L.L. Bean has been a leader in American outdoor apparel for more than 100 years, known for legendary quality, design. Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, the brand revolutionized hiking gear with the waterproof Bean Boot, which is still a best-seller today. Ultra-warm flannel shirts and other L.L. products. Bean are designed to last, making them very popular among outdoor enthusiasts and casual adventurers alike. Their commitment to customer satisfaction, industry-leading return policies, and focus on sustainability further solidify the company’s reputation as a trusted provider of apparel for all situations
If you appreciate the combination of durability, comfort, and practicality of L.L. Bean, there are plenty of other brands offering high-quality outdoor apparel with similar ethics. These brands, from established brands like Filson and Orvis to eco-friendly favorites like Patagonia and Fjällräven, share L.L. Bean’s focus on durable, adventure-ready clothing that stands the test of time.
In this guide, we take a look at 20 brands that offer the same level of craftsmanship and performance. Each brand profile includes information on key offerings, price ranges, sizing options and return policies to help you make an informed choice.
# Best for sustainable outdoor wear
Patagonia
Prices: $$$
Founded: 1973
Origin: United States
Patagonia was founded in 1973 and is known for its commitment to eco-friendly materials and sustainable manufacturing. People love this brand for its durable and functional garments. A unique feature of Patagonia is its use of recycled materials and its garment repair program. The most iconic products include fleece jackets, waterproof jackets, and hiking pants.
# Best for classic American outdoor wear
Eddie Bauer
Prices: $$
Founded: 1920
Origin: United States
Eddie Bauer was founded in 1920 and offers reliable outdoor clothing. People love this brand for its comfortable, warm and hard-wearing pieces. A unique feature of Eddie Bauer is their innovative Skyliner down jacket, which was the first of its kind. Their most iconic products include winter jackets, insulated vests and fleece sweatshirts.
# Best for affordable outdoor gear
Columbia Sportswear
Prices: $$
Founded: 1938
Origin: United States
Since 1938, Columbia Sportswear has redefined outdoor gear with technical precision and accessible pricing. The Watertight II Jacket ($75) repels downpours with seam-sealed nylon, while the Bugaboot Celsius ($110) insulates down to -25°F. Anchored by Omni-Heat™ technology, Columbia’s designs merge durability with innovation—engineered for explorers who demand performance without compromise.
# Best for high-performance outdoor wear
The North Face
Prices: $$$
Founded: 1968
Origin: United States
The North Face was founded in 1968 and has become one of the most popular brands for outdoor enthusiasts. People love this brand for its durable and functional outfits. A unique feature of The North Face is their innovative insulation and waterproofing technology. Their most iconic products include down jackets, hiking backpacks, and waterproof pants.
# Best for fly fishing and outdoor lifestyle
Orvis
Prices: $$$
Founded: 1856
Origin: United States
Orvis was founded in 1856 and specializes in clothing and gear for fishing, hunting and outdoor activities. People love this brand for its classic style and durability. A unique feature of Orvis is their use of premium fabrics and traditional cuts. Their most iconic products include waxed jackets, wool shirts, and hiking vests.
# Best for comfortable outdoor clothing
Lands’ End
Prices: $$
Founded: 1963
Origin: United States
Lands’ End was founded in 1963 and is known for its comfortable and affordable pieces for an active lifestyle. People love this brand for its practicality and quality fabrics. A unique feature of Lands’ End is their wide range of products for the whole family. Their most iconic items include down parkas, insulated gloves, and cotton sweaters.
# Best for rugged outdoor wear
Filson
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1897
Origin: United States
Founded in 1897, Filson has built a legacy on rugged durability and utilitarian elegance. Best known for its Tin Cloth Work Jacket (from $350) and Mackinaw Wool Cruiser (from $495), the brand crafts gear for adventurers who demand resilience. Using waxed cotton for water resistance and dense wool for warmth, Filson delivers time-tested functionality built to endure.
# Best for outdoor gear and apparel
REI
Prices: $$$
Founded: 1938
Origin: United States
REI was founded in 1938 and is known as a cooperative offering quality outdoor gear. People love this brand for its wide range of hiking gear and apparel. A unique feature of REI is their emphasis on sustainable manufacturing and membership program. Their most iconic products include trekking boots, waterproof jackets, and tents.
# Best for hunting and fishing gear
Cabela’s
Prices: $$
Founded: 1961
Origin: United States
Cabela’s was founded in 1961 and specializes in clothing and gear for hunting, fishing and outdoor activities. People love this brand for its reliability and affordable prices. A unique feature of Cabela’s is their wide selection of camping equipment. Their most iconic products include camo jackets, insulated boots, and fishing pants.
# Best for rugged footwear and outdoor wear
Timberland
Prices: $$$
Founded: 1952
Origin: United States
Timberland was founded in 1952 and is known for its durable boots and outerwear. People love this brand for its reliability and stylish design. A unique feature of Timberland is their famous waterproof footwear. The most iconic products include classic yellow boots, leather jackets and insulated parkas.
# Best for durable workwear and outdoor clothing
Carhartt
Prices: $$
Founded: 1889
Origin: United States
Carhartt was founded in 1889 and has become an iconic brand for workers and outdoor enthusiasts. People love this brand for its durable materials and reliability. A unique feature of Carhartt is their signature Duck Canvas fabric that resists wear and tear. Their most iconic products include insulated jackets, overalls, and hoodies.
# Best for functional and rugged outdoor clothing
Duluth Trading Company
Prices: $$
Founded: 1989
Origin: United States
Duluth Trading Company was established in 1989 and is known for its innovative solutions in work and travel apparel. People love this brand for its comfortable and durable garments. A unique feature of Duluth Trading Company is their stretchy and reinforced fabrics for maximum comfort. Their most iconic products include Fire Hose pants, fleece jackets, and work shirts.
# Best for high-quality wool apparel
Pendleton
Prices: $$$
Founded: 1863
Origin: United States
Pendleton was founded in 1863 and is famous for its woolen products inspired by Indian patterns. People love this brand for its quality and traditional designs. A unique feature of Pendleton is the production of wool blankets and clothing with national motifs. The most iconic products include wool shirts, plaids and coats.
# Best for heritage wool outdoor apparel
Woolrich
Prices: $$$
Founded: 1830
Origin: United States
Woolrich was founded in 1830 and is one of the oldest wool clothing manufacturers in America. People love this brand for its warm and comfortable garments that are time-tested. The unique feature of Woolrich is their iconic Buffalo Check pattern and quality merino wool. Their most iconic items include flannel shirts, wool coats, and insulated parkas.
# Best for classic British outdoor style
Barbour
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1894
Origin: United Kingdom
Barbour was founded in 1894 and has become an iconic British brand known for its waxed jackets. People love this brand for its elegance and durability. A unique feature of Barbour is their traditional waxed cotton technology that protects against rain. The most iconic products include waxed jackets, wool scarves and caps in the style of hunting closet.
# Best for high-performance technical gear
Arc’teryx
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1989
Origin: Canada
Arc’teryx was founded in 1989 and is known for its technologically advanced gear for extreme conditions. People love this brand for its durable and lightweight materials. A unique feature of Arc’teryx is the use of advanced membrane fabrics and laser cut. The most iconic products include waterproof jackets, trekking pants and backpacks.
# Best for technical outdoor apparel
Mountain Hardwear
Prices: $$$
Founded: 1993
Origin: United States
Mountain Hardwear was founded in 1993 and designs outdoor and mountaineering clothing. People love this brand for its reliability and protection in extreme conditions. A unique feature of Mountain Hardwear is the use of materials with a high degree of wind and water protection. The most iconic products include down jackets, mountaineering pants and sport vests.
# Best for technical outerwear
Marmot
Prices: $$$
Founded: 1974
Origin: United States
Marmot was founded in 1974 and has been specializing in high-tech clothing for mountain adventures ever since. People love this brand for its functionality and reliability. A unique feature of Marmot is the use of PrimaLoft insulation and Gore-Tex membranes. The most iconic products include winter jackets, tents, and sleeping bags.
# Best for sailing and ski apparel
Helly Hansen
Prices: $$$
Founded: 1877
Origin: Norway
Helly Hansen was founded in 1877 and has become a famous brand in the sailing and ski vacation industry. People love this brand for its waterproof and warm fabrics. A unique feature of Helly Hansen is their signature Helly Tech membrane that protects against rain and wind. Their most iconic products include waterproof jackets, insulated ski suits and fleece hoodies.
# Best for durable and functional outdoor gear
Fjällräven
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1960
Origin: Sweden
Fjällräven was founded in 1960 and has become known for its durable backpacks and outerwear. People love this brand for its minimalistic design and durable materials. A unique feature of Fjällräven is their signature G-1000 fabric, which is water and wind resistant. Their most iconic products include the Kånken backpack, insulated parkas and hiking pants.
