Patagonia vs North Face: Which is Better?

Patagonia and The North Face are two similar outdoor recreation gear companies that dominate the industry. At first look, the two companies can seem extremely similar in their outdoor gear and the quality of products they offer. However, there are a few key differences in the two outdoor brands. Therefore, we’re doing a Patagonia vs North Face comparison, so you can make an educated decision on who to buy from before your next outdoor adventure!

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What is The North Face?

The North Face was founded in 1966 by an outdoor loving couple from San Francisco. The first 2 years, North Face only offered climbing and camping equipment out of a small retail store in the Bay Area. Over the next few years, North Face would jump from owner to owner and eventually file for bankruptcy.

However, in the 90’s, just when everyone thought the company was doomed, they made their big break off the Nuptse jacket. The brand is now owned by VF Corporation, who has elevated The North Face to becoming one of the top outdoor gear brands in the industry.

Now, The North Face offers a variety of both outdoor clothing and outdoor gear, such as sleeping bags, climbing gear, and lots of warm outerwear. Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a high-quality North Face jacket?!

They offer a plethora of waterproof items, made from their own GORE-TEX membrane and DryVent fabrics.

Is North Face considered a luxury brand?

While North Face might not be up there in prices with Louis Vuitton and Dolce Gabbana, it’s certainly considered a luxury brand in the outdoor world. They offer high-quality materials in all of their products and boast long-lasting jackets, pants, etc. If you’re looking for a well-made outdoor brand, then The North Face is the way to go.

What brand is comparable to North Face?

North Face definitely has a few competitors, Patagonia being a huge one. In addition to Patagonia, other outdoor companies are comparable, such as Mountain Hardwear, Columbia, Marmot, Helly Hansen, Arc’Teryx and REI.

What is Patagonia?

Patagonia was founded in 1973 in Ventura, California by young accomplished rock climber, Yvon Chouinard. From the beginning, Patagonia focused on supplying outdoor enthusiasts with high-quality products and made known their passion for the environment.

If you’re looking for a company that values environmentalism and sustainability, then Patagonia is your guy. In 1986, the company began donating 10% of its profits to grassroots organizations. Additionally, 56% of Patagonia fabrics are Bluesign-Certified, meaning the manufacturer is producing maximum quality with minimum consumption of resources.

Similar to The North Face, Patagonia products range from outdoor clothing products to gear you can use in the backcountry, such as sleeping bags, climbing gear, and backpacks.

Additionally, Patagonia has a variety of waterproof items, made from a fluorinated DWR finish (durable water repellent) and H2No Performance material.

What is so special about Patagonia clothing?

If you’re just going hiking a few times over the summer, it can be hard to justify spending a few hundred dollars on a Patagonia jacket. You may be asking yourself, what is so special about Patagonia clothing? Why is it so expensive compared to cheaper outdoor companies?

Firstly, Patagonia is extremely ethical, probably one of the most ethical outdoor companies in the industry, if not the most. It belongs to both the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and 1% For the Planet. Furthermore, it rejects fast fashion by creating high-quality, long-lasting products.

Secondly, Patagonia uses premium materials. The quality of the products are unmatched and they will last you for a long time, even when you’re using them heavily. I mean, they’re made for heavy use – right?!

Thirdly, if you’re a minimalist, then you’re going to love Patagonia clothing. Their products are designed to be lightweight and packable, so you can eliminate excess bulk and weight.

Lastly, Patagonia is always designing and redesigning their clothing through innovation. They’re constantly trying to do better, which is reassuring from a high-quality brand.

Let’s Review…

The North Face and Patagonia offer a similar lightweight, insulated jacket which is great for both everyday use and as a base layer when out in the backcountry. So, let’s take a look at the similarities and differences.

Patagonia NanoPuff vs The North Face ThermoBall

Patagonia NanoPuff

This jacket is a staple piece in your Patagonia closet. It’s incredibly lightweight and highly-compressible, yet still keeps you warm in cold weather. It’s made with 55% recycled polyester and wrapped in a 100% recycled polyester shell. Additionally, it has synthetic PrimaLoft insulation, which allows it to retain 98% of its warmth. If you’re looking for an everyday jacket that you can also take on outdoor adventures, you should consider the NanoPuff jacket.

Features:

$199

Variety of different colors

Form-fitting style that hugs the body

Breathable

Horizontal quilting pattern

Two zippered hand pockets

Internal zippered chest pocket

Hoodless

The North Face ThermoBall

patagonia vs north face — Image via North Face

If you’re a North Face lover, than you probably already have a ThermoBall jacket in your closet! This jacket is lightweight yet still offers great synthetic insulation to keep you warm in cold temperatures. It’s made with 100% recycled nylon and features 100% ThermoBall Eco recycled polyester on the inside. It’s extremely similar to the Patagonia NanoPuff that we discussed above, hence why we’re comparing them!

Features:

$199

Variety of different colors

Not as form fitting as the NanoPuff, but still is a slim fit

Breathable/Lightweight

New quilting pattern and updated insulation for a warm fit

Packs into chest pocket

Concealed, secure-zip hand pockets

Hoodless

Therefore, on the comparison of these jackets…

As you can see, there isn’t really much difference in these jackets, especially because they’re the same price. It really comes down to what jacket fits you best. Some people like the fit of a North Face jacket over a Patagonia one, and vice versa. Additionally, your choice can be dependent on the color jacket that you want.

Personally, I love both brands for durability and functionality. I’ve found that for the most part, Patagonia seems to be just a little more lightweight than The North Face products. Therefore, if I’m looking for a lighter jacket for everyday use, then I would go with Patagonia.

What is the difference between North Face and Patagonia?

In many ways, Patagonia and North Face are very similar. They both offer a plethora of rain jackets, vests, hoodies, and other water-resistant products. Most of their products even look similar. However, there are a few key differences in the two companies.

Firstly, Patagonia is more focused on the environment than North Face. They are more eco-friendly and donate a higher percentage of their sales to environmental groups.

Secondly, Patagonia products usually cost a little bit more than North Face products. Typically, Patagonia will go the extra mile with their product materials and durability. This price difference isn’t always the case, but is reflected often.

Thirdly, North Face is more focused on their company’s growth. Therefore, they’re constantly updating and expanding products. While this is also the case with Patagonia, Patagonia is more focused on being environmentally friendly rather than company growth.

Is North Face better than Patagonia?

Hmmm…North Face vs Patagonia? Personally, I don’t think North Face is better than Patagonia. I think their products offer pretty much the same type of quality and durability. I think it’s just a matter of personal preference. If you’re a new hiker or climber and are looking to get in to outdoor gear, you can’t go wrong with either brand.

However, I do love how conscious of the environment Patagonia is.

Is Patagonia cheaper than North Face?

No, it is not cheaper than North Face. I’ve actually found that Patagonia products are more likely to be priced higher than North Face products. However, they aren’t more expensive by much, and it isn’t always the case.

What are the best North Face products?

Rain Jacket

The North Face Venture 2 Jacket – Featuring nylon ripstop, this jacket is windproof, waterproof, and lightweight. It has great venting, which makes it super breathable.

Women’s