Outdoor life brand clothing offers high-quality, performance-driven apparel and gear for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. With innovative fabrics and thoughtful design features, these clothing lines allow you to comfortably take on any adventure. Here is an overview of some popular outdoor life brands and where to find their products.
Patagonia
Founded in 1973, Patagonia is one of the most recognized names in outdoor apparel. Their focus is on sustainable and responsibly-sourced clothing for an array of outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, surfing and skiing. Some of their popular products include:
- Down jackets and vests – Offered in lightweight, insulated options, Patagonia’s down lines provide warmth for cold environments. Popular models like the Nano Puff® and Down Sweater® jackets utilize premium down and water-resistant shell fabric.
- Fleece jackets – Versatile synthetic fleece jackets like the R1®, R2® and R3® provide varying levels of insulation and breathability for cool weather adventures.
- Hiking clothes – Patagonia’s hiking apparel includes shorts, shirts, pants and undergarments specially designed for the demands of hiking. Features like UPF sun protection, quick-dry fabric and enhanced stretch make their hiking clothing line popular.
- Wetsuits and swimwear – From high-performance wetsuits to rashguards and boardshorts, Patagonia offers durable and flexible swim options.
Patagonia clothes can be found at their online store, as well as major outdoor retailers like REI and Backcountry.com.
The North Face
Founded in 1968, The North Face is an outdoor brand known for their innovative products engineered for cold environments and activities like skiing, snowboarding and winter hiking. Some of their most popular clothing lines include:
- Insulated jackets – With premium down or quality synthetic insulations like HeatseekerTM and ThermoBallTM, The North Face has a diverse line of warm and lightweight jackets. The Denali fleece is one of their most iconic styles.
- Softshell jackets – Wind and water-resistant softshell jackets crafted with material like DryVentTM and WindWallTM fabric allow for breathability and weather protection during high-output activities.
- Summit SeriesTM – This premium collection offers highly technical gear for expeditions and extreme environments. It includes items like shell jackets and bibs, insulated pants, and base layers.
- Footwear – In addition to clothing, The North Face offers hiking boots, trail running shoes, and lifestyle sneakers.
The North Face apparel can be found through their website and in stores across the globe. It’s also available from retailers like Backcountry.com, Moosejaw, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Columbia
Founded in 1938, Columbia offers a wide selection of outdoor clothing designed for durability and optimized for activity. Some of their popular products include:
- Interchange jackets – These versatile 3-in-1 jackets combine an outer shell with zip-in insulated liners to allow for customization based on weather conditions.
- Pfg® apparel – This line is specifically engineered for fishing with features like venting, protection from sun and moisture-wicking fabric.
- Footwear – Columbia designs hiking boots, trail runners and water shoes to provide traction and support for rugged terrain.
- Performance shirts – Moisture-wicking, antimicrobial shirts designed for hiking, climbing and other active pursuits in the outdoors.
Columbia clothing and footwear is available through the Columbia website as well as major retailers that carry outdoor gear.
Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research offers technical outerwear and accessories for climbing, hiking, skiing and mountaineering. Some key products include:
- Waterproof/breathable rainwear – Using proprietary fabrics like AscentShell and Torrentshell, Outdoor Research creates rain jackets and bibs that are fully waterproof yet breathable during aerobic activity.
- Insulated jackets and pants – PrimaLoft® insulation provides warmth for alpine environments in pieces like the Incandescent Hooded Jacket and Revolution Pants.
- Gloves and mittens – With designs for winter sports, mountaineering and casual wear, their gloves deliver warmth along with dexterity for grabbing gear.
- Gaiters – Outdoor Research produces essential gaiters for hiking and climbing, crafted to protect pants and boots from snow, rain, mud and debris.
Outdoor Research clothing and gear can be purchased through outdoor retailers like REI, Moosejaw, Backcountry.com and directly from their online store.
Marmot
Marmot specializes in cold weatherouterwear and gear including insulated jackets, waterproof shells and thermal base layers. Some of their top products include:
- Precip Eco® Rainwear – Marmot’s eco-friendly waterproof/breathable shells made from recycled materials are ideal for hiking, climbing and general use in wet conditions.
- Minimalist Jackets – Ultra lightweight down and synthetic jackets provide packable warmth without bulk. Popular options like the NanoASSTM and Atom LT jackets focus on compressibility.
- ** Baselayers** – High-performance wool and synthetic baselayers to retain warmth and manage moisture during high-output winter sports like skiing.
- Sleeping Bags – Marmot’s down and synthetic sleeping bags come in a range of temperature ratings all the way down to -40°F for serious winter camping.
Marmot gear is sold through outdoor retailers like Moosejaw and REI along with sporting goods stores like Dick’s. You can shop directly on Marmot.com as well.
Arc’teryx
Developing advanced climbing and alpine gear since 1989, Arc’teryx creates top-tier outerwear for the most demanding environments. Their clothing lines include:
- Insulated Jackets – Prized for their lightweight warmth and weather resistance, Arc’teryx insulated tops incorporate uniquely customized down and synthetic fills.
- Hard shells – Gore-Tex® shell jackets and pants deliver guaranteed waterproof/breathable protection during severe weather and storms.
- Rock climbing apparel – Designed for maneuverability, their harnesses, pants and jackets address the specific needs of climbers at the crag or on multi-pitch routes.
- Base layers – Merino wool and synthetic baselayers provide insulation without bulk for a streamlined fit under layers.
Arc’teryx equipment can be found at outdoor retailers that stock premium brands. Their products are investment pieces designed for serious outdoor enthusiasts. Shop online at arcteryx.com.
Mountain Hardwear
Providing quality gear for climbers, mountaineers and backpackers since 1993, Mountain Hardwear is best known for their tents, sleeping bags and down insulated jackets:
- Ghost WhispererTM Down Jackets – Their signature ultralight 800-fill down jackets deliver reliable warmth and compressibility.
- Lamina & Flame sleeping bags – Temperature ratings down to -40°F, water-repellent down and mummy-style hoods provide thermal efficiency.
- Exposure/XT tents – Durable, free-standing tents designed to withstand serious mountain weather at high altitudes.
- Approach Jackets – Insulated softshell jackets made to regulate temperature and protect from wind and light precipitation during climbs.
Mountain Hardwear is sold from their website and retailers like Backcountry.com, REI and EMS stores.
With technical features and innovative materials, outdoor life brands make clothing and gear suited for comfort, protection and performance during outdoor pursuits of all kinds. Seeking out quality brands known for their expertise ensures you get equipment that enables your adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Life Brand Clothing
Who are the top outdoor brands?
Some of the most popular outdoor brands include Patagonia, The North Face, Columbia, Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, Outdoor Research and Arc’teryx.
What type of clothes do outdoor brands make?
Outdoor brands design apparel like waterproof shells, down jackets, fleece, base layers, and hiking pants. They also make footwear, gloves, packs, tents and sleeping bags.
Where can you buy outdoor brand clothing?
You can shop outdoor brands online directly from their websites or from outdoor retailers like REI, EMS, Moosejaw, and Backcountry.com. Some also sell products in their own brick-and-mortar stores.
What fabric technologies are used in outdoor gear?
Technical fabrics like Gore-Tex, Polartec fleece, Pertex shells, PrimaLoft insulation, and merino wool are commonly used. These fabrics enhance performance by being highly water resistant, breathable, quick-drying, or thermal regulating.
What should you look for when choosing outdoor clothing?
Look for technical features like waterproofing, insulation type and rating, breathability ratings, hiking-specific design elements, weather protection features, and fabric weight suitable for intended use and conditions.
Is outdoor brand clothing worth the price?
Outdoor brands design long-lasting, high-performing clothing purpose-built for activities in challenging environments, so the investment is worthwhile for serious enthusiasts. Quality materials and construction justify the price for daily use and abuse in the outdoors.
What is the best way to care for technical outdoor clothing?
Follow individual garment care instructions. In general, use mild detergent on clothes and gear, avoid fabric softener, air dry instead of machine drying, and refresh water-repellent finishes periodically. Proper care maximizes longevity.
How can you identify counterfeit outdoor gear?
Check for red flags like misspelled logos, incorrect branding, poor-quality materials, lack of tags with technical specifications, missing warranty information, and prices that seem too good to be true. Purchase from authorized retailers to avoid fakes.