For outdoor enthusiasts seeking quality gear, Patagonia stands out as a premier brand known for its sustainable production and durable, high-performance products. But Patagonia isn’t the only reputable maker of outdoor apparel and equipment on the market.
This guide explores 15 top brands that can serve as excellent alternatives to Patagonia’s premium offerings. Whether you’re looking for more budget-friendly prices, technical excellence for specific activities like climbing. Or simply a unique style that Patagonia doesn’t offer, these competitors are worth considering.
Learn about the key benefits of each brand and why they make a great substitute for Patagonia’s gear. Discover new favorites tailored to your own outdoor pursuits and priorities. With comparable commitment to quality and performance, these Patagonia alternatives have a lot to offer outdoor enthusiasts looking to fully outfit their adventures.
Eco-Friendly Outdoor Gear: 15 Sustainable Brands Similar to Patagonia
If you love Patagonia but want to explore some alternatives, below are 15 great brands like Patagonia worth checking out.
1. Arc’teryx
Arc’teryx is a Canadian outdoor brand respected for its innovative, performance-driven gear. As brands like Patagonia, Arc’teryx uses advanced technologies and sustainable materials to create durable, functional products for climbing, hiking, camping and more.
The brand is especially known for its waterproof-breathable hardshell jackets as well as its clean, minimalist aesthetic. Prices are similar to Patagonia.
Their products are designed for serious outdoor enthusiasts and made to withstand years of use.
Key Benefits:
- High-quality, durable outdoor gear
- Innovative designs and use of technical materials
- Gear built for extreme environments and challenging activities
2. The North Face
The North Face is one of the most recognized outdoor brands worldwide. The company specializes in gear for climbing, hiking, camping, trail running, skiing and snowboarding. Much like Patagonia, they focuses on high-performance apparel engineered for athletes and adventurers.
They are known for their premium waterproof shells, insulated jackets, and warm fleece. They also make versatile backpacks, tents and sleeping bags ready for any expedition. Their products blend cutting-edge technology with stylish designs suitable for everyday wear. The brand has expanded beyond outdoor gear to lifestyle apparel and footwear.
Key Benefits:
- Trusted high-performance gear for outdoor athletes
- Stylish designs suitable for daily wear
- Durable, technical apparel and equipment
3. Fjallraven
It was founded in 1960 in Sweden. This store like Patagonia specializes in gear for hiking, trekking and outdoor life. They are recognized for their durable, functional backpacks built to carry heavy loads over long distances. Much like Patagonia, they focuses on sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Fjällräven’s signature Kånken backpack is loved by students and travelers; their jackets, pants and shirts employ innovative materials to regulate temperature. While best known for backpacks, they produce a wide range of outdoor apparel, tents and sleeping bags ready for rugged adventures. Their gear combines performance with an understated Scandinavian style.
Key Benefits:
- Rugged, durable packs and outdoor gear
- Sustainable production and materials
- Functional designs with Scandinavian aesthetics
4. Prana
prAna creates sustainable outdoor apparel designed for an active lifestyle. With their roots in yoga and rock climbing, the brand focuses on stretchy, flexible clothing ready for adventure. They are committed to ethical and environmentally responsible business practices, much like Patagonia.
prAna is known for their versatile stretch pants, lightweight hoodies, durable casual shirts and yoga apparel. They also make backpacks, hats and accessories.
Their designs blend outdoor performance with a stylish aesthetic suitable for urban settings. The brand caters to yoga enthusiasts, climbers, hikers and free-spirited travelers seeking quality apparel.
Key Benefits:
- Stretchy, flexible apparel designed for active lifestyles
- Sustainable materials and ethical production
- Stylish designs suitable for outdoor and urban adventures
5. Helly Hansen
Helly Hansen is one of the oldest outdoor gear brands like Patagonia specializing in products for winter and water sports. Their high-performance jackets, base layers, and ski/snowboard gear are trusted by professionals and enthusiasts alike. They employs innovative materials and technologies to create gear built for harsh conditions.
The brand is known for its waterproof/breathable shells that excel in cold, wet weather. Their base layer systems employ moisture-wicking fabrics to keep wearers dry and comfortable during intensive activity.
They also makes stylish lifestyle apparel alongside its technical outdoor gear. The brand remains focused on outfitting skiers, sailors, adventurers and urban explorers.
Key Benefits:
- Trusted high-performance winter and water sports gear
- Leading moisture-wicking and waterproof/breathable fabrics
- Technical excellence with stylish design
6. Mammut
This store was founded in 1862 in Switzerland. Mammut is an acclaimed mountain gear brand focused on elite mountaineering equipment. Their ropes, harnesses, hardware and packs have outfitted some of the most challenging alpine expeditions worldwide.
Mammut makes highly specialized gear for climbing, alpinism and ski mountaineering. Their ropes, avalanche safety gear, packs and apparel are engineered for extreme environments where quality can be life-saving.
The store also produces a range of outdoor clothing, footwear and bags for hiking, skiing and everyday adventures. Their products blend outdoor performance with understated Swiss styling.
Key Benefits:
- Elite mountaineering and climbing equipment
- Minimalist but technical designs
- Trusted alpine performance with versatile appeal
7. Marmot
Marmot produces performance apparel and gear for climbing, hiking, camping and other outdoor pursuits. And they have been around since 1974 in Colorado. Their high-quality coats, fleeces and technical shells are popular among backpackers, climbers and adventurers. Like Patagonia, this similar brand combines durable designs with sustainable production practices.
Marmot is acclaimed for their waterproof/breathable rainwear, warm fleece jackets and insulating down coats. They make performance apparel ready for harsh alpine environments alongside more versatile outdoor clothing.
Their minimalist gear and apparel balances function with subtle styling. From rain jackets to tents, Marmot’s products equip outdoor enthusiasts for diverse adventures.
Key Benefits:
- Durable, high-performance outdoor apparel
- Trusted waterproof/breathable and insulating outerwear
- Functional, minimalist styling
8. Backcountry
Founded in 1996, Backcountry offers a wide range of outdoor gear and apparel from top brands like Patagonia alongside its own line of products. The online retailer offers everything from clothing to camping equipment to help outdoor enthusiasts fully outfit their adventures.
The Backcountry Basics line focuses on affordable essentials for hiking, camping, and other activities. Their technical apparel and basics are made for the rigors of the outdoors.
They even promotes a sustainable “Leave No Trace” philosophy that aims to protect wild spaces. With an extensive selection of gear and responsible business practices, Backcountry is a great option in place of Patagonia.
Key Benefits:
- Huge selection of outdoor gear and apparel
- Affordable prices on outdoor essentials
- Environmentally conscious business practices
9. Columbia Sportswear
Columbia Sportswear produces outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment for hiking, skiing, hunting and fishing. Similar to Patagonia, Columbia focuses on innovative technology to create high-performance outerwear ready for rugged environments.
Columbia is acclaimed for their waterproof-breathable rain jackets designed to keep wearers dry and comfortable in wet weather.
They also make durable yet stylish ski jackets, fleece, and insulated coats ready for cold activities. Columbia footwear like waterproof hiking boots complement their apparel. With a blend of technical excellence and casual styling, Columbia gear performs both on the trail and around town.
Key Benefits:
- Innovative waterproof-breathable outerwear
- High-performance ski/snowboard apparel
- Technical and casual designs
10. L.L.Bean
L.L.Bean is one of the most iconic outdoor brands like Patagonia known for its durable, high-quality products suitable for exploring the outdoors. Similar to Patagonia, L.L.Bean stands behind the craftsmanship and reliability of their gear.
They are renowned for their sturdy leather boots, cozy flannels, warm fleeces and other wardrobe staples ready for outdoor living. Their outerwear, backpacks and equipment are made to last season after season of adventures. The company also operates a number of stores, lodges and camps to fully equip outdoor experiences. The brand remains committed to getting people outside to enjoy nature.
Key Benefits:
- Durable, high-quality wardrobe staples for outdoors
- Reliable outdoor equipment and camping gear
- Commitment to inspiring outdoor experiences
11. Eddie Bauer
Founded in 1920, Eddie Bauer is one of the oldest outdoor brands similar to Patagonia. They are known for their casual outdoor and travel apparel, and innovations like the quilted down jacket.
While not at the forefront of eco-innovation, Eddie Bauer uses responsible down and offers wardrobe basics comparable to Patagonia at a lower price point. Their First Ascent line is geared toward climbers and adventurers.
Beyond outdoor necessities, they offers casual wardrobe staples ready for everyday adventures. The brand also partners with conservation organizations to advocate for the outdoors.
Key Benefits:
- Durable, weather-ready apparel for outdoor living
- Innovative down insulation technology
- Partnerships supporting outdoor conservation
12. REI Co-op
REI is one of the most popular outdoor retailers carrying quality gear and apparel from brands like Patagonia. But beyond retailing, REI produces its own line of outdoor products and champions protecting natural spaces.
The REI Co-op brand offers affordable and performance-driven outdoor gear. Their tents, sleeping bags, packs, clothing and equipment are made for hiking, camping, and more.
REI also advocates for the outdoors through partnerships and programs that promote stewardship and inspire new adventurers. With a mission similar to Patagonia’s, REI gets people outside to enjoy nature responsibly.
Key Benefits:
- Extensive range of outdoor gear and apparel
- Affordable REI Co-op brand essentials
- Commitment to the outdoors through stewardship and advocacy
13. Salomon
Founded in 1947 in France, Salomon specializes in performance outdoor footwear, apparel and gear designed for mountain sports. Their boots, ski gear, and running shoes are worn by athletes racing up peaks and trails worldwide. Similar to Patagonia, Salomon employs innovative technologies for activities in extreme environments.
Salomon footwear provides grip and control for trail running and hiking on rugged terrain. Their ski and snowboard gear delivers high-speed stability on the steepest slopes.
Salomon apparel like jackets and pants balance durability with lightweight ventilation. Designed for elite athletics, their products also cater to recreational adventurers seeking quality performance.
Key Benefits:
- Technical footwear and apparel for mountain sports
- Innovative designs for high-performance activities
- Trusted by outdoor athletes worldwide
14. Outdoor Research
Founded in 1981 in Seattle, Outdoor Research creates performance-driven outdoor apparel, gear, and accessories. Their gloves, shells, packs and other products are built for climbing, hiking, camping and mountaineering. Like Patagonia, Outdoor Research aims to inspire a passion for outdoor adventures.
Outdoor Research is acclaimed for their waterproof/breathable rainwear, insulating outerwear and protective gloves ready for harsh alpine environments.
They also produce more casual apparel like hoodies and stretchy pants ready for everyday activities. Outdoor Research’s dedication to quality inspires confidence in outdoor enthusiasts venturing into demanding terrain.
Key Benefits:
- Technical performance apparel and gear
- Innovative waterproof/breathable and insulating fabrics
- Gear built for the most challenging environments
15. Icebreaker
New Zealand company Icebreaker makes ultra-soft, technical wool layers perfect for hiking, skiing and everyday wear. Using merino wool, Icebreaker champions natural fibers and sustainability.
Icebreaker has also partnered with Patagonia on capsule collections that mix both brands’ quality and ethos. The natural fiber focus provides an earthy, unplugged appeal like early Patagonia.
Key Benefits:
- Sustainable, antimicrobial merino wool
- High-performance for outdoor activities
- Natural material focus and artisan craft
Conclusion
Finding your perfect outdoor brand is a bit like finding a good hiking buddy – you want one that can keep up with your adventures and values the same things you do. Patagonia sets the bar high when it comes to quality, sustainability and staying true to their ideals.
Luckily, lots of other companies like Patagonia are stepping up to deliver gear that performs and helps the planet. Whether you prioritize masterful technical designs, eco-friendly materials, a good deal or heritage, there are so many great options to explore.
So get out there, test products from some of these top Patagonia alternatives and find your perfect brand match. The right outdoor clothing and gear can really improve your experiences in the wild.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Patagonia founded?
Patagonia was founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard.
Where is Patagonia headquartered?
Patagonia is headquartered in Ventura, California.
What is Patagonia best known for?
Patagonia is best known for its high-quality and sustainable outdoor apparel and gear. They use eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton.
Does Patagonia make sustainable products?
Yes, Patagonia is committed to sustainability through the use of recycled materials. And also with ethical manufacturing processes.
Where are Patagonia products manufactured?
While some products are made in the US, Patagonia sources many products from factories around the world in places like Vietnam, Thailand, and China.
Does Patagonia repair old gear?
Yes, Patagonia offers repairs on their products through their Worn Wear program to extend the life of gear.
Does Patagonia make technical gear?
Yes, Patagonia makes performance apparel and equipment designed for very challenging outdoor sports like alpinism.
Is Patagonia clothing expensive?
Patagonia gear is generally priced at a premium level reflective of their quality and brand reputation.
Does Patagonia have outlet sales?
Yes, Patagonia operates an online outlet that offers discounted prices on past season products and discontinued colors/prints.
