Amber in New England | Updated: November 2025

Are you a female hiker looking for the perfect apparel to make your next outdoor adventure a success? Look no further!

Finding the right gear means finding the brands that specialize in women's fit, durability, and specific technical features (like pockets, insulation, and waterproofing). In this massive guide, I've compiled 20+ of the best outdoor brands for women. From the most budget-friendly to the highest-performing technical shells.

Whether you're gearing up for a gentle trail or needing a technical layer for an alpine environment, this comprehensive resource has you covered.

Table of Contents

• Value & Essentials (Columbia, REI Co-op, Outdoor Voices)

• Footwear Focused (Merrell, Keen, Salomon, Vasque, Oboz, Converse)

• Technical & Performance Experts (Arc'teryx, The North Face, KUHL, Marmot, Mountain Hardwear)

• Purpose-Driven & Niche (Wild Rye, Kari Traa, Cotopaxi, Patagonia, Sherpa Adventure Gear)

• Ski & Snow Specialists (Obermeyer, Spyder, Helly Hansen, Burton, Adidas)

Part I: Technical & Performance Experts

These brands are recognized industry-wide for their commitment to technical fabric, durable construction, and high-performance in extreme conditions.

1. Arc'teryx

• Known For: Superior alpine and mountaineering clothing. The gold standard for technical shells and durable materials.

• Why It’s on the List: Arc'teryx women's clothing is designed to provide top-tier performance and comfort. If you have the budget, this is the brand for ultimate quality.

• Featured Item: COVERT PULLOVER HOODY WOMEN'S (A versatile and warm fleece mid-layer).

2. The North Face

• Known For: Iconic, durable insulation and excellent outerwear that has stood the test of time.

• Why It’s on the List: A brand that has been around for a while because they have a proven record of quality. A reliable go-to for essential cold-weather pieces.

• Featured Item: Women’s Hydrenalite™ Down Hoodie (A classic, lightweight, packable insulator).

3. KUHL

• Known For: High-quality fabric sourcing and being independently owned.

• Why It’s on the List: This brand is privately owned and independent unlike many other outdoor brands. While often pricey, they are said to source only the best materials for comfort and longevity.

• Featured Item: THE ONE™ JACKET (High-tech insulation with excellent warmth-to-weight ratio).

4. Marmot

• Known For: Creating high-quality, technical apparel and equipment, especially for cold and wet conditions.

• Why It’s on the List: A Colorado-based brand with a strong reputation in the outdoor community for reliable, technical gear.

• Featured Item: Women's Lanigan Flannel Chore Coat (A comfortable and durable outer layer).

5. Mountain Hardwear

• Known For: High-performance apparel and equipment designed for rugged environments.

• Why It’s on the List: A leading outdoor brand that is a go-to for serious adventurers who need gear that won't fail in challenging terrain.

• Featured Item: Women's Firefall/2™ Insulated Pant (Ideal for cold-weather activities).

Part II: Footwear Focused Brands

Footwear is arguably the most critical component of your gear. These brands are specialists in hiking boots and trail-ready shoes.

6. Merrell

• Known For: The classic, supportive hiking shoe and quality footwear.

• Why It’s on the List: For many, Merrell is the first brand that comes to mind for hiking. They are known for a reliable, quality hiking shoe across all levels of difficulty.

• Featured Item: Women's Bravada 2 Thermo Mid Waterproof  (Great traction and essential winter waterproofing).

7. Keen

• Known For: Comfortable fit, rugged toe protection, and durable construction.

• Why It’s on the List: Another brand for those who like the classic, wide-toebox hiking boot. Known for great out-of-the-box comfort.

• Featured Item: Women's NXIS EVO Waterproof Boot (A lightweight hybrid that blends sneaker speed with boot support).

8. Salomon

• Known For: Exceptional hiking and trail running footwear and apparel.

• Why It’s on the List: A top competitor in outdoor brands that carries everything you need, from technical shoes to base layers.

• Featured Item: CROSS RUN 25'' Women's 5/6 Tights (Excellent cold-weather running and hiking tights).

9. Vasque

• Known For: High-quality, lightweight hiking boots.

• Why It’s on the List: I particularly like their focus on lightweight and waterproof construction. For anyone who feels like they have heavy feet, this is a huge bonus!

• Featured Item: BREEZE LT NTX WOMEN'S LIGHTWEIGHT WATERPROOF HIKING BOOT IN GRAY  (A fantastic option for fast-and-light summer hiking).

10. Oboz

• Known For: Planting a tree for every pair of shoes sold and supportive, trail-ready footwear.

• Why It’s on the List: I love their initiative to give back! Their shoes are also known for being very comfy and durable on the trail.

• Featured Item: Sphinx Pull-On Insulated Waterproof (A warm boot perfect for snowshoeing and winter activity).

11. Converse

• Known For: Iconic style and street fashion.

• Why It’s on the List: Okay, so you may not automatically think Converse when you think about hiking. BUT they do have a small, adventurous line for hiking, and as a Converse fanatic, I am eager to test their durability on the trail.

• Featured Item: Run Star Hike Platform (A fun, stylish take on the traditional hiking boot).

Part III: Value, Purpose-Driven, and Niche Brands

These brands offer excellent value, unique focus, or are built around a specific community or cause.

12. Columbia

• Known For: Affordability, accessible sizing, and wide variety of styles.

• Why It’s on the List: One of the more affordable hiking brands out there. Their clothing is on-trend and often comes in a variety of colors to appeal everyone's needs.

• Featured Item: Women’s Benton Springs™ Full Zip Fleece Jacket (The classic, essential mid-layer fleece).

13. REI Co-op

• Known For: Outstanding return policy and affordable house-brand gear.

• Why It’s on the List: The REI Co-op brand itself is super affordable, and the stores carry dozens of other brands. Being able to access their expert advice and try on gear in-store is a huge benefit.

• Featured Item: REI Co-op Activator 3.0 Pants - Women's (Affordable, comfortable, and durable hiking pants).

14. Wild Rye

• Known For: Specializing in clothing specifically for women in the outdoors, with unique patterns and features.

• Why It’s on the List: This brand is specifically for females in the outdoors, with many different colors and exciting patterns. They focus on features that truly help women on the trail.

• Featured Item: Olivia Onesie  (Featuring "pee-in-the-outdoors-friendly" design).

15. Kari Traa

• Known For: Being female-owned and producing high-quality, colorful Merino wool base layers.

• Why It’s on the List: One of the fastest-growing sports brands in Europe. Their base layers are exceptionally cozy, colorful, and technical.

• Featured Item: Rose Light Baselayer Long Sleeve (A perfect, warm wool layer for layering).

16. Patagonia

• Known For: Sustainability, environmental responsibility, and durable fleece.

• Why It’s on the List: A brand known globally for its commitment to high-quality outdoor apparel and environmental activism.

• Featured Item: Women's Lightweight Synchilla® Snap-T® Fleece Pullover (A reliable layering classic).

17. Cotopaxi

• Known For: Bright, unique color-blocked designs and sustainability through their repurposed "Del Día" collection.

• Why It’s on the List: Their women's clothing is stylish, comfortable, and functional, with a strong commitment to ethical production.

• Featured Item: Teca Fleece Pullover - Women's (Bright, unique, and warm).

18. Sherpa Adventure Gear

• Known For: Philanthropic mission supporting children in Nepal.

• Why It’s on the List: This brand is on a mission to help support girls and boys in Nepal. When you wear Sherpa Adventure Gear, you're helping to teach a child and create opportunity for a new generation.

• Featured Item: Rolpa 1/2-Zip Pullover Arctic Blue (A cozy fleece with a purpose).

19. prAna

• Known For: Sustainable, stylish basics that easily transition from the trail to casual wear.

• Why It’s on the List: A great brand to stock up on comfortable, eco-conscious, and versatile layering basics.

• Featured Item: Polar Escape Snap Up (A comfortable and versatile pullover).

20. Outdoor Voices

• Known For: Simple, stylish, and functional activewear.

• Why It’s on the List: A good spot for those who are looking for simple and stylish hiking layers that transition easily from the trail to everyday life.

• Featured Item: FrostKnit 7/8 Legging (A comfortable and supportive layer).

Part IV: Ski & Snow Specialists

These brands excel in outerwear designed for skiing and winter sports, providing excellent warmth, waterproofing, and durability for deep-winter hiking.

21. Helly Hansen

• Known For: Norwegian outdoor lifestyle brand specializing in high-quality waterproof and windproof materials.

• Why It’s on the List: Trusted by professionals for decades, they make outstanding, durable outerwear that can withstand the harshest New England winters.

• Featured Item: WOMEN’S VERGLAS BACKCOUNTRY SKI SHELL JACKET (A technical shell for ultimate weather protection).

22. Spyder

• Known For: High-performance outerwear and accessories for skiing.

• Why It’s on the List: Their clothing is designed specifically to keep skiers warm and dry, making their insulated pieces perfect for cold, snowy hikes.

• Featured Item: SLOPE (A warm, performance-focused winter jacket).

23. Obermeyer

• Known For: Creating innovative, high-performance ski and cold-weather products.

• Why It’s on the List: Another strong choice for reliable warmth and quality insulation for those extreme temperature drops.

• Featured Item: Discover 1/4 Zip (A cozy layering piece).

24. Burton

• Known For: Leading snowboard and technical apparel brand.

• Why It’s on the List: Their technical layers and insulated pants, designed for mountain sports, translate well to difficult winter hiking and snowshoeing.

• Featured Item: Women's Burton [ak] Helium Stretch Insulated Pants (Technical, warm, and flexible).

25. Adidas (Terrex Line)

• Known For: Sportswear giant with a growing, technical hiking division.

• Why It’s on the List: I have always loved Adidas, and their recent push into creating clothing for hiking under the Terrex line is producing quality, minimalist gear. I am more than happy to get a few things to test out!

• Featured Item: TERREX MYSHELTER PRIMALOFT HOODED PADDED JACKET(A stylish and functional insulated piece).

Final Word: The Complete Kit

No matter your style, budget, or hiking goals, there's a brand out there for you! Use this resource to find the layers and gear you need to make your next outdoor adventure a success.

Before you head out, do you have your most essential gear locked down?

• Traction Check: Do you know the difference between micro-spikes, crampons, and snowshoes? Subscribe for my email to catch the upcoming blog!

• The Essentials: Check your packing list against my 5 Essential Winter Hiking Tips for New England.