When I come across an outdoor clothing brand that I like, I usually remain loyal to that brand for an extended period of time. I prefer different brands for various types of gear, so you won’t see me completely dressed in items from a single company. I’ve discovered that certain brands excel in producing specific types of clothing and footwear. Below are the outdoor gear brands that I particularly favor due to their durability and reasonable pricing.
Salomon
Salomon, a renowned outdoor brand globally recognized for its exceptional Alpine ski gear, has gained legendary status in the realm of techwear primarily because of its footwear and hiking products. With their durability and fashionable allure, Salomon sneakers exude practicality in their design, which may have been the driving force behind Boris Bidjan Saberi’s decision to collaborate with the brand.
Saberi’s SS17 presentation, titled “Post-Humanism,” brought attention to Salomon’s innovative and transformative bioorganic designs. Consequently, other collaborations soon emerged. Presently, individuals ranging from Paris Fashion Week attendees to members of the techwear subreddit are likely to possess at least one pair of Salomons.
ROA
ROA, founded in 2015, has been dedicated to producing technologically advanced hiking footwear for hiking trails, taking inspiration from the mountain top of Forcella della Roa for its logo. Despite its emphasis on durable Vibram-soled footwear, the brand’s simplistic aesthetic has also garnered fans in the fashion industry. This is likely the reason why you may recognize it from numerous endorsements by Drake or collaborative projects with A-COLD-WALL* and 1017 ALYX 9SM.
Originally established as a footwear brand, it has recently broadened its range to include outdoor apparel designed with a harmonious blend of style and practicality, just like its shoes. This encompasses a wide array of essential outdoor garments (such as shell jackets, fleeces, nylon pants, etc.) with a slight hint of elegant flair.
Keen
When Martin Keen couldn’t find suitable shoes for sailing, the designer of footwear, who had previous employment with brands like Saucony and K-Swiss, decided to make his own. This led to the establishment of a prominent brand in outdoor footwear.
Starting with the initial design of the Newport Sandal, a combination of a sandal and a sneaker, the brand gained a following that consisted of the late Steve Jobs and supposedly the design team at Gucci. Despite focusing primarily on sandals, the brand has significantly expanded its selection of products and partnered with notable brands like Engineered Garments and atmos.
Arc’teryx
Founded in Vancouver, British Columbia thirty years ago, Arc’teryx is a renowned Canadian outdoor clothing brand that was named after the Archaeopteryx, a dinosaur resembling a bird and belonging to the Late Jurassic period.
In my perspective, the name of this company is actually appropriate as Arc’teryx is a brand that consistently progresses. It is among the most innovative corporations in its industry and always strives to remain at the forefront of advancements.
Arc’teryx is a brand that specializes in clothing designed for activities such as hiking, trail running, snowboarding, skiing, trekking, and mountaineering. Their range of products includes skirts, dresses, fleeces, shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, shorts, pants, coats, shoes, boots, packs, and various accessories suitable for these activities. Additionally, Arc’teryx offers options for both men and women and caters to all seasons.
Canada Goose
Canada Goose is the leading brand for providing warmth to individuals who are outdoors. Established in Toronto, Canada in the 1950s, this company has gained recognition for its high-quality outerwear available for men, women, and children.
The brand’s knitwear, jackets, and coats are fully capable of providing warmth in freezing temperatures. Alongside these items, Canada Goose also encompasses the creation, production, and sale of scarves, gloves, hats, and various accessories tailored for adventurous experiences in the wilderness.
Canada Goose provides clothing for individuals of various sizes, ranging from newborns to XL adults. Furthermore, the majority of their garments are meticulously sewn by hand, ensuring long-lasting durability regardless of the frequency or location of use.
Moncler
Moncler, established in 1952, has its headquarters in Milan but is originally from France. The founders of the brand were André Vincent and René Ramillon, who had expertise in designing down-filled coats to ensure comfort and warmth while exploring the Alps, Europe’s largest mountain range.
Moncler continues to expand and adjust to present trends, which is why it remains a prominent brand in the outdoor clothing sector. The company offers clothing options for children, women, and men, with garments available in various sizes and styles.
Moreover, Moncler is renowned for its continuous exploration of various patterns and colors on its clothing, drawing inspiration from the world of high art. It can be confidently stated that the company strives to create highly innovative garments, aspiring to establish itself as a trendsetter similar to Patagonia.
RANRA
Formerly known as Arnar Már Jónsson, RANRA is a brand that operates in the ambiguous realm between fashion and outdoor equipment. Established by Luke Stevens from London and Arnar Már Jónsson from Reykjavik, the label originated during their time studying at the Royal College of Art and has since challenged the conventional limits of outdoor-appropriate attire.
The design studio of the duo focuses on enhancing practical items with innovative techniques and conceptual flourishes. Alternatively, as the brand puts it, it serves as a “place for combining poetic and practical experimentation.”
The North Face
There is no technical apparel that does not include The North Face. Although there were outdoor clothing brands before 1968, and Eddie Bauer did invent the down jacket, the concept of gear-as-fashion has become a norm due to The North Face’s ability to innovate and prioritize functionality.
The outdoor giant from California, known as the north face of Yosemite’s Half Dome, is widely acknowledged for shaping the appearance, materials, and technologies associated with techwear. The sherpa, which was influenced by the Denali, a zip-front Polartec fleece, may have been inspired by the design of the Mountain Jacket, a multi-paneled GORE-TEX shell, specifically the contrasting black shoulders.
The North Face excels in producing exceptional collaborations in the fashion industry, with Junya Watanabe MAN’s Backpack Jacket being the standout among them.
Patagonia
With its reputation as a “brand that redefines cool,” Patagonia is widely recognized. The company, established in California in 1973, possesses remarkable expertise in product design and sales. Having thrived for nearly five decades, it continues to hold its position as the pinnacle of excellence for numerous outdoor enthusiasts globally.
