Choosing between Marmot and Mountain Hardwear for outdoor gear can be challenging, as both brands offer high-quality and durable products.
Marmot, known for its insulated jackets and field-tested gear, brings comfort and innovation to the table.
Mountain Hardwear, with advanced materials and a focus on performance, caters to serious outdoor enthusiasts.
Both brands are priced similarly with Mountain Hardwear being slightly more expensive.
So, which one should you choose? In today’s comparison, we’ll help to make your decision easier! Let’s begin!
Contents:
1. Marmot Outdoor Gear
History of the Brand
Marmot official website
Marmot, an American company born in the 1970s (specifically in 1974), provides technical clothing and outdoor equipment for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, skiing, and climbing.
The Marmot Mountain Club originated from the initiative of two University of California Santa Cruz students, Eric Reynolds and Dave Huntly, during a school project in Alaska.
Collaborating with Tom Boyce, they converted an old building into the Marmot Mountain Works retail store, marking the birth of the Marmot Mountain Works brand, which later gained global recognition.
Since then, Marmot has been dedicated to offering top-quality products for outdoor enthusiasts, including jackets, sleeping bags, tents, backpacks, and various accessories for men, women, and children. Marmot’s products undergo field testing by mountain guides and professional athletes, contributing to the brand’s ongoing innovation.
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Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
Marmot utilizes high-quality materials, including Nylon and Polyester, commonly found in popular outdoor brands. They employ Gore-Tex technology, which effectively repels water while allowing body-generated vapor to escape, ensuring breathability. This technology is especially suitable for extreme and intensive activities.
Next, Marmot incorporates high-performance insulation materials, like natural down and PrimaLoft synthetic insulation, to effectively regulate temperature.
The brand prioritizes both comfort and functionality, continually innovating with materials such as Marmot MemBrain and NanoPro.
In terms of sustainability, Marmot is committed to minimizing environmental impact by utilizing eco-friendly materials like EvoDry for rain outerwear and Featherless, an alternative to down insulation. You can read more about Marmot’s sustainability efforts on their website.
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Read also: Marmot vs Canada Goose Jackets: Which Brand is Better?
Where is Marmot outdoor gear made?
Marmot’s outdoor apparel and equipment are mostly produced in Asian countries like China and Vietnam.
Recommended Products
Marmot Women’s GORE-TEX Orion Jacket
Image: marmot.com
Check it out at Marmot.com
The Marmot Women’s GORE-TEX Orion Jacket is specifically designed for avid skiers who enjoy conquering powder and ski resorts. Constructed from sustainable 3-layer GORE-TEX® material, it delivers reliable waterproof, windproof, and breathable defense, ensuring dryness even in the harshest conditions.
Equipped with a RECCO® Avalanche Rescue Reflector for enhanced mountain safety, an adjustable hood compatible with helmets for complete coverage, and a fixed powder skirt to prevent snow ingress, this jacket caters to the needs of active skiers.
Additionally, the PitZips allow for adaptable ventilation to regulate body temperature, and the water-resistant pocket zippers safeguard your essentials. The fit is customizable with adjustable VELCRO® cuffs, and articulated elbows ensure unrestricted movement.
Read also: Eddie Bauer vs Marmot: Which Brand is Better?
Marmot Men’s WarmCube GORE-TEX Golden Mantle Jacket
Image: marmot.com
Check it out at Marmot.com
The Marmot Men’s Golden Mantle Jacket represents a fusion of advanced technology and fashion, specifically crafted to protect you in extreme winter weather. It incorporates state-of-the-art WarmCube insulation, which effectively regulates temperature to ensure warmth during inactivity and breathability during movement.
The windproof GORE-TEX Infinium fabric provides unwavering protection without compromising comfort, while the 700-fill-power down with Down Defender treatment enhances water resistance and warmth.
The jacket features an adjustable hood with an insulated muff for added defense against the elements, along with dual-entry handwarmer pockets and zippered pockets for secure storage of personal items.
Additionally, the customizable fit includes VELCRO cuffs and an internal elastic cuff to ward off the cold. This jacket is both warm and lightweight, offering versatility for urban and outdoor environments.
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Prices
Marmot’s pricing aligns with their products’ quality. Specializing in outdoor gear, they prioritize specific performance standards, resulting in premium material quality. Their jackets are available from $100 to $650, while the cost of equipment such as sleeping bags and tents varies based on the specific product.
So, Marmot is generally considered a mid-to-high-range brand in terms of pricing.
Are Marmot products worth the price?
Yes, we think that every one of their products is worth your money, and numerous internet reviewers think the same. The materials are very durable, lasting for years.
Read also: 8 Best Sustainable Outdoor Clothing Brands: Our Top Picks
2. Mountain Hardwear Outdoor Gear
History of the Brand
Mountain Hardwear’s official website
The Mountain Hardwear label was launched in 1993 in California, USA, inspired by a team formerly associated with the Sierra Designs company. Ed Viesturs, the initial American to conquer fourteen 8,000-meter peaks, significantly contributed to the brand’s early success and sponsorship.
This association with accomplished mountaineers and their expeditions remains integral to the company’s ethos. Years later, in 2003, Columbia Sportswear acquired the brand, marking a pivotal moment.
The inaugural Mountain Hardwear retail outlet was established in Portland, Oregon in 2008, followed by another in Seattle the same year, signaling the brand’s continued expansion.
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Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
Mountain Hardwear is renowned for its use of top-notch materials and cutting-edge manufacturing methods, enabling its products to surpass expectations. The apparel ensures exceptional performance for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes.
The mountaineering garments are highly durable, protecting against low temperatures and offering exceptional thermal insulation. The brand consistently enhances its production, refining designs to improve athletes’ performance.
The coats, jackets, and other garments incorporate natural down insulation, wool, and flannel fabrics, ensuring warmth even in extremely cold conditions. Additionally, some jackets are made of fleece, a soft material like sheep’s wool, offering warmth and comfort.
These materials are durable, maintain consistent body temperature, shield from the wind, and are innovative.
Mountain Hardwear integrates various fabric technologies such as Pertex, different versions of Gore-Tex, Dyneema Composite fabrics, and more.
PrimaLoft insulation and Polartec fleece are also prominent materials, offering synthetic warmth to the brand’s products. Mountain Hardwear also incorporates RECCO® technology, an advanced rescue system, in some of its outdoor gear.
As for sustainability, this is a crucial point guiding the company’s production processes and business expansion.
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Read also: Mountain Hardwear vs Arc’teryx (Outdoor Gear Comparison)
Where is Mountain Hardwear outdoor gear made?
Mountain Hardwear’s gear (together with other Columbia-owned labels) is mostly manufactured in Asia, in places such as China, Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam. (source)
Recommended Products
Mountain Hardwear Men’s Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody
Image: mountainhardwear.com
Check it out at MountainHardwear.com
The Mountain Hardwear Men’s Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody is an ultra-light and compact down jacket engineered for diverse outdoor pursuits. Crafted from 100% recycled nylon, it uses 800-fill RDS-certified down to ensure optimal insulation.
The garment is tailored for a standard fit, promoting unrestricted movement, and features practical components such as synthetic insulation at the cuffs, an adaptable hood, and zippered hand pockets. Additionally, it can be conveniently compressed into its pocket, making it ideal for travel.
Weighing approximately 8.8 ounces (249 g) for a medium size, this hoody is lightweight and insulating, with a center-back length of 27.5 inches (69.9 cm). This sustainable option is well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts to minimize their ecological footprint while enjoying comfort out in nature.
Read next: Mountain Hardwear vs Columbia: Which Brand is Better?
Mountain Hardwear Women’s JMT 25L Backpack
Image: mountainhardwear.com
Check it out at MountainHardwear.com
The Mountain Hardwear Women’s JMT 25L Backpack is a sturdy and lightweight daypack tailored for outdoor pursuits like hiking, backpacking, and climbing. Made of a robust 500D CORDURA® base, it’s engineered for longevity.
This backpack is specifically designed to fit women, featuring a ventilated back panel and padded shoulder straps for comfortable transport. Its opening allows for convenient gear access and incorporates a top zippered pocket for efficient organization.
Next, side compression straps help in securing the load, while attachment loops are great for hiking poles or an ice axe. Boasting a simple design and essential attributes, the JMT 25L is a pragmatic option for day hikers in search of performance and comfort.
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Prices
In the outdoor community, Mountain Hardwear is considered a mid-to-high-priced brand like Marmot. Their jackets are priced from $100 for simple designs to $1,000 for specialized high-performance options. The backpacks range from $90 for daypacks to $450 for alpine packs.
Are Mountain Hardwear products worth the price?
We love Mountain Hardwear’s designs and, also based on online reviews, it’s widely agreed that their products are durable, practical, and very comfortable. So, this brand’s definitely worth it!
Must read: 9 High-End, Expensive Hiking Brands for Clothing and Footwear
3. Which is Better for Outdoor Gear? Marmot or Mountain Hardwear?
Two excellent brands for outdoor and mountain gear, Marmot and Mountain Hardwear are very similar. Here are our thoughts to help with your decision:
- Marmot is known for their high-quality and performance-driven outerwear like jackets, pants, and gloves. They use premium materials like Gore-Tex along with their proprietary technologies and have a focus on technical features for mountaineering, backpacking, and other outdoor activities.
- Mountain Hardwear similarly makes high-end outerwear and equipment for climbing, hiking, and skiing. They are known for their innovative designs and use of materials like Gore-Tex membranes, PrimaLoft synthetic insulation, and Polartec fleece.
- Both brands are popular among outdoor enthusiasts and make gear suitable for harsh weather and demanding activities. Marmot has a wider selection of products while Mountain Hardwear focuses more on performance outerwear.
- For jackets specifically, Marmot has more everyday and casual styles whereas Mountain Hardwear leans more technical. However, both make high-quality jackets with good waterproofing and breathability.
- Mountain Hardwear, on average, is a bit more expensive than Marmot.
- For quality and performance, many find them comparable, so it comes down to fit, features, and the type of designs you prefer.
In the end, both make excellent outdoor gear. Marmot has an edge for its wider collection and lower prices while Mountain Hardwear is known for technical excellence and innovation. For the average outdoor enthusiast, Marmot is our recommendation as it provides great quality and features at a more affordable price.
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