Hiking and backpacking can be physically demanding activities that require high-quality gear. However, not all outdoor brands produce top-notch products. In order to assist you in finding excellent hiking and backpacking gear, we have compiled a list of the best outdoor brands for hikers and backpackers. These selected brands stand out from others because they incorporate innovative technologies and create durable, yet reasonably priced products. It is important to note, however, that no single outdoor brand excels in all aspects of hiking gear. For instance, a brand that excels in producing high-quality clothing may not necessarily excel in producing top-notch backpacks, and vice versa. To cover all areas of hiking and backpacking gear, such as clothing, footwear, packs, accessories, sleeping equipment, and technical equipment, we have included a variety of brands and highlighted their specialties.
Patagonia
Founded in 1973 by rock climber Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia is a renowned outdoor brand with a strong history in mountain exploration. The company has gained a prominent position in the outdoor industry by offering a wide range of outdoor apparel, such as hardshells, baselayers, accessories, and more. Notably, Patagonia specializes in insulation and offers an extensive collection of both technical and casual products. Their lineup includes iconic items like the casual Down Sweater, as well as technically advanced options like the Micro Puff and DAS Light Hoody.
Patagonia dedicates a significant amount of its resources to environmental and sustainability initiatives. They achieve this by utilizing recycled materials and responsibly sourced down in their products. Additionally, they offer repair services both at specific locations and through mail and sell used gear through their Worn Wear program. Although Arc’teryx is widely recognized as the top brand in technical mountain apparel, Patagonia gear seamlessly transitions between day-to-day use and backcountry activities. It is important to note that the Patagonia logo adds to the price, but the transparent approach and commitment to responsible practices help to justify the cost.
Arc’teryx
Arc’teryx is a leading brand in technical mountain apparel, headquartered in British Columbia. They are highly respected in the outerwear industry. Their product range includes baselayers, daypacks, hiking and approach shoes, insulation, climbing and skiing gear, and more. The hardshell jacket collection, particularly the Beta AR and Alpha SV, is their biggest strength. However, the brand’s reputation comes at a price, as the Beta AR and Alpha SV jackets cost $600 and $800 respectively. Despite the high cost, Arc’teryx gear consistently exhibits excellent craftsmanship, durability, and aesthetic appeal, withstanding regular use and abuse.
In addition to their high prices, Arc’teryx products are known for being very technical and form-fitting. The Atom LT synthetic is a rare exception to this, as it offers a good balance of performance and appeal for everyday use. However, the Atom LT is still quite expensive, with the hoody version priced at $260 ($239 for the non-hooded jacket and $175 for the vest). Ultimately, those looking for casual outdoor gear can save a significant amount of money by purchasing from brands like Marmot, Columbia, or REI Co-op. However, for serious adventurers and backcountry enthusiasts, Arc’teryx remains the top choice.
Mountain Hardwear
Mountain Hardwear, established in 1993 by outdoor enthusiasts, produces high-quality clothing, sleeping bags, and tents for hikers, backpackers, and mountaineers. The brand originated from a realization that major outdoor brands were shifting their focus to casual apparel and neglecting durable mountain trail apparel, resulting in a decline in product quality. To address this, Mountain Hardwear emerged with its advanced technologies, creating lightweight yet highly functional products. The brand introduced the innovative insulation materials, Thermal.Q Elite and Q.Shield Down, which are utilized in insulated jackets and sleeping bags. These materials offer exceptional warmth-to-weight ratios and maintain their insulation properties even in the presence of moisture. Additionally, Mountain Hardwear incorporates their proprietary Dry.Q fabric in their rain clothing, which rivals renowned waterproof fabrics like Gore-Tex and eVent. While the brand primarily uses their own materials, such as Polartec, they are not hesitant to occasionally incorporate “third-party” fabrics to ensure the production of the finest products possible.
Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research produces high-quality clothing and bivy sacks. Unlike Mountain Hardwear, Outdoor Research typically doesn’t create its own materials, but instead utilizes top-notch materials from renowned manufacturers like Polartec, Primaloft, Gore-Tex, Pertex, and others. The company particularly excels in rainwear by offering lightweight products that provide excellent breathability and weather protection thanks to sophisticated materials from Gore-Tex and Pertex. Nonetheless, Outdoor Research has also developed its own waterproof/breathable material called 3-layer Ascent Shell, which is utilized in their premium products. When it comes to synthetic insulated jackets, Outdoor Research employs advanced Polartec Alpha or Primaloft insulation. However, their down jackets lack hydrophobic down, which can be considered a disadvantage. In addition to clothing, Outdoor Research also produces exceptional pants, softshell jackets (known for their lightweight nature), bivy sacks, and gaiters. The materials used in their bivy sacks and gaiters are similar to those employed in their rainwear.
Icebreaker
Icebreaker introduced Merino clothing in 1994 after discovering the benefits of Merino wool, such as breathability, odor-resistance, and comfort. This brand now offers a wide range of Merino products for outdoor enthusiasts, including base layers, underwear, and socks. Icebreaker is also adept at reducing the drawbacks of Merino wool, such as durability and drying time, by incorporating a small percentage of nylon fibers into many garments. They have recently expanded their collection to include mid-layers for insulation, but we do not recommend Merino mid-layers due to their heavier weight and lower durability compared to synthetic options. Nevertheless, for the best base layer, Icebreaker’s Merino wool is unbeatable.
Marmot
Marmot offers great value for casual outdoor adventurers, with a lower price and performance compared to higher-end brands. They have a wide range of products, including winter jackets, rain gear, and ski shells. We are consistently impressed by Marmot’s ability to balance affordability and quality. Although they do have a few high-end performance pieces, such as the Orion ski jacket ($500) and Alpinist Jacket ($650) equipped with Gore-Tex, their expertise lies mainly in the budget/mid-range category.
Marmot’s PreCip (now PreCip Eco) and Minimalist rain jackets, along with the Montreal Down Coat, have always been favorites among customers for their affordability and overall performance in light outdoor activities. Similar to Patagonia, Marmot has also taken significant steps towards sustainability in recent years, including the use of recycled materials and PFC-free DWR coatings on many of their products, including the popular PreCip Eco. While Marmot may not be the go-to brand for backcountry experts seeking advanced features and maximum protection, it offers excellent value for hiking, summer backpacking, everyday use, and other casual activities.
