12 Brands Like LL Bean for All Your Outdoor Expeditions

REI

REI offers a massive selection of outdoor and recreational gear and apparel. They’re one of the oldest outdoor gear co-ops that exist in the U.S. 

If you’re someone who takes your adventures seriously, this is the place for you. They have several separate departments that specialize in each activity. While they sell their own gear, their stores also carry the other top-leading brands, like Patagonia. 

Something cool about REI is their co-op membership program, which gets you exclusive perks and discounts for only $20. 

Cabela’s

Cabela’s is actually a fishing and hunting supply store for the most part, but they have such a large selection of products that it made it on the list. They focus mostly on outdoor and recreational gear, but that doesn’t stop them from also offering tons of outdoor apparel and even home goods. 

Cabela’s sells every category of apparel you could need. Their pieces might not be the trendiest, but they are a great option for quality outdoor basics. Plus, they sell their own line of clothing as well as other top brands like Columbia and The North Face. 

Filson

Filson is a true American outerwear company, priding itself on its American heritage. Their products have impeccable quality and are known for their amazing durability.

In fact, Filson has some of the top-rated products when it comes to quality. Family members pass these pieces down from generation to generation!

The brand is pricey, which is expected for the proven quality. They offer top-of-the-line apparel, accessories, and bags. Their Tin Cloth pieces are absolutely iconic; these babies will last for years to come. 

Land’s End

Land’s End is one of L.L. Bean’s most direct competitors; both of these brands feature similar products, aesthetics, and prices. The brand is basically L.L. Bean, but with a little more toned-down gear for the weather. 

Instead, Land’s End focuses mostly on its apparel, which has a very preppy vibe. They offer a range of apparel, all the way from kids’ clothing to swimwear. 

Still, they don’t lack the outdoorsy factor, offering a variety of coats and jackets. Their outerwear might not be suitable for a trip to Alaska, but their fleece jackets and down coats will definitely aid your outdoor adventures. 

Patagonia

From fluffy pullover sweatshirts to coats that could withstand a tundra, Patagonia produces some of the highest quality outdoor apparel. 

Back in the 2000s, Patagonia saw a rise in sales that stemmed from their Fleece Pullover going viral. We doubt there was a youth in America that didn’t either own one, or want to own one! Like L.L. Bean, Patagonia features a huge variety of outdoor apparel. The brand can be quite costly, but the quality and community seem to overpower that. 

Another huge advantage Patagonia holds over its competitors is its lifetime warranty. Their gear is made to last, but they have several programs in place to refurbish your items if they don’t. 

Orvis

Originally known for selling fish tackle and hunting gear, Orvis now sells a range of excellent outdoor wear. They are still known for their outdoor gear, especially for fly fishing, but they sell high-quality apparel as well. 

Their prices are mid-range and affordable. Although their apparel selection is smaller than the rest due to their focus on gear, there are still great options. Their apparel is sporty and casual, and we love their rich history. 

Sierra

For all our readers who love a good deal, we’ve got your back! Sierra is actually owned by the TJX family of retailers, the same parent company that owns T.J. Maxx. Sierra operates in the same way, making it a budget-friendly option. 

As a discount retailer, it’s not always the most consistent option. However, it does mean that you can find top outdoor apparel brands at amazing prices. They also sell some lesser-known brands that can end up being secret gems.

The North Face

Possibly the top competitor of Patagonia, North Face is a household name in the outdoor community. North Face is a hot commodity in the skiing community, largely due to the impressive quality and effectiveness of its products. 

North Face is also a more luxury brand with its prices ranging higher than L.L. Bean. In terms of style, North Face has a more performance-based, sporty design. They sell a variety of activewear and workout clothes in addition to their weather-proof apparel. 

The brand is also known for its accessories, especially its backpacks and bags. 

Eddie Bauer

Eddie Bauer is a prominent brand everywhere but is especially concentrated in the Pacific Northwest. The company has thousands of retail stores throughout the United States and has always been one of L.L. Bean’s top competitors. 

Eddie Bauer is more similar to L.L. Bean than some of the other brands because they sell more traditional, “normal” wear. That doesn’t mean that they lack outdoor apparel though; the brand is known for its amazing weather-proof coats and jackets.

Timberland

Timberland shot to popularity due to their classic work boots, which are some of the most recognizable shoes on the market. In fact, the brand started as a footwear company that ventured into apparel. 

Timberland is unique as it has made major strides in the fashion community. Their products are popular because they are stylish but functional. Their footwear still leads the company, but they offer a large variety of traditional wear. From casual jackets to hip joggers, they sell it all. 

Columbia

You can think of Columbia as The North Face, but on a budget. The brand offers similar coats and jackets, made for the weather, but at a smaller cost.

This being said, you might sacrifice some of the quality when compared to other top brands. But, it’s still an amazing brand like LL Bean to try if you’re on a budget.

Columbia also produces a huge variety of apparel, even offering sporty dresses! They have a plethora of apparel for every activity you could think of, as well as footwear and activity gear. 

J. Crew

J. Crew might not be the first brand that comes to mind when thinking of outdoor apparel, but it actually has some great outerwear. It’s a dependable brand that offers great quality. 

It’s definitely worth a shot to try one of their winter coats or jackets. This is a great option for those of you who highly value how fashionable your outdoor apparel is (we definitely do!). 

J. Crew is also an excellent DIY store for outdoor apparel, as you can layer their comfortable undershirts and other products as you please.