The North Face is a well-known American outdoor recreation and apparel brand founded in 1966. In this article, we discuss the top The North Face Competitors and Alternatives.
With its headquarters based in California, The North Face is renowned for its wide range of outdoor products and accessories, including clothing, footwear, backpacks, and tents. The company’s mission is to inspire and enable people to explore the outdoors and push the boundaries of human potential.
The North Face has built a reputation for itself by offering high-quality and durable products that cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. The brand is committed to sustainability and has taken several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote responsible environmental practices. The North Face also actively supports various environmental and social organizations and aims to create positive climate change through business practices.
- Product Type: Outdoor clothing and equipment
- Industry: Sportswear, outdoor recreation
- Founded Date: 1966
- Founders: Douglas Tompkins, Kenneth “Hap” Klopp
- Headquarters: Alameda, California, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Guillaume de Kergariou
Table of Contents
The top The North Face competitors are
1. Patagonia
- Product Type: Outdoor clothing and gear
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1973
- Founders: Yvon Chouinard
- Headquarters: Ventura, California, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Ryan Gellert
Patagonia is a prominent outdoor clothing brand known for its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Their product lineup is wide-ranging, encompassing everything from jackets and vests to backpacks and travel gear. Patagonia’s durable products, recycled materials, and earth-friendly initiatives have helped them carve a unique niche within the outdoor clothing market, making them a strong competitor of The North Face.
2. Columbia Sportswear
- Product Type: Outdoor clothing and gear
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1938
- Founders: Paul Lamfrom, Marie Lamfrom
- Headquarters: Portland, Oregon, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Tim Boyle
Columbia Sportswear is a family-owned outdoor apparel and footwear brand. The company’s broad array of products is built to keep consumers comfortable, warm, and dry in adverse weather. With a vision to make the outdoors accessible to everyone, Columbia Sportswear is another noteworthy contender against The North Face.
3. Arc’teryx
- Product Type: Outdoor clothing and gear
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1989
- Founders: Dave Lane
- Headquarters: North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Jon Hoerauf
Arc’teryx is a cutting-edge outdoor clothing and climbing gear brand. They focus on creating high-performance, minimalist designs with meticulous attention to detail. This brand is recognized for its innovative pieces that offer unparalleled protection against challenging conditions, making Arc’teryx a formidable rival of The North Face.
4. Mountain Hardwear
- Product Type: Outdoor clothing and gear
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1993
- Founders: Jack Gilbert, Paul Kramer
- Headquarters: Richmond, California, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Joe Vernachio
Mountain Hardwear is a brand that specializes in developing gear for mountaineering and other extreme outdoor pursuits. The company differentiates itself with a notable emphasis on creating reliable, lightweight products that withstand the test of harsh elements. Mountain Hardwear, effectively competing with The North Face, aims to empower adventurers to explore the wild.
5. Marmot
- Product Type: Outdoor clothing and gear
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1974
- Founders: Tom Boyce, Eric Reynolds, Dave Huntley
- Headquarters: Rohnert Park, California, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Joe Flannery
Marmot is another reliable brand popular among outdoor enthusiasts. They offer a range of high-quality outerwear, tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks. Marmot’s focus on creating weatherproof, durable products makes them a strong candidate in the competition with The North Face.
6. Fjällräven
- Product Type: Outdoor clothing and gear
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1960
- Founders: Åke Nordin
- Headquarters: Örnsköldsvik, Sweden
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Martin Axelhed
Fjällräven is a Swedish-based outdoor gear and clothing brand deeply rooted in a love for nature. Known for its iconic and sustainable Kånken backpacks, Fjällräven has expanded its product line to include durable outerwear and outdoor clothing. This brand is committed to functionality, longevity, and environmental impact, putting it on the competition radar for The North Face.
7. Helly Hansen
- Product Type: Outdoor clothing and gear
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1877
- Founders: Helly Juell Hansen
- Headquarters: Oslo, Norway
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Paul Stoneham
Helly Hansen is a Norway brand renowned for its professional-grade gear used by world-class sailors, skiers, and adventure seekers. They specialize in producing clothing for survival, work, and sport in the harshest conditions. Helly Hansen’s respected heritage in the wild underpins its rivalry with The North Face.
8. Jack Wolfskin
- Product Type: Outdoor clothing and gear
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1981
- Founders: Ulrich Dausien
- Headquarters: Idstein, Germany
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Melody Harris-Jensbach
Jack Wolfskin is a German outdoor wear and equipment brand. The company’s mission to inspire people to enjoy nature and the outdoors has helped accomplish a broad customer base. Offering high-quality products with a significant emphasis on comfort, durability, and practicality, Jack Wolfskin stands against The North Face.
9. REI
- Product Type: Outdoor clothing and gear
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1938
- Founders: Lloyd Anderson, Mary Anderson
- Headquarters: Kent, Washington, United States
- Area Served: United States
- Current CEO: Eric Artz
REI is a well-established outdoor retail cooperative chain in the US. Apart from selling gear from various brands, they also produce their line of apparel and equipment. REI’s in-store classes and joint structure with retail partners help them secure a distinctive position among The North Face’s competitors.
10. Canada Goose
- Product Type: Outdoor clothing and gear
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1957
- Founders: Sam Tick
- Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Dani Reiss
Canada Goose is a luxury outerwear brand hailing from Canada. The brand is best known for its down-filled, fur-trimmed parkas capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions. Despite a higher price point, their dedication to craftsmanship and quality makes them another interesting competitor to The North Face.
11. Mammut
- Product Type: Outdoor clothing and gear
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1862
- Founders: Kaspar Tanner
- Headquarters: Seon, Switzerland
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Oliver Pabst
Mammut is a Swiss-based top-notch outdoor gear provider. Famous for its exceptional quality climbing ropes, Mammut has expanded its product line to include clothing, footwear, and other equipment for mountain sports. Leveraging on Swiss precision and sturdy craftsmanship, Mammut’s versatile range helps it contest with The North Face effectively.
12. Salomon
- Product Type: Outdoor clothing and gear
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1947
- Founders: François Salomon, Georges Salomon
- Headquarters: Annecy, France
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Jean-Marc Pambet
Salomon is a French brand celebrated for their ski gear and outdoor footwear product lines. Salomon keeps innovation at its core, meeting the needs of outdoor sports enthusiasts ranging from trail running to hiking gear. The brand’s keen focus on high-performance and user-friendly equipment positions it as a notable competitor to The North Face.
13. Outdoor Research
- Product Type: Outdoor clothing and gear
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1981
- Founders: Ron Gregg
- Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Dan Nordstrom
Outdoor Research is an American company committed to building innovative gear for outdoor adventurers. Their catalog includes clothing, accessories, and gear tested in real-world conditions, ensuring everything from fitness to comfort. The brand’s passion for the wilderness makes them a significant contender against The North Face.
14. Rab
- Product Type: Outdoor clothing and equipment
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1981
- Founders: Rab Carrington
- Headquarters: Alfreton, Derbyshire, England
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Matt Gowar
Rab is a British brand founded by a mountaineer, making it authentic. With products ranging from sleeping bags to insulated jackets, Rab’s commitment to innovation and quality precision makes it stand out from other retailers in the competitive landscape, including brands like The North Face.
15. Berghaus
- Product Type: Outdoor clothing and equipment
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1966
- Founders: Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison
- Headquarters: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Richard Cotter
Berghaus is a UK-based outdoor clothing and equipment manufacturer with a history dating back to 1966. They specialize in a broad range of products, from jackets and down fleece jackets to rucksacks and footwear. The brand’s rich heritage and commitment to quality make Berghaus a potent competitor of The North Face.
16. Eddie Bauer
- Product Type: Outdoor clothing and equipment
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1920
- Founders: Eddie Bauer
- Headquarters: Bellevue, Washington, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Damien Huang
Eddie Bauer is a premium outdoor brand on a mission to inspire and enable people to enjoy outdoor experiences to the fullest. Selling outdoor gear, menswear, womenswear, and gear for kids, Eddie Bauer’s expansive range and commitment to innovations keep it in line with competitors like The North Face.
17. Backcountry.com
- Product Type: Outdoor clothing and equipment
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1996
- Founders: Jim Holland and John Bresee
- Headquarters: Park City, Utah, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Melanie Cox
Backcountry.com is an online retailer that specializes in clothing and outdoor recreation gear. As an online platform, the brand is not confined to its merchandising but houses various other brands, offering its outdoor enthusiast customers a wide-ranging catalog. Its sizeable selection of outdoor brands and online marketplace format presents a different competition angle to The North Face.
18. KÜHL
- Product Type: Outdoor clothing and equipment
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1983
- Founders: Kevin Boyle
- Headquarters: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Kevin Boyle
KÜHL is an American outdoor clothing brand centered on freedom of movement, performance, and environmentally friendly practices. Their products combine innovative designs with technical fabrics to meet the needs of active outdoor lovers. KÜHL’s commitment to comfort and durability places it among The North Face’s notable competitors.
19. Kelty
- Product Type: Outdoor gear and equipment
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1952
- Founders: Dick Kelty
- Headquarters: Boulder, Colorado, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Russell Rowell
Kelty, established in 1952, is an American outdoor gear company that carries various products, from backpacks and down jackets to camping gear. Kelty is known for its functionality and price point, aiding its positioning in the outdoor market segment and becoming a worthy competitor to The North Face.
20. Black Diamond
- Product Type: Climbing and outdoor gear
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1989
- Founders: Peter Metcalf
- Headquarters: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: John Walbrecht
Black Diamond provides high-quality outdoor wear and climbing, skiing, and mountain sports gear. Their design-focused, engineered equipment and apparel make them a significant competitor. With a commitment to sustainable business practices, Black Diamond has carved a distinctive niche that stands up to The North Face.
21. Salewa
- Product Type: Outdoor gear and clothing
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1935
- Founders: Josef Liebhart
- Headquarters: Bolzano, Italy
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Heiner Oberrauch
Salewa is an Italian brand renowned for its mountaineering clothing and equipment range. Its mission is to provide mountain enthusiasts with the best possible gear to explore safely and comfortably. With a unique focus on creating products for alpine activities, Salewa establishes itself as a competitor to The North Face.
22. Kathmandu
- Product Type: Outdoor gear and clothing
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1987
- Founders: Jan Cameron
- Headquarters: Christchurch, New Zealand
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Reuben Casey
Kathmandu is a New Zealand based brand that designs gear to take on the world. Their comprehensive outdoor apparel and gear range is built to withstand all seasons. Well known for its longevity, durability, and focus on sustainability, Kathmandu is a significant rival to The North Face.
23. Montane
- Product Type: Outdoor clothing and equipment
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1993
- Founders: Chris Roff
- Headquarters: Ashington, United Kingdom
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Jake Doxat
Montane is a UK-based brand specializing in performance-oriented outdoor clothing and equipment. They excel at creating lightweight, breathable clothing and accessories for extreme environments. Montane’s emphasis on innovation and performance makes it a noteworthy competitor to The North Face.
24. Icebreaker
- Product Type: Outdoor clothing
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1994
- Founders: Jeremy Moon
- Headquarters: Auckland, New Zealand
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Greg Smith
Icebreaker is a New Zealand company focusing on making outdoor apparel from merino wool. Their products are known for being soft, non-itch, non-clammy, and odor-resistant. With a keen focus on comfort and sustainability, Icebreaker is an exciting contender to The North Face’s might.
25. Nike
- Product Type: Athletic footwear and apparel
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1964
- Founders: Bill Bowerman, Phil Knight
- Headquarters: Beaverton, Oregon, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: John Donahoe
Nike is a globally recognized sportswear company, branching into virtually every sport, including outdoor activities. Their extensive range of products and high brand recognition gives them a critical edge in the competitive landscape, which includes brands like The North Face.
26. Under Armour
- Product Type: Athletic footwear and apparel
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1996
- Founders: Kevin Plank
- Headquarters: Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Patrik Frisk
Under Armour is a performance apparel company that aims to keep athletes cool, dry, and light throughout a game, practice, or workout. Their specialization in moisture-wicking fabric and the broad range of products make it a strong competitor to The North Face.
27. Patagonia Worn Wear
- Product Type: Outdoor clothing and gear
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 1973
- Founders: Yvon Chouinard
- Headquarters: Ventura, California, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Ryan Gellert
Patagonia Worn Wear is an initiative by Patagonia that focuses on repairing, reusing, and recycling clothing and gear. This underpins Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability and distinguishes it from many brands and competitors, making it a unique challenger to The North Face in the outdoor clothing market.
28. YETI
- Product Type: Outdoor gear and accessories
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 2006
- Founders: Roy and Ryan Seiders
- Headquarters: Austin, Texas, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Matt Reintjes
YETI is known for its premium outdoor coolers, drinkware, and gear. Their products are designed to meet the demanding needs of outdoor enthusiasts. With a unique focus on outdoor equipment and appliances, YETI presents a different competition angle to The North Face.
29. The RealReal
- Product Type: Luxury Consignment
- Industry: Retail
- Founded Date: 2011
- Founders: Julie Wainwright
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States
- Area Served: United States
- Current CEO: Julie Wainwright
The RealReal is an authentic online luxury consignment shop. Their business model differs significantly from traditional outdoor gear retailers and companies like The North Face. However, by selling pre-owned, branded goods, including outdoor gear and apparel, they offer customers an alternative, making them a competitor in a particular niche.
These were all the competitors of The North Face. If you know any other competitors, please do write in the comments below.
Could you explore some insightful tips for outdoor enthusiasts?
Actionable Sustainability Practices: One way The North Face aligns its operations with sustainability is through its support of the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), which ensures humane treatment of ducks and geese. Adopt a similar appreciation for sustainability by researching and choosing RDS-certified products for your outdoor adventures. By prioritizing RDS-certified goods, you aid in promoting responsible animal welfare in the outdoor clothing industry. This information is supported by Textile Exchange, the organization responsible for the RDS.
Recommended Resources: For outdoor enthusiasts seeking comprehensive product comparisons, the Outdoor Gear Lab offers reliable reviews and comparisons focused on various gear, from hiking boots to tents. This resource enables consumers to make informed purchasing decisions, ensuring they select durable gear that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. By utilizing authoritative gear review sites, you can optimize your equipment choices and better prepare for your outdoor expeditions.
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