There is a world of a difference between shopping smart and buying on the cheap. Shopping smart is about making a lifetime investment in one purchase, without being too keen on the price. However, buying on the cheap, more often than not, means the item will need replacing after a short while. That is a risk you cannot afford to take when buying outdoor apparels and gears which are highly susceptible to wear and tear. The wise move is to buy quality gears that can outlive you, gears from brands that offer either limited or full lifetime warranties. Here are the top 20 outdoor brands:
- Grunt Style
Grunt Style is a given on any outdoor list and with just a peak at their line up of top quality hoodies, graphic t-shirts, pants, gloves, glasses, beanies, hatchets and so much more, you really can't go wrong with this brand. Want more reasons beyond stuff that's high grade and a lot of fun while making a patriotic statement? How about their lifetime Beer Guarantee? Everything you get from this company is covered for life. For any reason. Including tears, holes, loose threads, beer stains - even blood stains from defending the American Flag. It doesn't get much better than that.
- Osprey
The Colorado-based backpack company prides itself in walking the walk, literally.They are one of the few companies that have a full lifetime warranty policy for any reason. In essence, they repair all defective and damaged gears free of charge or give free replacement if unable to repair.
- Arc’teryx
Ever since Arc'teryx was founded in Vancouver in 1991, it has never ceased to churn out high-end outdoor gears with unparalleled craftsmanship. Their warranties are limited to issues involving material or design defects. Otherwise, they will readily fix your items at a small fee.
- Marmot
Marmot is an international brand present in 27 countries renown for the quality of its collection of outdoor gears. Even though its warranty policy only covers manufacturing defects, they do repair damaged gears for a reasonable fee.
- Mountain Hardware
If you are a hardcore outdoorsman, you will love Mountain Hardware's innovative jackets, packs, sleeping bags, and tents. The company’s products are covered for their entire lifetimes.
- REI (Recreation Equipment Incorporated)
Created by mountain-climbing enthusiasts, REI has fledged into a reputable outdoors company that commands a huge following. They are utterly dedicated to customer satisfaction and offer a lifetime cover for manufacturing defects.
- Filson
With a track-record stretching more than 100 years, Filson's commitment to producing high caliber outdoor apparel and bags has never faded. They have an attractive warranty policy which covers both manufacturing defects any failure/damage that may arise during the intended usage of the item in its expected lifetime.
- Outdoor Research
The owners of Outdoor Research have so much confidence in their outdoor products that they offer limitless guarantees. That means that they provide free replacements for products that do not perform no matter when they were bought.
- Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer manufactures gears good enough to withstand the rigors of adventure. If their products do not meet your standards, they will be more than willing to refund the full amount.
- Big Agnes
If you are big on environmental conservation, Big Agnes should be your brand of choice for tents and sleeping bags. Why? They make their products primarily from recycled materials. Defects are covered for a lifetime and repairs are done at a low fee.
- Jansport
Jansport's backpacks are highly-rated and redefine quality and durability. With a lifetime warranty, you can be sure that they will last for years to come.
- Black Diamond
Black Diamond makes some of the best climbing, hiking and skiing gear. The now global company had humble beginnings as a backyard hammer and anvil enterprise. If you are not satisfied with their products, you are guaranteed a refund, a replacement.
- Stanley
Stanley makes their outdoor food and drink gear to last for ages. If used according to instruction, they are warranted for life.
- Red Oxx
Red Oxx's tough and reliable travel bags are covered for life by a no questions asked warranty. They do repairs or replace defective products for free. 15. CotopaxiCotopaxi does not just make innovative, elegant and smart outdoor gears, 2% of their annual revenue is channeled to fight poverty around the globe. That may explain their rapid growth given that they have only been around for 4 years. Their gears are guaranteed for 61 years. 16. L. L. Bean L. Bean is a trusted outdoor brand that has been making quality backpacking, camping and hiking gears since 1912. Their warranty policy is not limited to time.
17. ZippoZippo is famous for their windproof lighters but also makes other outdoor heat, fire, cooking and lighting kits. If their product does not work, they will fix it free of charge.
- Tilley Hats
Hats from Tilley Hats have been tried and tested. Normal wear and tear are also covered under their lifetime warranty.
- Duluth Trading Company
Duluth designs ingenious outdoor gears for both men and women. Their warranty policy is not limited to time and reason.
- Eagle Creek
Eagle Creek's durable and versatile backpacks are highly-rated and widely acclaimed. With their ‘No Matter What’ guarantee, they will keep your backpack in top condition during its lifetime.21. PatagoniaPatagonia blends functionality and style seamlessly and has for a long time been one of the most popular and trusted brands for outdoor clothing and gears. All their products have an Ironclad Guarantee which offers replacements, repairs or refunds for below-par products for free.There are hundreds other top outdoor brands that make equally good clothing and gears. However, with this list, you are spoiled for choice in your bid to buy quality outdoor gears to last you a lifetime.Read more outdoor articles here.