Top Trailblazers: Leading Brands in Hiking Gear for Adventurers

When it comes to preparing for a thrilling hiking adventure, having the right gear can make all the difference between a seamless journey and a challenging experience. With countless options on the market, choosing the best brands for hiking gear can be a daunting task for both beginners and seasoned trekkers. From reliable boots that support long-distance treks to versatile backpacks that accommodate all your essentials, finding high-quality equipment is crucial for comfort and safety. To help guide your decision-making, we've compiled a list of the top brands that consistently deliver durable and innovative products, ensuring a memorable hike each time. Explore our recommendations below to find the perfect gear for your next outdoor excursion.

Illustration of hiking gear

Best brands of hiking gear in 2025

Patagonia

Patagonia is a leading brand in the hiking and outdoor equipment industry, known for its high-quality and environmentally conscious products. With a brand awareness of 57% among outdoor fashion owners in the United States, Patagonia is favored by 28% of these owners who have heard about the brand through media, social media, or advertising. As of 2024, 19% of outdoor fashion owners in the U.S. own Patagonia products, and 79% of these owners show loyalty to the brand. Patagonia's commitment to sustainability has earned it the UN Champions of the Earth Award, reflecting its successful business model. The brand continues to grow within the industry, which is projected to expand over the next five years. For detailed insights and data, explore the Patagonia outdoor fashion brand profile in the United States.

The North Face

The North Face is a leading producer of hiking gear, demonstrating robust growth with a 17% increase in revenue for the fiscal year ending March 2024, and achieving its 10th consecutive quarter of double-digit revenue growth. The brand saw significant regional growth, with a 35% increase in the Asia-Pacific region and a 24% increase in Europe. Direct-to-consumer sales drove this growth, with a 19% increase, and global wholesale sales grew by 14% in constant currency. The North Face operates through various channels, including 260 VF-operated stores and a strong online presence, contributing to its total revenue of $3.6 billion for the fiscal year 2024. The brand's popularity is evident, with 57% of American consumers owning its products and a high loyalty rate among users. For more details, visit The North Face's official website.

Arc'teryx

Arc'teryx is a leading producer of high-end hiking gear, renowned for its innovative products, quality craftsmanship, and commitment to performance. The brand has experienced hyper-growth, with a 44% increase in its Technical Apparel segment in the first quarter of 2024, driven by its disruptive direct-to-consumer (DTC) model and strong competitive position. Arc'teryx's products, such as its Gore-Tex shell jackets and specialized gear for various outdoor activities, have garnered a loyal customer base among outdoor enthusiasts. The brand's expansion into new categories, including footwear and women's products, has also contributed to its standout growth and profitability. With a global presence in over 3,000 stores and 80 branded shops, Arc'teryx continues to dominate the outdoor gear market. For a more detailed analysis, visit the Arc'teryx market analysis on their blog.

Columbia Sportswear

Columbia Sportswear is a leading innovator in the outdoor, active, and lifestyle products market, particularly renowned for its high-quality hiking gear. The company holds a market share of approximately 2.27% in the Apparel, Footwear & Accessories industry as of Q3 2024. Columbia Sportswear reported net sales of $931.8 million in the third quarter of 2024, despite a 5% decrease from the previous year. The brand is known for its innovative products such as Omni-Heat Infinity and Omni-Heat Arctic, which cater to the demands of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Columbia Sportswear is part of a growing North America hiking gear & equipment market expected to reach USD 4,606.4 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2019 to 2027.

Black Diamond

Black Diamond is a leading brand in the outdoor industry, particularly renowned for its high-quality hiking and climbing gear. The brand has recently narrowed its focus to climbing and related categories, such as ski mountaineering and backcountry skiing, to drive growth and efficiency. In 2023, Black Diamond generated $204.1 million in sales, with the top 17% of its styles accounting for 80% of its revenue. The company operates in 60 countries through 9,000 wholesale retail doors and employs about 390 people globally. Black Diamond aims to expand its apparel segment, targeting $100 million in sales by 2027, and anticipates steady 8%-10% growth in the future. For more details, check out their plans for future growth in this article.

Osprey

Osprey is a leading brand in the hiking gear market, renowned for its high-quality, innovative, and comfortable backpacks. As of 2021, Osprey held the number one position in the U.S. technical pack segment and was the second leading brand in hydration packs, with approximately 51% of its sales coming from international markets. The brand's products are widely available, particularly through retailers like REI, which significantly contributes to its popularity. Osprey's commitment to durability and customer satisfaction is evident from its robust warranty and excellent customer service. The brand continues to expand its market position, as seen in its strong performance in the first quarter of 2023, where it strengthened its market share in the U.S. backpack market. For more information, visit the Osprey website.

Marmot

Marmot, a renowned brand in the hiking gear and equipment market, is recognized for its high-quality outdoor products. With a brand awareness of 34% among outdoor fashion owners in the United States, Marmot is owned by 6% of these individuals, and 83% of its owners show loyalty by being likely to purchase the brand again. Marmot is part of Newell Brands and operates alongside other major players like The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, and Black Diamond Equipment. The brand's popularity is further underscored by its presence in a market that is expected to grow significantly, with the global hiking gear and equipment market projected to reach $7 billion by 2030. Marmot's products are favored for their durability and performance, making it a trusted choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Mountain Hardwear

Mountain Hardwear is a renowned producer of high-quality hiking gear, having posted $102.6 million in sales for the full year of 2023, despite a 6% decline in constant currency compared to 2022. The brand experienced a 12% drop in Q4 2023 sales due to lower wholesale shipments, but saw growth in direct-to-consumer sales. Mountain Hardwear is undergoing a comprehensive brand refresh, including a new marketing campaign and product launches like the Alpine LightTM Rolltop backpack and Specter sleeping bag, which won ISPO awards. The brand is expected to see mid-single digit sales growth in 2024, driven by enhanced e-commerce and strategic wholesale partnerships. Mountain Hardwear's collaboration with Stussy also boosted website traffic and sales.

Salomon

Salomon is a leading brand in the hiking gear market, renowned for its high-performance and technically innovative products. The company's X Ultra 4 Mid GTX held the No. 1 spot in total sales among all shoes in the hiking, trekking, and mountaineering segment in 2023, highlighting its dominance in the industry. Salomon's Outdoor Performance segment, which includes footwear and apparel, saw an 11% increase in revenues to $304 million in the second quarter of 2024, driven by strong double-digit growth in Salomon Footwear & Apparel. The brand's products are appreciated for their unique blend of technical features and stylish design, particularly in regions like Greater China and the Asia Pacific, where Salomon's Sportstyle offering has been highly successful. With plans to expand to over 200 stores in China by the end of 2024, Salomon continues to grow its market presence.

REI Co-op

REI Co-op is renowned as one of the best producers for hiking gear, offering high-quality outdoor equipment and apparel through its cooperative model. Founded in 1938 by Lloyd and Mary Anderson along with 21 friends, REI aims to make wilderness adventures more accessible by providing gear at reduced costs. In 2022, REI achieved a record revenue of $3.85 billion and operates 181 stores across 42 states, serving over 23 million members who benefit from a 10% annual shopping rebate, amounting to $224 million in 2022. The company also offers various discounts and services, including a 33% rental discount and 20% off on bicycle and snow shop services. REI's product range includes gear from top brands like The North Face, Arc'teryx, and Columbia, as well as its own REI Co-op brands.