Although this list is not comprehensive, these are some of the major hiking gear brands, many of which will be highlighted throughout this site.
Some are specific to footwear or apparel while many offer a wide range of products.
Patagonia
Patagonia is known for its provision of high-quality outdoor gear, including sport-specific apparel ranging from skiing to hiking, climbing, and trail running.
The company is perhaps just as well-known for its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Patagonia’s mission: “Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.”
Merrell
Merrell is an American maker of high-performance hiking boots. Its product line includes lightweight trail-runners to heavy, insulated boots.
Merrell has expanded to include outdoor apparel but remain most renowned for making strides in the hiking boot industry.
Their secret to success? Combining American cowboy boot technology with the Italian boot manufacturing process.
KEEN
KEEN is a quality hiking boot manufacturer regarded for its original and versatile brand values.
The story began in 2003 when the company asked if a sandal could protect your toes — and launched its first successful product that has since transformed into an innovative collection.
KEEN is regarded for its astounding dedication to disaster relief and the creation of KEENFest, an outdoor festival that encourages industry members to get together.
Salomon
Salomon is a major outdoor trail shoe, equipment, and apparel brand committed to inspiring individuals to get outside and play more.
Its collection highlights hiking shoes, mountaineering boots, clothing, and a whole range of snow sport equipment, including skis and snowboards.
Salomon’s products are built to withstand the rigors of the outdoors and often feature Gore-Tex elements.
Columbia
This popular outdoor brand is based out of the Pacific Northwest. It’s known for apparel, shoes, and equipment and excels in all three categories.
The company’s 70 year history makes it a renowned and reliable presence in the outdoor realm.
Columbia began as “Columbia Hat Company” — and has since been transformed into one of the industry’s most trusted brands.
Danner
Danner is a superior boot making company regarded for its products’ handcrafted precision.
These boots are made tough to last — meant to withstand anything nature throws their way.
Some of Danner’s products are designed for law enforcement and the military — so you can be assured they take durability seriously.
Marmot
Marmot was founded as “Marmot Mountain Works” in Grand Junction, Colorado by two students who dreamed of designing their own mountaineering equipment.
The company designed over 100 puffy jackets for 20th Century Fox’s movie, The Eiger Sanction.
Marmot is most known for their apparel like our favorite hiking jackets, sleeping bags, and tents.
The North Face
The North Face is named after the coldest, most unforgiving side of a mountain — and it makes mountain wear that lives up to its name.
Perhaps one of the most famous brands in outdoor equipment, the North Face has been in business for over 50 years.
The North Face lives up to its mantra ‘never stop exploring’ and sends athletes on far-flung expeditions all over the globe.
Camelbak
Camelbak is an outdoor equipment company based out of California best known for its hydration products.
The company began when bicycle enthusiast Michael Eidson was competing in the “Hotter’N Hell 100” and stayed hydrated by filling an IV bag with water and slipping it into a tube sock, which he wore in his cycling jersey.
Osprey
Osprey is one of the most renowned providers of backpacks for outdoor adventures.
From technical mountaineering packs, ski packs, rolling duffel bags, and everything in between, Osprey is dedicated to the comfort and durability of its products. Its Anti-Gravity suspension system has helped redefine pack carrying in the outdoors.
Teton Sports
Teton Sports is an outdoor equipment company dedicated to providing high quality products at a more affordable price than competing brands.
Its line includes tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and camp pads.
Venture Pal
Venture Pal is an affordable outdoor brand known for its backpacks and travel gear.
Although a newcomer to the industry, it makes some quality products that stand on their own in the backcountry.
MSR
Mountain Safety Research (MSR) is a technical outdoor equipment company best known for its production of cookware, tents, and water filtration products.
MSR was begun by one man dedicated to improving the safety of climbing equipment and now serves as one of the top names in the industry.
Therm-a-Rest
Therm-a-Rest is synonymous with backcountry sleeping equipment, primarily sleeping pads.
The company creates top-of-the-line mattresses, pillows, sleeping bags, and tents and is perhaps best known for its innovations in outdoor sleeping technology.
Wrapping It Up…
These 14 outdoor brands do not disappoint and as a fellow hiker, I know you will get as much use from their products as I have over the years.
Whether you need new hiking boots, a rain jacket to keep you dry (talking to you Pacific Northwest) or a quality backpack to carry enough gear for a 3 or 30 mile hike, the hiking brands above have you covered!
Like I said at the start, this isn’t a full list and I will continue working to round it out.