When we think of stylish, comfortable outdoor wear, The North Face is an instantly recognized brand. Although many brands like The North Face exist, not all are the same in quality.
Over the years, The North Face has seen new campaigns and styles hit store shelves across the world, sustaining much of its dominance in the outdoor market.
Some people swear by The North Face, while others seek an alternative. Luckily, brands similar to The North Face are readily available to people everywhere, which we will cover in this article.
Some are great, and others are not: that’s the nature of the fashion industry.
The North Face: Style Meets Ruggedness
The North Face has been a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts for decades. Since 1966, we’ve seen this company go from nothing to everything in the outdoor fashion industry, specifically because they use premium fabrics and materials that are rugged *and* style-savvy.
Denali fleece for street style has become a staple of The North Face, as has the Summit Series for outdoor gear.
With jackets well into the $800 range, brands like The North Face haven’t been able to pull this type of marketing off, which is why the company remains so interesting.
Stylish hiking outfits have become synonymous with The North Face. They produce high-quality garments designed for rugged use.
High-performance outdoor clothing can be both functional and stylish, as The North Face proves.
Patagonia: The North Face’s Ultra-Green Competition
Patagonia, like The North Face, emphasizes eco-friendly design and manufacturing.
What gives Patagonia an edge is its massive following in the outdoor and eco-conscious community. With the ever-loved Re/Collection focusing on recycling clothing to make new ones, Patagonia has set trends within the outdoor fashion industry.
Of course, The North Face has its eco-conscious initiative with the ‘Renewed Collection,’ focusing on used jackets, outerwear, and apparel restored to Like-New condition and offered at a significant discount.
Unlike some brands similar to The North Face that don’t offer such programs, Patagonia remains firmly committed to the environment.
In Patagonia’s own words: Patagonia is a designer of outdoor clothing and gear for the silent sports: climbing, surfing, skiing and snowboarding, fly fishing, and trail running.
Brands Like The North Face: Arc’teryx, the High-End Rival
When we think of luxurious outdoor clothing and technical gear, Arc’teryx is a market leader. Arc’teryx is a Canadian high-end design company specializing in outdoor apparel and equipment headquartered in North Vancouver, boasting garments as expensive as $1,100.
Unlike other brands like The North Face, Arc’teryx feels like a step up. The company’s Cerium LT Hoody ($400) is made with responsibly sourced premium 850 fill-power down and other sustainable materials, boasting a well-reviewed warmth-to-weight ratio.
One of these jackets will keep you very warm. Onto The North Face’s Thermoball Eco Hoodie, this is a bit cheaper and retails at $189.
Your hoodie from The North Face will feature advanced insulation for lightweight warmth, durability, and packability.
It is also crafted from 100% recycled fabrics and fill. Thus, both brands offer quality jackets, but Arc’teryx stands out in terms of luxury.
Columbia: A Sportier Counterpart to The North Face
As one of the brands like The North Face that gives the company a run for its money, Columbia is a great alternative.
Sporty, comfortable, and affordable, Columbia meets many criteria for outdoor enthusiasts. For example, you can buy a Bugaboo II Fleece Interchange Jacket for $210, while a Triclimate Jacket from The North Face starts at $260.
That’s a significant price difference. While high-quality outdoor gear is typically expensive, Columbia often offers more affordable options.
Customers don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability with Columbia. Therefore, Columbia is one of the brands that rival The North Face we recommend.
REI Co-op: Super Durable And Competitive
REI Co-op, known for its outdoor clothing and gear, is another brand often considered by fans of The North Face.
REI has a big name in the outdoor market, from jackets, pants, boots, tents, and other equipment to more street-appropriate clothing/apparel.
In contrast to The North Face, REI Co-op offers a membership program that provides customers with exclusive savings. You sign up for $30 and get exclusive deals on your favorite outdoor gear and fashions throughout the year.
Currently, members have earned $223 million in rewards from this program. Let’s compare REI’s Rainier Rain Jacket ($99.95) to The North Face’s ($110). REI’s raincoat features 2.5-layer waterproof breathable laminate and recycled ripstop nylon, protecting you from up to 60 MPH winds.
The North Face’s jacket is made of 100% recycled nylon ripstop with a non-PFC durable water-repellent finish. Both are close in build and reviews.
Marmot: Challenging The North Face with Weather-Resistant Gear
In comparison to brands like The North Face, Marmot stands as a formidable competitor. This outdoor clothing and gear brand focuses mainly on lightweight yet durable materials and is known to be cheaper than The North Face.
To compare two jackets, the Marmot Minimalist Jacket ($131.99 to $220.00) gives you GORE-TEX Paclite® fabric for wind-blocking and rain protection, plus a Durable Water-Repellent finish and 100% seam taping.
In contrast, Venture 2 Jackets from The North Face (from $110) offers a DryVent membrane/laminate, 2.5-layer face fabric, 40D recycled nylon material, and windproofing technology.
Notably, Marmot’s GORE-TEX materials are highly rated for their breathability, waterproofness, and windproofing.
This material is composed of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as PTFE.
Brands Like The North Face: Fjällräven, the Swedish Eco-Friendly Alternative
Turning our attention to Fjällräven, an upscale outdoor apparel brand that rivals The North Face… Recognized for its durable and high-quality clothing, Fjällräven serves as a top alternative for those hesitant to purchase from The North Face.
For instance, a Kånken Backpack from the Swedish company costs $90 and has swept social media by storm. This backpack boasts hard-wearing Vinylon fabric with a zip that opens the entire main compartment and is made without PFCs.
The North Face Borealis Backpack is another top choice among schoolgoers and outdoorsy shoppers, costing $99. It features a FlexVent™ suspension system, certified by the American Chiropractic Association, articulated shoulder straps, a rounded back panel, comfortable stitch lines, and soft-touch chemise fabric.
Fjällräven is known for being eco-conscious and was voted the most sustainable brand in its industry according to the Sustainable Brand Index 2020 Sweden.
Mountain Hardwear: Comparable to The North Face’s Pricing
For people searching for brands like The North Face with high-altitude gear, Mountain Hardwear is a top-recommended option.
This company makes highly durable and adventure-ready clothes and gear for hikers, climbers, and outdoorsy people at a price comparable to The North Face.
Technical mountain apparel runs through the veins of this company, with the Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket ($209.98, usually priced at $420), being a top seller. This jacket is made from 1000-fill RDS®-certified down and is one of the softest on the market.
Compared to The North Face’s Summit L3 Down Hoodie ($260), Mountain Hardwear wins in down filling. The Summit L3 Down Hoodie uses 800-fill-power ProDown and is rated well for durability and comfort.
Both jackets are great, and both companies are reputable, although Mountain Hardwear’s jacket has the edge in this comparison.
Rab: British Outdoor Style For Everyone
Another brand similar to The North Face is Rab. This outdoor clothing and gear brand focuses on high quality outdoor gear and sustainable materials, especially in the jacket department.
One product we will highlight is the Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket ($295), which is made with 100% recycled fabric and down.
The North Face’s Nuptse Jacket retails for $330 and has a similar design, featuring 700-fill down, a water-repellent finish, and a stowable hood.
It also features 100% recycled fabrics. Both are made using premium materials and are eco-friendly. The North Face’s jacket costs about $35 more.
Rab is a British company that primarily focuses on clothing and equipment for climbing and mountaineering. The firm was founded in 1981 by Scottish climber Rab Carrington.
Brands Like The North Face but cheaper: Outdoor Research
Another brand comparable to The North Face is Outdoor Research. This company is known for creating high-performance outdoor gear and clothing, especially wind- and waterproof clothing.
For example, the Helium Rain Jacket ($170) is made with 2.5-layer fabric that delivers rugged durability. The North Face offers a similar Dryzzle Jacket for $230, boasting three-layer waterproof technology. Both jackets are of high quality, but the Helium Rain Jacket has a higher rating.
Outdoor Research products tend to be priced lower than those of The North Face, but they still have high satisfaction ratings and are of decent quality.
It isn’t as popular as The North Face, but we still recommend it. You may not get all the bells and whistles, but it’s a comparable company to TNF.
Other Brands (Besides The North Face) Worth A Shot
There are many brands to consider when shopping for outdoor adventure clothing and gear. The North Face has always made premium insulated jackets and camping gear, aiming to create sustainable outdoor clothing for everyone.
However, we also want to shout out a couple of companies instead of The North Face, each offering something of value.
Jack Wolfskin is a strong alternative, offering numerous insulated jackets and camping gear suitable for everyday adventurers.
For example, the Iceland Voyage Jacket retails for $219. 95 and features waterproof materials and a polyester shell/lining.
This isn’t as fancy as a jacket from The North Face, but it is a great backup. Currently, they are on sale for $131.99.
Another brand like The North Face we suggest trying is Berghaus. This British brand specializes in outdoor clothing and equipment, particularly for outdoor sports, and is highly rated for its apparel.
A shout-out-worthy item they sell is the Deluge Overtrousers, which cost £75.00 via the website. These feature Hydroshell® 2L fabric, making them weatherproof and incredibly durable.
You could compare these to Men’s Antora Rain Pants from The North Face, which retail for $100 and use DryVent™ fabric for waterproof, breathable protection.
Our last alternative is Helly Hansen, a Canadian brand specializing in outdoor apparel. The Loke Shell Jacket is a top-seller made using waterproof, windproof, yet breathable HELLY TECH® construction and is made of 2.5 layers. It costs $100.
The North Face Remains on Top for Good Reason
For people searching for premium quality outdoor clothing, The North Face continues to be a top choice. Many brands compete with TNF, but not all are on par in quality.
However, we found that brands like Columbia work well for budget shoppers, while brands like Arc’teryx and Marmot are higher in price and sometimes build quality.
If you want a down-heavy jacket, Mountain Hardwear is a place to shop, too. Patagonia is another steep competitor for The North Face, making great, eco-friendly apparel and gear at a similar or cheaper cost.
Both brands focus on sustainable materials for much of their releases. Rab is a bit overhyped compared to what you’re getting, but it is still a reputable European clothing and outdoor adventure gear brand.
While Outdoor Research is more affordable than The North Face, it doesn’t match up in most categories. REI is also a top brand, but it doesn’t match The North Face in terms of quality.
If you’re looking for alternatives to The North Face, Marmot, Columbia, Arc’teryx, and Fjällräven are among the better choices.
Brands Like The North Face: FAQs
What is North Face biggest competitor?
As of 2023, North Face’s biggest competitor is Patagonia. The three leading players in the outdoor enthusiasts market are Patagonia, The North Face, and Columbia, with The North Face being the most successful.
Is North Face a luxurious brand?
Although many people associate The North Face with casual outdoor clothing, it is considered a luxury in the outdoor fashion and gear market. You can spend hundreds on a jacket from The North Face; its materials are top-of-the-line compared to other outdoor fashion brands.
Is North Face or Patagonia better quality?
The North Face and Patagonia are both high-quality outdoor clothing manufacturers, although Patagonia focuses more on wear and tear and the environment. The North Face products are long-lasting and well-made, while Patagonia is often viewed as more rugged and eco-conscious.