14.5+ Best Brands Similar to The North Face

I have always loved the quality and style of The North Face jackets and gear.

As an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast, I rely on their technical clothing to keep me warm and dry on the trail.

However, their products can be quite expensive, so I’m often on the hunt for more affordable alternatives.

Through trial and error, I’ve discovered 18 brands that offer similar performance and aesthetics to The North Face at various price points.

Keep reading to find your new favorite!

The North Face is known for their premium outdoor clothing, but you can find similar quality from other brands for less.

Marmot

Marmot makes high-quality outerwear and gear for hiking, climbing, and skiing.

Their waterproof and insulated jackets are comparable to The North Face, and often cost $50-$100 less.

For example, I recently tested out their Minimalist Jacket which retails for $160.

It’s made from Gore-Tex material with 800-fill down insulation to keep you warm and dry in cold, wet conditions.

I wore it snowshoeing in Vermont where temps dipped below freezing and it kept me toasty during active use.

The Driclime lining wicks moisture if you build up a sweat, and the whole jacket compresses down nicely for packing.

It comes in stylish color options like burnt orange, black, or my favorite – deep teal.

For the quality and performance, I feel it’s a great value compared to similar North Face down jackets priced over $200.

Patagonia

Like The North Face, Patagonia specializes in technical apparel for outdoor adventures.

Their jackets feature eco-friendly construction and sleek, minimalist style.

One of my go-to midlayers from them is the Nano Puff Jacket, usually around $199.

It’s insulated with Primaloft which is a synthetic alternative to down that retains warmth even when wet.

I like to layer it under a waterproof shell jacket for extra insulation on winter hikes or camping trips.

The quilted pattern looks sharp and it comes in fun colors like forge grey, vintage indigo, or rhododendron pink.

It’s hip length which I prefer for hiking versus a full length puffy.

The DWR treatment also resists light moisture and rain, so it works great as an outer layer during fall and mild winter activity.

Arc’teryx

This Canadian brand designs award-winning outdoor apparel engineered for harsh alpine environments.

Expect innovative fabrics and a precision fit.

One of their most popular products is the Atom LT Hoody, a lightweight and compressible insulated jacket perfect for aerobic activity in cold weather.

It uses Coreloft synthetic insulation that maintains loft and warmth even when wet.

I like to wear it trail running or XC skiing on days when temps are in the 20s and 30sF.

The fleece side panels add breathability and mobility while the wind and moisture resistant outer face fabric blocks windchill.

It fits snug and streamlined, unlike bulky puffy jackets.

The helmet compatible drop hood provides extra protection when you need it.

Available colors include black, red, blue, and green so you can look stylish while crushing miles in the outdoors.

Columbia

Columbia brings functionality, style, and value together in their waterproof jackets, fleeces, and hiking boots perfect for the casual adventurer.

If I had to pick one piece to highlight it would be the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot.

This lightweight hiker provides excellent traction and waterproofing for a variety of trails and conditions.

It features a suede leather and mesh upper with seam sealed waterproof construction to keep feet dry.

The Omni-Grip rubber outsole gives great grip on slippery terrain.

Inside, the Techlite midsole offers lasting comfort and cushioning for all day wear.

Lace up ankle support and a padded tongue help secure the fit.

For around $90 these boots punch way above their weight – I’ve put tons of miles on mine.

Outdoor Research

Outdoor Research focuses on innovative technologies and performance materials to equip outdoor enthusiasts.

Their jackets offer comparable weather protection to The North Face.

The Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody is an excellent lightweight, packable puffy for only $200.

It uses Polartec Alpha Direct insulation which is highly breathable and wicks moisture during aerobic activity.

I like to wear it alpine climbing or winter hiking when I want warmth without overheating.

The Pertex Shield fabric blocks wind and light precipitation.

An active-fit hood layers easily under a helmet.

And the whole jacket stuffs into one of its own pockets for compact storage.

For serious warmth on a budget, the Ascendant Hoody delivers excellent value.

REI Co-op

REI’s affordable house brand makes quality apparel, gear, and footwear perfect for hiking, camping, and every day wear.

Their Magma line offers comparable down jackets and sleeping bags to The North Face at lower prices.

Take the Magma 15 sleeping bag as an example.

It provides cozy warmth down to the teens thanks to premium 850 fill down and contoured baffling to prevent cold spots.

A water-repellent Pertex shell and DWR finish help deflect moisture.

At under 3 pounds, it packs light and small into its included storage sack.

Mummy shaping and a cinch-able hood seal in heat without limiting mobility.

Costing around $349, it’s hundreds less than a comparable 15 degree North Face bag while providing nearly equal performance.

Helly Hansen

Trusted by ski patrollers and mountain guides, Helly Hansen designs winter jackets and layering systems that can withstand the most extreme environments.

The Alpha 3.0 Jacket is their signature high-performance ski shell built to handle brutal alpine conditions.

It’s made with Helly Tech Professional fabric which is extremely waterproof yet breathable during high aerobic output.

Fully seam sealed construction prevents leaks even in driving rain or heavy snow.

Insulation comes from Primaloft Black with Lifa fibers that retain warmth even when soaked.

I like to wear it resort skiing when temps dip well below freezing.

Venting zippers under the arms let you fine tune airflow.

And the adjustable hood and cuffs seal out spindrift when weather turns nasty on the mountain.

Expect to pay around $850 for this kind of premium protection, but it’s worth it for skiers and riders who take on the most extreme terrain and conditions.

Mountain Hardwear

This company pioneered many backpacker-friendly designs.

Expect bomber protection from the elements along with clever features.

A standout is their Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket – an ultralight puffy that packs insane warmth into a minimalist package.

Premium 850-fill goose down insulation surrounds you in a delicate warmth-to-weight ratio.

My size medium hovers around 7 ounces yet provides cold-stopping loft.

I take it winter backpacking and hardly notice it in my pack until temps drop.

The whisper-thin 10D ripstop nylon face resists tearing or abrasions from the trail.

Highly compressible, it disappears into its own pocket for storage.

At around $350 this technical marvel combines maximal warmth and minimal weight.

686

686 offers technical outerwear and softgoods designed for snow sports.

Their jackets blend mountain performance with bold style

One of their top sellers is the GLCR Hydrastash Jacket, built for riding resorts or backcountry tours in variable conditions.

It uses a HyperDRY waterproof breathable membrane to keep you dry even during high exertion.

The jacket is mapped with 80g and 60g insulation to provide warmth where you need it most without overheating.

Articulated patterning allows a full range of motion when carving turns or hiking ridges to stash fresh powder.

The Hydrastash system integrates storage pockets for goggles, a ski pass, and other essentials.

And the quilted lining wicks moisture if you work up a sweat hustling through steeps and trees.

Expect to pay around $300 for this solid intermediate/expert snowshell.

Burton

Known for snowboards, Burton also makes functional and fashionable jackets and layers perfect for riding the slopes in any weather.

A favorite of mine is their [ak] 3L Hover Jacket designed for freeriders who bounce through variable backcountry conditions.

The 3-layer fabric construction combines a durable polyester face, waterproof/breathable membrane, and taffeta backing.

It’s rated to 15k waterproofing and 15k breathability, enough to handle heavy snow and sweaty hikes between lines.

80g insulation in the body and 60g in the sleeves target warmth where needed while allowing mobility.

The jacket’s loose fit pairs easily over layers on frigid days.

Ample vents under the arms and powder skirt dump heat if temps creep up.

Expect to pay around $400 for this technical marvel built to charge in the backcountry.

Oakley

Best known for sunglasses, Oakley also produces apparel equipped with moisture-wicking technology and UPF sun protection.

Their Encoder jacket blends a streetwear look with performance features ready for outdoor adventures.

The polyester shell sheds light rain and moisture during high activity.

Meshed underarm vents allow airflow to prevent overheating.

A dual adjustment hem and hood provide customizable coverage from the elements.

UPF 50 protection blocks harmful sun rays.

And antimicrobial treatment prevents odor after long days recreating outside.

Priced around $140, this jacket brings adaptability from trail to town and beyond.

Stio

This Jackson Hole-based brand blends mountain heritage with modern performance in their ski/snowboard apparel.

A standout is the Hometown Down Jacket, insulated with 650-fill water resistant down.

The Pertex Quantum face fabric resists snow and moisture while allowing airflow to prevent clamminess.

Horizontal baffles maintain an even warmth distribution that retains loft after compression.

The jacket provides low-profile layering under a shell, with just enough insulation for resort riding or winter dog walks.

A scuba hood seals in warmth without limiting peripheral vision on the slopes.

And microfleece lined pockets add extra coziness for hands on frigid chairlift rides.

Expect to spend around $300 for this local mountain favorite.

Kuhl

Kuhl draws inspiration from vintage wilderness gear to create durable, weather-resistant jackets and pants suitable for hiking or daily wear.

Their Kontra Air Hoodie delivers warmth and rugged style thanks to its Polartec High Loft fleece construction.

The knit polyester exterior feels soft yet resists pilling and breakdown.

It makes a great midlayer under a shell jacket or cozy outer layer during fall hikes.

The hood and high collar seal in heat when temps drop.

And the kangaroo hand pockets are lined with brushed fleece for extra coziness.

Priced around $140, this jacket brings vintage outdoor vibe to the streets and trails.

Mammut

Trusted by mountaineers since 1862, this Swiss company engineers extreme weather protection, precision fit, and maximum mobility into every garment.

The Nordwand Pro HS jacket provides their pinnacle of lightweight, 3-layer Gore-Tex performance for alpine pursuits.

The most exposed areas use Pro HS fabric that is extremely air permeable to prevent clamminess.

Areas prone to wear get durable 3-layer Pro reinforced fabric.

Fully taped seams and YKK waterproof zippers prevent moisture intrusion.

Down and synthetic insulation place warmth where you need it most.

Expect to pay $900 or more for this elite mountaineering shelter engineered in Switzerland.

Fjallraven

This Swedish brand combines Scandinavian simplicity with functional details in their iconic parkas and backpacks.

A standout is their Expedition Down Parka, a winter essential for the coldest environments.

The outer G-1000 Eco fabric is made from recycled polyester and organic cotton for sustainability.

A DWR treatment enhances weather resistance.

Arctic-grade Supreme Micro Loft down insulation offers an amazing warmth-to-weight ratio.

A spacious fixed hood seals out frigid winds.

And a two-way zipper lets you vent excess heat while keeping your core protected.

Expect to spend around $500 for this Swedish-engineered ultra-warm parka.

L.L.Bean

The Maine-based retailer offers affordable, outdoors-inspired apparel that comes with their legendary guarantee.

Expect cozy fleeces and waterproof anoraks.

A customer favorite is their Mountain Classic Down Jacket, delivering lightweight warmth and comfort.

Water-resistant ripstop nylon blocks light moisture.

650-fill down insulation retains loft and traps heat.

An adjustable hem seals out drafts.

And the packable design stuffs into its own pocket for easy transport.

Costing around $119, this versatile jacket delivers lasting value for casual adventurers.

Carhartt

Known for rugged workwear, Carhartt applies triple-stitching and durable fabrics to their weather-beating jackets and bibs.

Their Yukon Extremes Active Jacket combines toughness with cold weather protection.

The quilted nylon shell withstands snags and abrasion on the worksite or trails.

3M Thinsulate insulation retains warmth even when damp.

The Arctic-Weight polyester lining blocks wind chill.

And their Rain Defender durable water repellent beat back light rain and snow.

Adjustable hood and cuffs seal out the elements when needed.

Expect to spend around $100 for this rugged Carhartt classic.

Arcteryx

This technical outdoor clothing company from Vancouver designs premium performance gear for alpine climbing, skiing, and trail running.

A standout is their Atom LT Hoody, arguably the most popular lightweight insulated jacket.

It uses breathable, moisture-wicking fleece side panels and Coreloft synthetic insulation that maintains warmth when wet.

Sleek and compressible, it layers smoothly under shells or functions as a standalone jacket.

The wind and water resistant shell blocks cold drafts during high output activity.

Expect to spend $259 and up for Arc’teryx’s signature core warmth piece.

So next time you need a durable, stylish jacket but don’t want to pay full price for The North Face, consider one of these excellent alternatives and get the same quality for less.

Top 11+ Brands Ranked: Alternatives to The North Face