The Best Outdoor Brands Right Now
Get some knowledge on some of the essential brands for fall and winter.
Image via Complex Original
You might think that outdoor brands only make clothes for are meant to protect you from the elements while you're hiking, camping, or hitting the slopes. While this is definitely true, numerous brands are also combining the technology and outdoor vibes with an aesthetic that is getting co-signs left and right from the most stylish dudes from NYC to Tokyo to Paris.
Heritage brands have been at it for years, while a new crop of labels have progressed the materials, construction techniques, and fits to create outdoors gear that can be rocked in any environment. If you prefer your clothing to actually serve as protection from the elements, but still care about style, make sure you're familiar with The Best Outdoor Brands Right Now.
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Owner/Operator
Founded: 2007
Owner/Operator is all about playing in the snow, and their gear is the perfect hybrid of classic bad weather gear and modern function and technology. No one does a parka or snowpants quite like them, and the wind and precipitation are powerless against these well-crafted and mountain-tested goods.
Holden
Founded: 2008
This Portland based outerwear company, was founded by professional snowboarder Mikey LeBlanc, and together with designer Scott Zergebel the two have created one of the most notable outerwear brands in the outdoor genre. Their recent collab with Stussy has given them even more cred in the streetwear world, and reeled in a new audience who quickly learned that this brand's gear couldn't be fucked with by adverse weather.
Nau
Founded: 2005
Sustainability is at the forefront of Nau's mission statement, so not only can you wear these clothes guilt-free, but you'll look dope too. From trenches to hooded parkas to down vests and shirts, Nau makes sure that the elements pose no threat when you're in their threads.
Outlier
Founded: 2008
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Outlier is the brain child of two guys who had the simple mission of creating the perfect pair of pants and shirt for city guys who were as active as their country counterparts. The resulting OG Pants and Pivot Shirt were perfect for guys who biked around, and needed clothes that performed and looked good. The brand has expanded to offering a full collection of shirting, jackets, and now a tailored blazer, for guys who can't sit still but need to look good while on the move.
Poler
Founded: 2011
Poler started off making the best equipment a guy could ask for when it comes to all things outdoors. But now, they're slowly taking over the market with some of the best outerwear out there. To expand their audience beyond devotees of their awesome sleeping bag x coat hybrid better known as the Napsack, they collaborated on a sneaker with Nike. Now, what started out as tents and essential outdoors hardware has expanded into a full line of dope outerwear, clothing and accessories for any occasion in and out of the woods.
Muttonhead
Founded: 2009
Muttonhead's philosophy mirrors the very reasons why we spend time outdoors with our homies. The Canadian brand's creed is all about having fun, exploring, and getting a little wild. Muttonhead's gear is is hearty and rugged, but doesn't take itself too seriously, which is an attidude that will always make for the best camping and hiking trips.
Topo
Founded: 2008
It may have started out as just the go-to accessory company for the outdoorsman, but Topo Designs has figured out an apparel formula that its customer was desperately in need of. The gear harks back to classic outdoor gear of the '60s-'90s, but is durable and rugged enough to last well into the 21st century. The clothing is unfussy, functional, and looks great mixed in with any existing wardrobe.
Danner
Founded: 1932
Boots are usually all about function and forgo fashion, especially if you want them to stand up to the rain, slush, and snow of the colder season. However, the brains behind Danner know guys want to look good too. With over 80 years of experience, the brand has perfected the classic hiking and walking boots. As an added bonus, experimenting with different soles, colors, and laces only adds to how great the shoes look, while still dominating the nastiest of the elements.
Aether
Founded: 2009
Aether was started by two nature enthusiasts who dwelled in a larger city and escaped on plenty of outdoor adventures. When they headed out on their expeditions, they realized that stylish offerings that also performed well were few and far between. Aether was founded with a focus on outerwear, but now offers everything from jackets, to tailored shirting, pants, and even swimwear, making it a go-to brand for any and all explorers.
patagonia
Founded: 1973
Patagonia may not have been the very first outdoor brand to exist, but it was definitely the first to infuse a sense of style into the genre. While surfing and rock climbing through the Patagonia region of Argentina, founder Yvon Chouinard and his buddies started making the gear that guys with their senese of humor and adventure required in their daily lives. Forty years later, Patagonia is still leading the development of the outdoor aesthetic while creating clothing that stands up to whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
Arc'teryx Veilance
Founded: 2009
There is no other outerwear company that focuses so intensly on defeating severe weather and extreme environments. Arc'teryx itself is nothing to sneeze at, but Arc'teryx Veilance turns it up a notch when it comes to advanced materials that provide a simplicity and silhouette that's just as stylish as it is protective. The pricing is definitely up there beyond most other outdoor brands, but performance this high is a rare thing.
AXS Folk Technology
Founded: 2013
Blending mountain-ready tech aspects with rich materials and the best textiles in the western hemisphere, AXS Folk Technology is the new kid on the block, but is coming for the number one spot with their amazing creations. While 60/40 jackets, fleece vests, and canvas pants are nothing new to the menswear game, the way these guys source materials and cut their gear is paramount to anything else on the market, and we can't wait to see whats next.
nanamica
Founded: 2003
The Japanese label nanamica may look more menswear than outdoors-focused, but that's the beauty of the brand. Advanced technical aspects and materials perform in the shape of timeless and classic garments, allowing a military and heritage-inspired aesthetic to not be slowed down by harsh weather. Even while looking to the future of performance, nanamica remains informed by classic styles that don't bow to trends.
Norse Projects
Founded: 2004
We normally talk about Norse Projects as the leader of the pared-down Danish streetwear aesthetic that looks so dope, but when you live in wintry Denmark, your gear needs to protect you in addition to looking good. Norse Project knows this, and old-fashioned cozy knits and sweats match don't look out of place amongst high-tech outerwear. The label definitely lives up to its past mottos of "A Product of the Cold Cold North" and "Created for Life—Good for All Seasons."
Isa Ora
Founded: 2009
Isaora sits at the rare intersection of dope fashion and incredible function. Using the most advanced technology, construction techniques, and creating their own fabrics sets this brand apart from the rest. This label would be at home just as easily in the Artic as it would on the avenue, and transitions seamlessly between each.