When you’re out on the trail, there’s no room to second-guess your gear. From trailhead to summit, you need to trust what you’re wearing every step of the way—because your comfort, safety, and performance depend on it. The best hiking brands blend cutting-edge tech with long-lasting construction, creating gear that is built to handle tough terrain and finicky forecasts. Even better? Companies who also prioritize sustainability through recycled materials, ethical manufacturing, and circular design models. From ultralight fastpacking specialists to tried-and-true favourites known for their timeless hiking apparel, these are the brands we trust to perform.
Best Overall Hiking Brands
These industry giants have earned their reputation through decades of innovation, field testing in some of the world’s most rugged playgrounds, and a track record of reliable performance trusted by athletes, casual hikers, and outdoor pros alike.
Patagonia
Patagonia has evolved over 50 years from a scrappy, one-man-run climbing brand to a cutting-ledge leader in sustainable outdoor gear—touted for its circular Worn Wear program, environmental advocacy, and ethical company values. When it comes to hiking gear, their flagship products run from the trusted Torrentshell 3L Jacket to Capilene® base layers.
The North Face
Like Patagonia, The North Face got its start in the 70s, making internal frame backpacks that were more versatile and far comfier than the traditional external frame packs. With the release of their innovative dome tent, they set the blueprint for modern backpacking tents. Today their alpine-ready outwear and gear range from the beloved Antora Rain Jacket to their GORE-TEX® hiking boots and Trail Lite backpacks
Salomon
Founded in the French Alps as a ski-focused brand, Salomon’s leap into high-performance footwear cemented its place as a go-to for trail runners and fast hikers, thanks to their agile shoes and sleek packs. Flagship hiking products include their line of XUltra hiking boots, along with their fast-packing trailblazer hiking bags and bladders.
Columbia
Columbia delivers functional hiking apparel at affordable price points ideal for weekend warriors and first-milers. Born in the rain-soaked Pacific Northwest, Columbia’s weather-tested gear thrives when the forecast doesn’t—so you know their flagship products like the Northwest Explorer™ 3L Shell and their OutDry™ hiking boots will keep you dry and comfortable, no matter the forecast.
Merrell
Merrell’s sturdy, trail-ready footwear deliver comfort, durability, and grip right out of the box. Built to handle rocky scrambles, muddy paths, and long days on your feet, the iconic Moab 3 remains a go-to favourite for new and seasoned hikers. Other flagship hiking products include the Moab Speed and lightweight Nova and Anatora 4 trail running shoes.
Outdoor Research
Founded by a nuclear physicist turned mountaineer, Outdoor Research is built on two principles: research-led design and expedition-grade performance. Their first product—technical gaiters—set the tone for decades of innovation that now includes the Stratoburst Stretch line, along with their 3L rain jackets and functional accessories.
Mammut
With roots in 19th-century rope-making, Mammut has spent over 160 years pushing alpine innovation. What began with glacier ropes has evolved into a full range of precision-engineered gear trusted by mountain athletes. Known for clean design and technical depth, their flagship hiking products include breathable softshells, waterproof layers, and performance hiking pants built for serious terrain.
Black Diamond
Best known for clean climbing gear and serious ski equipment, Black Diamond brings the same technical precision to their hiking and mountaineering apparel. Hikers know they can rely on the brand’s minimalist style and proven performance—with favourite products including their Distance Carbon trekking poles, lightweight packs, and rechargeable headlamps.
Helly Hansen
Helly Hansen blends Scandinavian design with pro-grade waterproofing—a legacy that began in 1877 with Norwegian sea captain Helly Juell Hansen. Today, their LIFA INFINITY™ and LIFA INFINITY PRO™ technologies power top-tier outerwear like the Odin 9 Worlds and Odin Stretch jackets, along with breathable merino baselayers built for high-output adventures.
Best Canadian Brands
These Canadian brands are homegrown and punch well above their weight—earning hikers’ trust through thoughtful design, trail-tested durability, and a deep connection to the landscapes they’re built to explore.
Naak
Montreal-based Näak—short for Nutrition for Adventurous Athletes who run Kilometres—will help you crush everything from your first 5K to your next ultra, with performance nutrition made from sustainable proteins. Created by runners for runners, their Ultra Energy™ bars, waffles, hydration mixes, and gels are easy on both the stomach and the Earth—perfect for mid-trail hunger pangs, post-summit snack attacks, and everything in between.
Hillsound
Based in Vancouver, Hillsound designs hiking accessories tested on some of BC’s toughest terrain—from Whistler’s rugged peaks to the rooty trails of the North Shore. Their FlexSteps™ Crampons deliver reliable traction on icy slopes, while Armadillo LT™ Gaiters keep mud and snow at bay. Bonus: the PackStack™ system brings order to even the messiest hiking packs.
Hooké
Québec-based Hooké makes heritage gear inspired by—and for—Canada’s wild rivers and forests. From sustainable fly-rods to dry bags to hardshell hiking jackets, their gear is equally at home miles down a backcountry trail or at the cabin. Flagship hiking products include their Misty Rain Jacket series, M Trekking Pants, and lightweight insulated mid-layers.
norda
Two obsessions fuel norda: sustainability and performance. This cult fave Montreal-based brand is redefining trail running footwear with its ultra-light, ultra-durable flagship shoes—the 001, 002, 003, and G+ series—crafted from Vibram® soles and bio-based Dyneema®, the world’s strongest and lightest fibre. Built with aggressive traction and serious underfoot protection, they’re as suited for fast hiking and technical terrain as they are for race day.
Tilley
An icon of adventure, Tilley is best known for its virtually indestructible hats—including the updated T1 Iconic Hat and the Airflo hikers hat, made with good ventilation and UPF 50+ sun protection—but they also craft lightweight, packable hiking clothing designed for all-weather comfort.
Best Ultralight Hiking Brands
When every ounce counts, ultralight gear makes all the difference. These brands specialize in stripped-down, high-performance essentials built for fast-and-light missions, thru-hikes, and technical terrain.
Rab
UK-born Rab blends alpine-level performance with ultralight design. Known for its minimalist, packable insulation and storm-ready shells, Rab gear thrives in fast-and-light missions. Standout hiking products include the Veil 6L and 12L running vests, streamlined Nitron pack, and Ascendor pants and hoodies.
Norrøna
Norway’s premier outdoor brand, Norrøna has earned a cult following for its obsessively crafted, high-performance gear built for fast-and-light missions in rugged terrain. Their ultralight hiking and trail-running collections deliver maximum capability with minimal weight—all while showcasing design-forward Scandinavian style. Standout pieces include the Senja trail running series, the Femund hiking line, and the ultralight, highly packable Trollveggen Superlight Down850 Jacket.
Mountain Hardwear
A favourite among minimalist backpackers and climbers, Mountain Hardwear engineers tech-forward gear that balances weight and weather protection. Their ultralight KOR collection blocks wind where it counts—on gusty ridge lines, breezy summit scrambles, and exposed alpine traverses—but packs down small when conditions die down. They also offer streamlined packs and ultralight tents built for efficient shelter on the move.
Osprey
For over 50 years, Osprey has led the pack when it comes to hiking bags that deliver comfort and smart, trail-ready features. Their foray into ultralight packs with the Exos and Sportlite lines proves they can do ultralight too—offering all-day ventilation, support, and storage without the bulk. Whether you’re logging serious distances or just trimming weight, Osprey’s thoughtful design makes every mile on the trail feel lighter.
Gregory
Since 1977, Gregory has been redefining backpack comfort when founder Wayne Gregory set out to build packs that actually fit—and feel good. Known for their ergonomic suspension systems and supportive hip belts, Gregory brings that same comfort-first approach to their ultralight lineup: the Focal 58/Facet 55. This ultralight model is ideal for big-mile days, multi-day expeditions, or anyone who wants comfort without compromise.
Deuter
Germans know hiking, and it’s no surprise that Deuter—the country’s highly touted backpack brand—has been outfitting them for a century with trusted packs built to handle the Alps and beyond. Known for dialled-in fit and breathable back panels, their ultralight designs strike a balance between shaving weight and all-day comfort. Flagship hiking products include the Aircontact Ultra for multi-day treks, the minimalist Speed Lite series, and the feature-rich Futura Air Trek.
How to Choose the Right Brand for Your Adventures
When it comes to hiking apparel and gear, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Your ideal brand will depend on your terrain, climate, and speed. Tackling alpine scrambles? You’ll want high-performance shells. Sticking to local trails? Look for breathable layers and supportive footwear. Prefer to fastpack? Opt for streamlined packs and bladders. Keen on a slow-but-steady pace? Keep things comfy and durable. If you’re an eco-conscious hiker, seek out brands with strong values, good manufacturing, and sustainable materials. And when in doubt, try gear where you can, read online reviews, and invest in brands that not only perform—but also align with your hiking goals.
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