Can’t decide between Patagonia and North Face? Use this guide to help compare prices, products, returns and more from each brand.
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Patagonia vs North Face: Which Retailer Makes Better Outdoor Gear?
Updated on Jan. 17, 2025
Outdoor adventures are an exciting way to spend free time—and having the right gear makes those outings more enjoyable. There are several retailers selling outdoor gear, clothing and supplies. When deciding where to shop, you’ll want a brand that offers durable products made with high-quality materials. As someone who enjoys the great outdoors, you’ll also likely want to consider whether a company is environmentally conscious.
When it comes to leading retailers of outdoor gear and clothing, two brands land at the top of any list: Patagonia and The North Face. Both brands are known for their quality goods, style and commitment to the environment.
Before you stock up for your next family camping trip, check out the perks and differences of Patagonia vs North Face.
What’s the Difference Between Patagonia and The North Face?
Patagonia and North Face offer similar products. Both brands sell comparable items if you’re looking for outdoor clothing like fleece jackets and snow boots.
However, The North Face offers a much wider product range of camping gear and bags, like our all-time favorite gear box. North Face also has a significantly larger product line when it comes to affordable, casual clothing. Patagonia, on the other hand, offers little in the way of cheaper, everyday attire and workwear.
Beyond product range, Patagonia and The North Face differ in a few areas, including brand history, pricing and repairs.
All About Patagonia
Patagonia fits the bill if you’re looking for a brand with a long-standing commitment to the environment and sustainability. Founded in 1973, the company has always been well-regarded for its quality goods and ethics. Today, a large portion of Patagonia products are made from recycled materials, and all of their cotton is either recycled or organic.
More than half of their fabrics are also Bluesign-certified, which means they are guaranteed to be safe for the environment, its workers and their customers. Additionally, Patagonia actively invests in environmental nonprofit organizations working to preserve the planet.
In an effort to keep clothing out of landfills, Patagonia’s Worn Wear program allows you to trade in gently worn clothing in exchange for a credit toward new purchases. You can then save money by buying this pre-loved merchandise at a discount.
The Care & Repair service brings items back to like-new condition in about 12 weeks. Repairs may not look exactly like the original product based on the materials available (different color patches on clothing, for example). But we love the way the results look—they’re kind of like a badge of honor. Plus, Patagonia doesn’t charge for most repairs.
Regarding general returns, you can receive a refund on anything purchased directly from Patagonia—both new and sale items. Items should be in new condition with the tags still attached. Returns made more than one year after the purchase date receive a Patagonia merchandise credit.
Patagonia is often more expensive because of its high-quality clothing and long-lasting products made from sustainable materials. If you’re someone who hikes just a few times a year, you may be reluctant to spend a couple hundred dollars on a jacket. However, minimalists will love Patagonia’s lightweight and packable designs—so it might be worth the investment.
Some of Our Favorite Patagonia Products
All About The North Face
The North Face prioritized innovation ahead of other brand concerns. It wasn’t until recently that they began taking action to become more eco-friendly. Now, North Face plans to manufacture all its apparel with recycled, responsibly sourced or renewable materials by 2025. They expect the same for footwear and equipment by 2030.
The North Face’s Renewed program is similar to Patagonia’s Worn Wear initiative to reduce waste. Join The North Face’s Explore Pass (their rewards program), then bring in gently used gear to any store and receive a $10 credit. Based on their condition, they’ll refurbish items or recycle and donate them. The result is the Remade collection: one-of-a-kind products creatively repaired, cleaned, inspected and certified to meet The North Face’s high standards.
On the other hand, The North Face accepts returns on unworn products (with proof of payment) online or at retail stores within 60 days of the original purchase. Returns without a receipt receive a merchandise credit at the item’s lowest selling price.
The North Face tends to be slightly more affordable than Patagonia. If budget is your main concern, you’ll want to check out The North Face first.
Some of Our Favorite The North Face Products
Why You Should Trust Us
Mary Henn is an experienced shopping editor and writer with experience at Family Handyman, Reader’s Digest and Taste of Home. Mary has tested over 100 products with a focus on lifestyle products, outdoor gear and DIY gadgets. Given her extensive experience with outdoor goods, she is well-equipped to compare Patagonia and North Face.
Alexandra Mantella, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this piece. She has over five years of experience in product testing, research and commerce writing. Previously, she served as a commerce content update editor at Bob Vila.
FAQ
Are North Face and Patagonia the same company?
No. Though North Face and Patagonia are very similar companies, the two brands are not manufactured in the same place or owned by the same company.
Who is more ethical, Patagonia or North Face?
Patagonia and North Face are both committed to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. However, Patagonia uses seven percent more recycled materials than North Face and plans to eliminate virgin petroleum materials. Plus, they pledge one percent of sales to restoration and preservation of the environment.
North Face integrates technologies like DryVent and ThermoBall insulation, which enhances weather resistance and incorporates recycled elements. It is also committed to a circular design, eliminating plastic packaging by 2025 and reducing CO2 emissions by over half by 2030.
Which is better quality, North Face or Patagonia?
While both of these brands are capable of making high-quality gear, some users have been known to favor Patagonia when it comes to durability. However, North Face has plenty of options in stock that can take on heavy-duty use and look fashion-forward.
The Bottom Line
When deciding whether to shop at Patagonia or The North Face, it’s likely going to come down to personal preference. Patagonia is more known for being environmentally conscious and eco-friendly, while The North Face directs its efforts on updating and expanding its product line. Additionally, Patagonia focuses more on its product materials and durability, which is often reflected in its higher prices.
You can’t go wrong with either brand if you’re a new hiker or climber looking for gear to begin outdoor adventures.
