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For winter or summer gear, these are the outdoor clothing brands to know right now

Whether you're a hiker, camper or stand-up paddleboarder, you'll want to familiarise yourself with the best outdoor clothing brands in the UK, and Country Living has done all the research to bring you the outdoor companies to shop in 2022.

From waterproof jackets to hiking boots and thermal gloves to kayaks (and even snoods), the best outdoor brands cover your active needs, whatever the weather or season.

You'll find a range of clothing, equipment and gear from these companies, which specialise in men and women's products, along with children's gear.

Many use hi-tech materials in their outdoor clothing, such as GORE-TEX, and you'll find a focus on delivering sustainable outdoor clothing from ethically sourced and recycled materials, helping you to reduce your carbon footprint while you're out on adventures.

The best outdoor clothing brands prioritise performance, quality and protection, while offering cutting-edge designs in their collections.

You'll find the best outdoor clothing brands at top active retailers websites, including Go Outdoors, Cotswold Outdoor, Alpine Trek, Millets, Blacks, Snow and Rock and more. John Lewis and Amazon are other online stores for buying outdoor gear and equipment. For affordable outdoor clothing, try Decathlon, Sports Direct and Mountain Warehouse.

From Rab to Columbia, here's Country Living's pick of the best outdoor clothing brands to shop this year.

Founded in the attic of a terraced house in Sheffield in 1981, where Rab Carrington made the outdoor brand's first sleeping bag, Rab prides itself on offering "nothing fancy or over-engineered – just honest, hard-working pieces". The active brand specialises in climbing gear while prioritising sustainability and a repair-rather-than-replace ethos.

The rugged, high performance mountain clothing is designed to give you absolute protection, comfort and freedom on the hill or peak. Expect hi-tech materials along with time-tested ones, such as premium quality European down. From waterproof jackets to base layers and sleeping bags to daypacks, Rab has your mountain adventures covered.

SHOP RAB AT GO OUTDOORS

Born in the mountainous and coastal wilderness of British Columbia, Canadian outdoor brand Arc'teryx is known for its high-performance outerwear and commitment to quality design and craftsmanship. The rugged surroundings of its HQ provide both the inspiration and an excellent testing environment to ensure its gear meets the demands of the wild.

Loved for its high-spec jackets, Arc'teryx created its first one in 1998, the Alpha SV, using GORE-TEX and pioneering a new quality and standard in alpine jackets. The brand covers a range of activities, from rock climbing and hiking to skiing and trail running, as well as everyday wear.

This outdoor clothing brand from Portland, Oregon, started in 1937 as a hat company and has become one of the world's most widely recognised outdoor names. Columbia's Pacific Northwest base is where lush forests, snow-covered mountains, rugged coastline and wide-open spaces serve as the brand's playground to hike, fish, hunt, camp, climb and paddle.

Columbia creates enduring, iconic and innovative clothing with the aim to help you enjoy the outdoors for longer. Its approach to product creation is influenced by a commitment to adventurers, communities and the environment. From waterproof boots to down jackets and fleeces to accessories, Columbia's outdoor clothing is worth checking out.

An outdoor clothing brand that has been around for over 55 years, Craghoppers produces innovative, technical gear - initially for expeditions to the likes of Everest in the very early days, but more recently for walking, hiking and travelling all over the world. Whether you're heading to icy Antarctica or deep into a rainforest, the British brand has you covered. You'll find clothing for men, women and children, as well as footwear, accessories, rucksacks and luggage.

Innovation has been key for Craghoppers, from introducing waterproof and breathable systems in its earlier days, to being one of the first companies to offer NosiLife anti-insect treated garments. It's also won a Drapers Sustainable Brand of the Year award, with up to 70 per cent of recycled materials used in its products. The company also has social impact programmes running with its factories and supports a school in Bangladesh.

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A business aiming to save the planet, Patagonia was founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973 in Ventura, California. The outdoor clothing brand is renowned for its commitment to product quality and environmental activism, with more than $110 million contributed in grants and in-kind donations to date.

The company focuses on durability, with an Ironclad Guarantee for its clothing to be repaired. Customers also know how its products are made and can give back to the planet, with one per cent of sales going to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. From fleeces to jackets and T-shirts to wetsuits for men, women and children, Patagonia is a go-to for adventurers' outdoor needs.

Founded in 1960, Fjällräven hails from the northern Swedish town of Örnsköldsvik. Young outdoor lover Åke Nordin wanted to make nature more accessible for everyone and the brand became known for its highly functional and durable gear. Its products are timeless in design and the company has a sustainable approach, with Fjällräven's gear offering functionality and reliability on the trail,, as well as classic styling that transcends seasons and styles.

Many Fjällräven products are characterised by its own signature fabric: G-1000. It was used on the first ever Fjällräven clothing back in 1968 and is a tightly woven blend of polyester and cotton impregnated with Greenland Wax. Light yet extremely hardwearing, the fabric is ideal for outdoor activities and can be adapted to suit a range of different weather conditions by adding or removing the wax. The wonder-fabric is resistant to UV, insects and undergrowth, too.