80% matchPatagonia
Same hike-and-travel staples with an eco mission
What changes: Higher price, heavier technical/activism positioning
Brand profile
Kuhl
KÜHL is an independent Salt Lake City outdoor apparel brand known for durable, articulated hiking and travel pants, flannels and fleece.
Salt Lake CityOrigin
UnisexFocus
Gorpcore / OutdoorStyle
$$Price
25 brands like Kuhl like Patagonia, Marmot, Columbia →
What to know about Kuhl
Pants carry the whole line
The catalog revolves around articulated hiking and travel trousers like the Renegade and Radikl, with flannels, fleece and insulated shells built out around them.
Started as a ski-hat maker
Founded in 1983 as Alfwear by John 'Alf' Engwall, it was renamed KUHL and relaunched at Outdoor Retailer in 1994 after Kevin Boyle took over.
Independent, not a conglomerate label
Boyle still owns the Salt Lake City company outright, and it sells through its own channels and specialty outdoor retailers rather than mass distribution.
How Kuhl fits
Overall fit
true to size
Most shoppers find KÜHL fits true to size with a comfortable, active-friendly cut, though some pants run slightly long in the inseam.
Tip: Order your usual size; the articulated pants fit true with room to move.
Medium confidence · based on 12 sources
By category
| Category | Runs | Shape | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shirts & overshirts | true to size | regular fit flannels | Take your usual size for a standard fit. |
| Trousers & pants | true to size | regular with articulated knees, some slimmer styles | Stick with your normal waist size; check inseam length as some run long. |
| Jackets | true to size | regular, allows for a base layer | Order your normal size; there is room for light layering underneath. |
Directional fit consensus summarized from public sources with AI — a starting point, not a guarantee. Confirm with the product's own measurements before buying.
If you like Kuhl
See all 25 brands like Kuhl →80% match
76% matchMarmot
Comparable hiking pants, shells and down at mid price
What changes: More gear-driven and corporate-owned, less lifestyle fit focus
73% matchColumbia
Broader mass-market version of the same trail wardrobe
What changes: Cheaper, less articulated tailoring and fabric quality
72% matchEddie Bauer
Travel-ready outdoor casualwear with heritage roots
What changes: More mall/heritage lifestyle, less climbing-derived fit
Kuhl fit questions
Does Kuhl run big or small?
Kuhl fits true to size. Order your usual size; the articulated pants fit true with room to move. Most shoppers find KÜHL fits true to size with a comfortable, active-friendly cut, though some pants run slightly long in the inseam.
How does Kuhl fit?
Most shoppers find KÜHL fits true to size with a comfortable, active-friendly cut, though some pants run slightly long in the inseam. Overall shape: regular to relaxed with articulated cut.
How do Kuhl shirts & overshirts fit?
Kuhl shirts & overshirts fits true to size. Take your usual size for a standard fit. Shape: regular fit flannels.
How do Kuhl trousers & pants fit?
Kuhl trousers & pants fits true to size. Stick with your normal waist size; check inseam length as some run long. Shape: regular with articulated knees, some slimmer styles.
How do Kuhl jackets fit?
Kuhl jackets fits true to size. Order your normal size; there is room for light layering underneath. Shape: regular, allows for a base layer.
Brand facts
KÜHL is an independent outdoor apparel company operating as Alfwear Inc. from Salt Lake City. It began as Älfwear, a ski-hat maker founded by John "Alf" Engwall in 1983; Kevin Boyle, his brother Jay and climber Conrad Anker bought in during 1986, and Boyle later took full ownership and renamed the label KÜHL, debuting it at Outdoor Retailer in 1994. The range centers on articulated hiking and travel pants such as the Renegade and Radikl, plus flannels, fleece and insulated shells. Boyle still owns the company, which sells direct and through specialty outdoor retailers.
- Founded
- 1983
- Origin
- Salt Lake City, United States
- Made in
- USA, Asia
- Price
- $$
- Focus
- Unisex
- Facts checked
- August 2026
- Styles
- Gorpcore / Outdoor, Workwear / Heritage