved the KUHL Law Pants in particular and felt they offered a rugged and high-quality feel whilst still looking smart and stylish.
Prana – Best outdoor clothing brand for active and loungewear
They create sustainable, fashionable clothing for travel, climbing, and yoga. Their apparel is designed to handle action and movement and still be stylish!
My go-to travel pants and leggings are Prana! This is another company I feel awesome for supporting.
They are conscious about everything, from the organic cotton and hemp to sew their clothing, to the beaches where plastic bottles are harvested, to the chemicals that need to be managed upstream, to the safety and well-being of the people assembling their clothing.
Our team really love the lineup of knitwear that Prana makes, for example, the Sky Meadow sweater. They loved how functional these sweaters were, and how they kept the team warm on chilly days. But more than that, they just loved how they looked. They felt the design made them suitable for not just travel and outdoor adventures but equally, they wouldn’t look out of place going out for a meal or even in the office.
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Best Outdoor Clothing Brands on a Budget
Columbia Outdoor Clothing Brand: For the Backpacker on a Budget
Portland-based Columbia has staked its reputation on affordable, high-quality outerwear. No, they’re not the best, but they are affordable and get the job done. Recently, the brand has made a push into the fashion space as well.
If you’re not looking to summit mountains, and you’re not counting ounces as you pack for your trip, then Columbia is a great choice.
Our team love how affordable their gear is for the quality they offer. They reflected that often when you’re backpacking you don’t want to shell out a load of money on gear that will potentially be ruined but you still want a decent amount of protection, they felt that was were Columbia worked well.
Best Outdoor Brands for Accessories – Shoes, Packs, and Beyond
Perhaps the single most important piece of clothing you pack is your hiking boots. If you are hiking at elevation or into the mountains, then splurge on quality hiking boots. That said, I can’t tell you which are the best shoes for you, how they fit you is the most important. If you’re not sure where to start, then I highly recommend Sportiva and Iowa (reviewed below), as well as shoe brand Salomon and Keen’s shoes for hiking and travel.
Tip – Make sure to break in hiking boots before you hit the road.
If you don’t plan to hike in 3-4 season weather, then hiking boots are overkill and take up a lot of space in your bag. Settle for travel shoes, or just go minimal and rock the river sandal or minimal shoe look.
La Sportiva Shoes – For all your climbing needs (on and off the rock)
La Sportiva is another awesome rock-climbing brand, especially known for rock-climbing shoes, but I’m also a huge fan of their hiking boots for women, especially for narrow feet.
If you plan to hike in 4-season weather and do any technical climbing then consider La Sportiva’s mountain boots. While expensive, tour leader Chris says they are crucial. I can attest as he was the only one out of 13 people with dry feet at the end of a hike in the snow.
Our team includes quite a few climbers in our ranks and they rate La Sportiva as their go-to brand for both approach shoes and on-the-wall climbing shoes. Their favourites are the Katana’s and the Miura’s for more technical climbing and the Mythos for trad climbing.
Lowa – Best Outdoor Brand for Hiking Shoes
Lowa makes some hardy hiking and work boots. If you want a pair of durable boots you can put some miles on, then look no further. Because of said hardiness, you also need to break them in good. Make sure to break in your boots before a hike.
Our team highly recommend the Lowa Renegade GTX due to their great value for money within the Lowa range, their stylish design and of course how well they perform in the mountains. They felt they were easy to break in, hard-wearing and super supportive.
Also, check out my review of the best hiking boots for more ideas.
Black Diamond – Best for Climbing and Snowsports
While not known as being part of the best hiking clothing brands, Black Diamond is the best for mountain hardware and just about anything to do with rock climbing. They are my go-to for cold-weather and active athletics accessories – things like winter gloves, gaiters, Black Diamond FLZ trekking poles (see our highlighted review), and head torches.
Gaiters are essential for 4-season hiking, as they help to keep stones, mud, water, and snow out of your hiking boots.
Our team highly recommend the Black Diamond GTX Front Point. They have taken them through 3+ ft of fresh powder without a single snowflake making its way onto their legs!
Another accessory they would recommend would be their Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet. While not necessary for your average hike, it’s crucial for technical climbing and is the helmet I’ve worn on many occasions from sport climbing to trad climbing, canyoning and caving without any issues. It’s lightweight enough to attach to any pack without adding too much wear, which is imperative when you’ve got a bag full of rope, cams, nuts and draws!
Buff Lightweight Merino – The most functional clothing piece you’ll own
This tiny piece of fabric may not seem useful or necessary, but once you have integrated a Buff into your gear kit, there is no going back. They have so many practical applications from serving as a dust mask to keeping the sun off of your neck to providing extra warmth during any blistering cold and windy conditions. Plus, you could use it as a mask to rob a bank.
Our team are big fans of a buff or two and take them everywhere from hiking snowy mountain passes in Pakistan to humid treks in the Costa Rican jungle. They are super useful for many different environments and climates and are a piece of kit that our team swears by.
Tip – Some of their options are not merino wool, but if you read my section on base layers, then you know I’m going to recommend you choose a merino wool option, as they don’t have to be washed nearly as often.
Osprey Backpacks – For all your non-clothing needs
Focusing predominantly on backpacks, they’ve dominated the hiking backpack scene, as well as travel bags, commuters, and more. We are HUGE fans of Osprey at the Broke Backpacker. I wouldn’t hike with another bag; I use Osprey’s Ariel 65 and Osprey Kyte 46 for all of my outdoor adventures.
In addition to backpacks, Osprey offers a range of bag-related accessories, including bag covers and toiletries packs. While this article is focused on outdoor clothing brands, grabbing the right backpack is just as important!
Me and several other Broke Backpacker writers have used Osprey backpacks for years now and they will continue to be our go-to brand for many more trips to come. Their Fairview/ Farpoint range with its clamshell opening, attached day pack, compression straps and lockable main compartment make it a backpacking stalwart. I use the Aether for long trips and the Qasar as my day pack – I have used it every day for years and it is still in pristine shape.
Now, you could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.
So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card! REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉
Buy on REI!How We Tested This Gear
There is exact science or perfect technique when it comes to testing out the best outdoor clothing and gear. However, the team here at The Broke Backpacker do have a LOT of experience in this area and have gotten pretty good at it over the years.
Whenever we test a piece of gear or clothing, one of our team took it out for a test run and put it through its paces. We decided to pick a mix of some of the best outdoor brands alongside some lesser-known budget options too.
In all cases, we paid close attention to how well-made a piece of clothing or gear is. We looked at how light or heavy it is, how packable it is and of course, how well it fulfils its intended use. When it comes to clothing we also awarded extra points for how it looks and picked out some of the coolest outdoor brands that push the boat out when it comes to looking good!
Finally, we also take into account how an item is priced – for example, expensive items that perform averagely are looked at harshly, whereas budget items may be given more leeway and minor failures treated with less scrutiny.
FAQ about the Best Outdoor Clothing Brands
Still have some questions about the best outdoor clothing brands? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:
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Final Thoughts on the Best Outdoor Clothing Brands
I tried to keep this list short and sweet, so you’re not too overwhelmed by the number of options!
That said, I feel that I have provided a great selection from the best outdoor clothing brands in the world. I focused primarily on outdoor clothing brands than transfer well to travel, not necessarily the most technical gear for extreme outdoor sports.
If I missed your favorite outdoor travel brand, let me know in the comments below!
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You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
Hi there, I will be travelling to Intervales State Park in Brazil and wondering if you have a recommendation for clothing to avoid ticks and mosquitoes? I live in Canada and permethrin isn’t sold here so not an option. I have purchased supposed permethrin treated products here but the ticks didn’t seem to notice. I can check for ticks and keep pants tucked in so probably most important to avoid mosquito bites (ie a material that can they can’t bite through easily). I am a magnet for them unfortunately. Thank you!
Hi Andrea,
Denim and wool are difficult for mosquitoes to bite through. Clothing sprayed with a repellent containing DEET is also probably worth a try.
Wishing you a bite free journey.
Also this brand is very good: Solo Grazier Outdoor
An American site is the worst site to go for “best outdoor brands”!
No imagination… The North Face and Arcteryx. Yes, Arcteryx is a great brand but the mountaineering jackets are catered for men with Adonis figures or big fatties, the arms too long. Medium fits body but arms are too long, Small arms fit but body is a bit tight. I have read so many says this. Far too boxy, no style like Mammut, Norrona, Haglofs and even Montane. I have owned quite a few Arcteryx jackets: Alpha SV & AR, Beta AR & LT. The fleeces, softshells and ski jackets fit better, Tantalus and Iser were a good fit but the prices weren’t justified when I could have bought a Mammut Nordwand Pro for a little more!
North face… common for common people!
Hi Michael
This isn’t an American site, it was founded by a Brit, I am British and we have an international staff!
I personally own an Acteryx jacket and it fits me ok and I am neither fat nor an Adonis.
As for North Face, they are indeed something of an everyman brand but we find them well priced for the standards they offer.
Thanks for sharing your views.
Aiden
you should try WeatherWool – 100% made in USA and the “luxury hardcore “ theme is the best made on market in my option
thanks for the tip!