Personal notes and stories from the Great Outdoors..jpg

As someone who has spent and continues to spend most of his days in the Great Outdoors, I feel it is only appropriate to share some of my thoughts on 5 quality outdoor brands, all of which I own and have used on a regular basis, in the Great Outdoors.

Spending time in the outdoor is an essential part of my life and during that time I have tried, tested and kept a huge range of outdoor clothing, from various brands.

Without frequently gaining my outdoor fix, I wouldn’t necessarily function as I do, I certainly wouldn’t be myself and I wouldn’t necessarily get out of the outdoor experience, as much as I continue to do so.

With that said, in no particular order, here are my 5 favourite outdoor brands.

The North Face

Ever since I lived in the USA, way back in 2001. I have always had a keen interest in North Face outdoor products. Back then I discovered my first North Face waterproof, purchased it from a local outdoor store and from that moment I generally loved its overall look, quality of material and their extensive range of other outdoor accessories.

Over the years, this jacket served me well and I have since added to my collection with a series of t-shirts, hiking shorts and lightweight running attire. I have found all of these particular products to be great value for money and well worth my vested interest.

Although, I still have a soft spot for The North Face and their excellent range of products. I feel these days, the brand has become somewhat too popular and digressed away from its outdoor roots. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel everyone now owns a North Face garment and there has been many fake alternatives circulating every now and then. With this increased popularity, I feel it has become more of a fashion accessory among many, more than a unique outdoor brand.

In summary: I like North Face products, but the brand doesn’t appeal to me as much as it did, especially, when I’m looking for garments to use in the outdoors. They are still very popular, but perhaps don’t appear high on my radar as much as they used to.

Rab Equipment

Rab - the mountain people, is probably one of my favourite outdoor brands. Not just because it derives from my homeland of the Peak District in England, but more so the Rab clothing collection is always stylish, well made and warm.

The company was founded by climbing innovator and adventurer Rab Carrington, who set up the equipment company that bears his name today. His goal was simple: to make honest, rugged climbing kit that could perform at the highest level.

As a result, every Rab piece of clothing was made by hand and rigorously tested by the man himself or friends and fellow climbers, who encountered the most extreme and hostile conditions.

Since purchasing a Rab Extreme fleece, many years ago. I have been captivated and intrigued to see what products come out next. At the moment I own a blue microlight jacket and it serves me well, keeping me warm out on the hike and it is pack able when on my travels.

Rab products are great and will seriously keep you warm. You just really need to be somewhere cold enough to maximise their full potential.

In summary: I feel their product range is exceptional and all their products are well made, they look stylish and my Nimbus Jacket is so comfy and warm.

Fjallraven

Again Fjallraven is a brand synonymous with the outdoors, but one that has slowly become a fashion accessory, especially the popularity of the Kanken bag.

Don’t get me wrong, Fjallraven are a brand I really admire and as I currently own several Greenland products and a Kanken bag. I have to say how superb the outdoor products are. From its roots in Sweden, the company has the outdoors and sustainability running through its veins and their ecological footprint is at the forefront of everything they do.

The materials are high quality, and the product composition, is truly first class. Their products are stylish, durable and thorough well made. The only downside to the garment is the overall price, and if you are to purchase one or two of their amazing products, you are likely to take a slight dent to the bank balance.

For me, Sweden is an incredible country and Fjallraven are definitely at the forefront of new initiatives and sustainable thinking, something that resonates highly within my own core values, as an outdoor enthusiast.

In summary: I really like all Fjallraven products, how they look, fit and what the company principles stand for. I also love Sweden and if I can feel like I am carrying a little bit of Sweden around with me each day, then I am very happy indeed.

Haglofs

Is another wonderful Swedish brand and a company I was delighted to collaborate with, only a few years ago. During that time, I was lucky enough to receive a variety of their great products, from low level hiking boots, Gore Tex jackets and one of the best 40 litre rucksacks I have ever owned. Haglofs products are very exceptional.

Like other Scandinavian brands they really focus on overall quality and again source some of the finest materials, to which they focus their range. Once again, their clothes come at a cost, but I really do feel you do get what you pay for.

My Gore Tex jacket is robust and dry, and it remains dry in the most challenging of conditions. No leaking and dampness on the inside, all of which remains focused on the outside. Testing their products is pretty easy for me as the waterproof gear has become an integral part of my cycle to work. Without the garments, I might be cold and wet, with them this enjoyable experience is made even more of a pleasure.

In summary: Of the last few years, I have been very lucky to receive various items of clothing and equipment from Haglofs and I have to say, they really are exceptional products. They have most certainly added greater pleasure to my outdoor experiences and have kept the elements at bay, while out walking or on my bike. Haglofs can be expensive, but you get what you pay for.

Montane

Montane is a UK based company that has worked closely with many serious mountain professionals working in hostile conditions across the globe. They have provided clothing for the British Antarctic Survey and many British Mountain Rescue Teams, based in some of the UK’s most challenging environments.

I bought a Montane Prism jacket a few years ago and I have to say it is still one of the warmest and lightest jackets I have. It is versatile, robust and does everything and more it says it will do. I use it to go under my rain jacket and frequently use it when I’m cycling on the bike to and from work, especially on those cold winter days.

In addition to this, I have purchased a few accessories like hats and gloves, and they have left me feeling extremely impressed with the overall quality of materials used and construction of garments. The only down side is, some of the products don’t fit me too well. The Prism jacket is fine, but some other garments are either slightly too big or too small.

I guess if I was a super skinny fella, then they would fit perfectly fine.

In summary: I have been very impressed with the products and after a few years of outdoor use they are still going strong. I personally find that Montane products are very underrated, but in recent years Montane have definitely improved their already good products and their overall marketing tactics. As a result, of their positive advances, this is now making them a very worthwhile option to choose from and one that is extremely reliable and trustworthy among outdoor equipment.

In Conclusion

I cycle 52 km a day, to work and back, so I need warm, dry and reliable clothing to help make the experience that little bit more pleasurable.

Within this latest blog post I have attempted to highlight my own personal favourite outdoor clothing brands.

Of course, there are many others out there on the market and many I could also add to this list. Naturally, when reading this post many other outdoor enthusiasts might agree or disagree with my particular choices.

In my opinion, choice is a beautiful word and with the vast array of outdoor clothing brands, out there on the market today, we all have a significant decision to make, when contemplating buying new garments and accessories. In order to make our overall experience outside, that little bit more pleasurable.

First and foremost, the product of choice has to do what you want it to do. In my case, I want something to keep me warm, dry and last a long time.

In turn, it does need to look good and feel good too. Ultimately, the price definitely alters my final decision on what product to go for, as my limited clothing budget can only stretch so far.

Thanks for reading!

My 5 Favourite Outdoor Clothing Brands