With its top-notch outdoor gear and apparel, L.L.Bean has long been a favorite among nature lovers. But what other stores like ll bean offer comparable clothing and equipment?
In this blog, I’ll highlight 15 top-notch brands that stack up to L.L.Bean in terms of quality, selection, and performance. Whether you’re a hiker, camper, or weekend warrior, these ll bean competitors have you covered for outdoor adventure.
From trusted names like Patagonia to lesser-known gems brand, I’ll outline what each brand does best. You’ll also learn key factors to help find the perfect outdoor clothing and gear for your needs and budget.
Let’s explore the leading stores similar to LL Bean!
15 Best Brands Like ll bean for Outdoor Gear, and Accessories
1. Lands’ End
Lands’ End is best known for their classic, durable clothing and wide range of sizes. They offer casual styles perfect for everyday wear along with technical gear for active pursuits like sailing, golf and hiking. Although not exclusively an outdoor brand, many of their products like outerwear, swimwear and luggage work great for outdoor activities.
They frequently runs promotions, especially around the holidays. Sign up for their emails to get notified of deals and discounts. With affordable pricing and a generous return policy, it’s easy to try out their products risk-free.
Key Benefits:
- Wide range of casual and performance apparel
- Generous return policy
- Frequent sales and promotions
- Durable, well-made products
2. Patagonia
Patagonia is a leader when it comes to sustainable, eco-friendly outdoor gear. They make high quality apparel, gear and footwear out of recycled materials and donate 1% of sales to environmental preservation efforts.
The store is best known for their durable outerwear including waterproof jackets and fleece pullovers. They also make performance baselayers, board shorts, and gear like backpacks, sleeping bags and duffels. Prices are on the higher end but the products are made to last.
Key Perks:
- High quality, durable gear
- Sustainable manufacturing practices
- Gives back to the environment
- Trusted outdoor brand
3. Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer is one of the original outdoor outfitters, specializing in high-performance gear for activities like hiking, camping, hunting and fishing. They’re known for their down outerwear, fleece, and flannel. It frequently has sales both online and in-stores.
In addition to clothing, it has a wide selection of footwear like boots and trail runners. They also make equipment like backpacks, tents and sleeping bags. I like that they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee – if you’re not happy with your purchase, you can return it with no questions asked.
Why Shop Here:
- Specializes in outdoor gear
- Carries clothing, footwear and equipment
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Frequent sales and promotions
4. Columbia Sportswear
Columbia Sportswear has a wide range of products for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fishing, trail running and snow sports. Key items include waterproof outerwear, footwear, fleece and performance apparel. As an innovator in outdoor gear, Columbia comes out with new heat-retaining and waterproof technologies each season.
As stores like ll bean, this brand frequently has web specials and discounts when you sign up for their newsletter. With a trusted reputation and affordable prices, it’s easy to get geared up for your next adventure. I like that they offer gear for the whole family including kids and babies.
Key Advantages:
- Trusted brand for outdoor gear
- Innovative heat and waterproof technologies
- Affordable prices
- Frequent web specials and discounts
5. Dickies
Known primarily as a workwear brand, Dickies offers durable, affordable products that also work great for the outdoors. Their jackets, pants, shirts and hats hold up well for hiking, camping, fishing and hunting. Their clothing repels water, resists stains and can handle rugged outdoor use.
The store has a wide range of sizes including extended sizes to accommodate Big & Tall customers. I appreciate that they offer excellent quality at a reasonable price point. Sign up for their newsletter to get notified about special offers and new product releases.
What Makes Them Popular:
- Durable, affordable outdoor gear
- Water repellent and stain resistant
- Extended sizes for Big & Tall
- Trusted, reliable brand
6. Filson
Filson specializes in high-quality outdoor gear made to last a lifetime. Their clothing has classic style with reinforced seams, strong snaps and rugged fabric.
This clothing brand like ll bean carries outerwear like their signature tin cloth jackets, coveralls, vests, shirts and pants ready for hunting, fishing and hiking expeditions. The brand is known for exceptional customer service.
In addition to tin cloth jackets and shirts, it makes luggage, bags, dog gear and accessories. The vintage, rugged style works well for hiking, camping, fishing or hunting excursions.
- Known for durable, water-repellent tin cloth
- Classic outdoor style and look
- Made to last for generations
- Luggage, dog gear and accessories
7. Timberland
Best known for their iconic waterproof boots, Timberland offers a wide range of rugged outdoor footwear and apparel.
In addition to their classic yellow work boots, this competitor makes durable leather hiking boots and casual sneakers to keep you comfortable in the outdoors. Their clothing line includes fleece pullovers, flannel shirts, down jackets, and water-resistant parkas.
While not the most technical, their gear is made to withstand years of wear and tear. Their straightforward styling features earthy tones, leather, and fleece. The brand brings a casual outdoor look with plenty of versatility.
Why Choose Them:
- Known for waterproof leather boots
- Rugged, outdoor style
- Durable clothing and footwear
- Products for whole family
8. REI
REI Co-op started out as a cooperative owned by outdoor enthusiasts. Today, it remains dedicated to inspiring adventure and stewarding the outdoors.
In addition to their retail stores, they also produces their own line of outdoor gear and apparel under the REI Co-op brand. The products balance performance with value, offering well-designed essentials without the premium markup.
Their gear includes activity-specific clothes for camping, hiking, paddling, snow sports, cycling, and more. Useful features like UPF sun protection, water-resistance, moisture wicking, and abrasion reinforcements make the designs as practical as they are affordable.
For those needing quality outdoor staples year-round, this is a go-to choice. Members even get special discounts and dividends.
Key Advantages:
- Massive selection of outdoor brands/gear
- Rentals make it easy to test out equipment
- Retail locations for hands-on shopping
9. Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research takes innovation seriously. They hold over 70 patents on technical fabrics and apparel features designed for extreme outdoor pursuits.
Some of their proprietary technologies include breathable waterproof AscentShell fabric and the ventilation system Aerogel. Expect these innovations throughout their jackets, pants, gloves, gaiters, and more.
While on the pricey end, their gear performs at the cutting edge. They caters to climbers, alpinists, hikers, skiers, and other outdoor athletes pushing their limits. If peak performance is your priority, this ll bean competitor delivers.
Why Shop Here:
- Pioneering proprietary fabrics and technologies
- Targeted for climbing, hiking, and winter sports
- Extensive selection of jackets, gloves, gaiters
- First-rate warranties and support
10. The North Face
One of the most recognized outdoor brands, The North Face delivers high-performance apparel and gear for adventurers.
The company’s roots trace back to rock climbers and hikers in the 1960s. Today their focus remains on innovative technology for extreme outdoor athletics like mountain climbing, skiing, snowboarding, and trail running.
Windproof fleece, waterproof-breathable fabrics, and insulated down are common throughout their line. While on the pricey side, their clothes excel at keeping outdoor athletes dry, warm, and comfortable in challenging environments.
Key Benefits:
- Trusted brand with innovative technologies
- Gear for all outdoor activities
- Stores worldwide + easy online shopping
- Durable clothing and equipment
11. Carhartt
Carhartt is a heritage workwear brand that brings durability and rugged style to outdoor apparel. Their clothes are designed to perform in demanding jobsites and wilderness adventures alike.
Known for their burly canvas chore coats and jackets, their gear is built tough to handle anything. Yet their smart designs and broken-in comfort make their apparel suitable for casual wear too.
Expect sturdy fabrics like heavyweight cotton duck along with triple-stitched seams throughout. While pricey, a Carhartt jacket becomes a beloved companion for life in the wild.
Why Shop Here:
- Iconic rugged workwear aesthetic
- Durable canvas, wool, and duck fabrics
- Superior construction and reinforcements
- Broken-in comfort right out of the box
12. Canada Goose
When temperatures plummet in Northern Canada, Canada Goose keeps professionals working in frigid conditions. Their technical expertise translates into the world’s warmest parkas and jackets.
The core of their designs lies in their proprietary down insulation. The store develops their own blends of premium goose and duck down for maximum loft, compression, and warmth. Outer shells use burly Arctic-tested fabrics for weather resistance.
Of course, heating elements like down, fur trim, and fleece lining don’t come cheap. But for superior warmth in sub-zero temperatures, few brands like ll bean measure up to this alternative.
Key Perks:
- Specialized proprietary down insulation
- Tested in real Arctic conditions
- Durable technical outer fabrics
- Industry-leading warranty and service
13. Arc’teryx
Arc’teryx is a premium outdoor brand known for high-performance climbing, skiing and mountaineering gear. Their innovation and textile technologies set their jackets, pants and base layers apart from competitors. Expect lightweight, weatherproof and packable designs optimized for extreme endeavors.
Given the technical nature of their products, their gear carries premium price tags. However, the unparalleled quality and construction is worth it for serious outdoor athletes and adventurers. Pieces withstand repeated use in the harshest conditions.
Key Advantages:
- Premium outdoor gear for extreme activities
- Cutting-edge textile and design innovations
- Super lightweight and weatherproof
- Built for repeated use and abrasion
14. Mountain Hardwear
Mountain Hardwear excels at delivering high-performance outdoor gear perfect for climbing, hiking and mountaineering. Their equipment is engineered for windproof, waterproof and breathable comfort in harsh alpine environments. Popular items include coats, tents, sleeping bags and backpacks.
In addition to technical gear for extreme activities, it has a lifestyle collection suitable for more casual endeavors. Look for seasonal sales around 30-50% off on outdoor apparel and equipment. Sign up for their newsletter to stay updated on the latest discounts and releases.
Why Choose Them:
- Technical climbing/mountaineering gear
- Lifestyle apparel for everyday outdoors
- Seasonal sales up to 50% off
- Engineered for performance and comfort
15. Marmot
Marmot makes premium outerwear and gear for climbing, hiking, camping and snow sports. They use innovative technologies like Gore-Tex and Angel-Wing Movement to enhance performance and comfort. This brand excels at jackets, baselayers, tents and sleeping bags for rugged alpine activities.
While it does carry premium price tags, the construction and durability justify the cost for avid outdoorsmen. It frequently has discounts on seasonal gear during sales events. Sign up for their newsletter for exclusive access to special offers.
Key Perks:
- Trusted premium brand for technical performance
- Innovations enhance comfort and protection
- Top-notch tents, sleeping bags, jackets
- Occasional discounts and sales
Conclusion
Whether you consider yourself an outdoorsman or just like to dabble in hiking and camping, the retailers above all offer excellent gear and apparel for your adventures. I appreciate that many of the ll bean competitors offer both technical options for intense activities along with lifestyle pieces suitable for casual wear. Make sure to sign up for email lists to take advantage of regular sales and discount events.
With a wide spectrum of selections, prices, and styles, you’re sure to discover new favorite pieces to accompany you outdoors. Enjoy exploring the options! Let me know in the comments about any go-to outdoor brands & stores like ll bean I may have missed. Happy trails!
FAQs About L.L.Bean
What is L.L.Bean best known for?
L.L.Bean is best known for their boots and moccasins. Their waterproof hunting and work boots set the standard for generations. L.L.Bean also popularized casual boat shoes and hand-stitched moccasins.
Does L.L.Bean have brick and mortar stores?
Yes, L.L.Bean operates over 50 retail stores across the United States. Their flagship store in Freeport, Maine is open 24/7.
What is L.L.Bean’s return policy?
L.L.Bean offers an unlimited lifetime return policy. You can return items years or even decades later, though some restrictions apply.
Does L.L.Bean have sales or outlet stores?
Yes, L.L.Bean runs sales throughout the year online and in retail stores. They also have a handful of outlet locations across the Northeast.
What are L.L.Bean’s most popular clothing items?
Some of L.L.Bean’s most popular clothes include their Bean Boots, flannel shirts, down vests, ragg wool sweaters, performance fleece, and their signature chamois cloth shirt.
Where does L.L.Bean source their down?
L.L.Bean sources ethical down certified through the Responsible Down Standard. They do not use live-plucking or force-feeding.
Is L.L.Bean clothing true to size?
L.L.Bean clothing generally runs true to size. However, their flannel shirts and outerwear often run generous/oversized for layering.
Does L.L.Bean make clothing for kids?
Yes, L.L.Bean has an extensive children’s line including toddler to young adult sizes. Popular kids’ items include mini Bean Boots, flannels, pullovers, and rain jackets.
Are L.L.Bean clothes worth the cost?
While pricier than mainstream brands, L.L.Bean clothes deliver outstanding quality and construction. Signature items like boots, jeans, sweaters, and jackets make great long-term investments.
