Top Gear Brands That Fuel Your Adventure Passion

In today's fast-paced world, having the right gear can significantly enhance both professional and recreational activities. Whether you're searching for outdoor equipment, tech gadgets, or fitness wear, selecting a reputable brand ensures quality, reliability, and performance. From cutting-edge innovations to time-tested classics, many brands have distinguished themselves as leaders in their respective fields. Curious to know which ones topped our list? Find out the standout choices below.

Illustration of gear

Best brands of gear in 2025

Patagonia

Patagonia is renowned as one of the best producers of outdoor gear, known for its high-quality and innovative products that withstand extreme conditions. The company has reduced its supplier count by 58% from 108 in 2007 to 45 today, enhancing its ability to manage working conditions and product quality consistently. Patagonia sources materials from 14 countries and has committed to using bluesign-approved fabrics, which now comprise 30% of the total fabric used in its products. The brand has also pledged to donate either 1% of total sales or 10% of profit to environmental groups. With revenues of over $500 million and a strong commitment to sustainability, Patagonia continues to lead in the outdoor apparel industry.

The North Face

The North Face has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance as a leading producer of outdoor gear, with a 17% revenue increase in constant currency for the year ending March 2023, reaching $3.6 billion. The brand saw a 16% growth in the fourth quarter of the same period, driven by strong double-digit growth in direct-to-consumer sales and a 14% increase in wholesale sales globally. In the second quarter of fiscal 2024, The North Face posted revenue of $1.12 billion, up 17% in constant currency, with a notable 50% increase in China. The brand has also achieved 10 consecutive quarters of double-digit revenue growth, highlighting its robust market position. Its global growth includes a 9% increase in the Americas, 2% in Europe, and a significant 57% in Asia. For more detailed insights, visit The North Face's remarkable fiscal success.

Arc'teryx

Arc'teryx is renowned as a leading brand in the outdoor gear market, celebrated for its innovative products, exceptional quality, and commitment to performance. The brand has driven strong revenue growth, with its parent company, Amer Sports, reporting a 16% year-over-year sales increase and a 40% rise in direct-to-consumer revenue. Arc'teryx's footwear line now accounts for 10% of the brand's total revenues, up from 6% previously. Known for its technical excellence and attention to detail, Arc'teryx has a loyal customer base among outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize high-quality gear. The brand's hardshell jacket collection, including models like the Beta AR and Alpha SV, is particularly esteemed for its durability and craftsmanship. For more insights, explore the list of best outdoor clothing brands.

Columbia Sportswear

Columbia Sportswear is a leading innovator in the outdoor, active, and lifestyle industry, offering high-value apparel, footwear, accessories, and equipment. As of Q3 2024, the company holds a market share of 2.27% in the Apparel, Footwear & Accessories sector, with net sales of $931.8 million for the quarter, despite a 5% decrease compared to Q3 2023. The brand is known for its quality, value, and reliability, and is focusing on targeting younger consumers with innovative products like the Omni-Heat Infinity assortment. Columbia's full-year sales for 2023 totaled $2.95 billion, up 3% in constant currency compared to 2022. The company is committed to enhancing its product assortment and retail presentations to drive sales and brand perception. More information can be found on their official brand page.

REI Co-op

REI Co-op is renowned as one of the leading producers and retailers of high-quality outdoor gear, boasting a diverse range of products including camping, hiking, climbing, cycling, and snow equipment. With a record revenue of $3.85 billion in 2022 and over 23 million members, REI Co-op stands out for its cooperative model, which distributes significant annual rebates to members, such as $224 million in 2022. The company operates 181 stores across 41 states and the District of Columbia, offering extensive services like outdoor vacations, courses, and exclusive discounts for members. REI Co-op also emphasizes sustainability, having fully offset its 2021 operational emissions by purchasing over 257,000 metric tons of CO2eq and diverting 83% of its operational waste from landfills. Its commitment to the outdoor community is further highlighted by its annual closure of stores on Black Friday to encourage employees and members to spend time outdoors.

Black Diamond

Black Diamond, under the leadership of Brand President Neil Fiske, is refocusing its efforts to become the undisputed top climbing brand globally. The company has streamlined its product line, removing 30% of its SKUs and planning to eliminate another 20%, to concentrate on its core strengths in climbing equipment, where it holds a 40%-50% market share in categories like helmets, carabiners, and harnesses. The top 5% of Black Diamond's styles generate 50% of its revenue, and the brand aims to grow its apparel segment to a $100 million business by 2027. Despite a 9.2% revenue decline in 2023, Black Diamond saw a 3.6% increase in the fourth quarter and is projecting steady 8%-10% growth in the future. The brand operates in 60 countries with 9,000 wholesale retail doors and expects significant growth in the APAC region. For more insights, visit their official announcement.

Mountain Hardwear

Mountain Hardwear, a premium outdoor brand, has been a leader in producing cutting-edge mountaineering and outdoor equipment, apparel, and accessories since its establishment in 1993. The brand, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear, saw a significant 33% revenue increase in 2021 to $106 million, driven by the success of new products and strategic retail partnerships. Despite a 9% decline in Q3 2023 due to lower wholesale shipments, the brand is undergoing a comprehensive refresh, including a new marketing campaign and collaborations like the sold-out Stussy collection. Mountain Hardwear products are distributed through over 500-600 points of distribution in the U.S. and more than 40 countries worldwide. The brand continues to innovate, celebrating its 30th anniversary with a renewed focus on its unique identity and growth trajectory. For more details on their recent performance and brand refresh, visit the Mountain Hardwear news article.

Marmot

Marmot is a renowned brand in the outdoor apparel and gear industry, known for its high-quality and innovative products. With a brand awareness of 34% among outdoor fashion owners in the United States, Marmot has established a strong presence since its founding in 1971 by University of California Santa Cruz students Dave Huntley and Eric Reynolds. The brand has pioneered several industry-first features, including the use of GORE-TEX and the introduction of women-specific styles. Despite its global production primarily in China and Vietnam, Marmot maintains a loyal customer base, with 83% of its owners likely to purchase the brand again. Marmot's products range from performance jackets to expedition-quality tents, packs, and sleeping bags.

Osprey

Osprey is a leading brand in the outdoor gear industry, renowned for its high-quality, innovative backpacks and gear. Founded in 1974 by Mike Pfotenhauer, Osprey has maintained a strong market presence, holding the number one position in the U.S. technical pack segment and the everyday backpack segment, with 21 of the top 30 U.S. technical packs bearing the Osprey name. The brand has a significant international presence, with approximately 51% of its sales coming from international markets. Osprey's commitment to innovation and quality has been consistent, with notable achievements such as introducing the first breathable mesh backpanel in 1976 and the first adjustable sternum strap in 1977. The brand continues to expand its market share, driven by improved inventory and product innovation.

Salomon

Salomon, a premier brand under Amer Sports, has cemented its position as a leading producer of high-quality outdoor and sports gear. The brand saw an 11% increase in Outdoor Performance segment revenues to $304 million in Q2 2024, driven by strong double-digit growth in Salomon footwear and apparel, particularly in the Asia Pacific and Greater China regions. Salomon footwear, known for its technical features and stylish design, represents a significant portion of the segment, with softgoods now accounting for approximately two-thirds of the Outdoor Performance segment revenues. The brand has also expanded its retail presence, opening 27 new Salomon shops in Q2 and aiming for around 200 stores in China by the end of 2024. Salomon's Sportstyle collection, which blends function and fashion, has been a key driver of growth, with revenues exceeding $165 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2023.