I personally wasn't too impressed this year with anything, didn't think places that could have been vastly improved up on were at all. Head torches didn't advance, waterproofs only got lighter through major compromises, so called water resistant windproof smocks and jackets well under performed and none of them were waterproof when actually put out in the rain. The only kit I though got better this year was the insulating jackets made of synthetic materials. Even tents got worse in my opinion, not really liking the new Vango ranges, they are horrible colours and the spec seems a lot lower than there previous years models. The biggest disappointment to me this year with the exception of a few like Alpkit was the prices, they still continue to rise for lighter kit.

The only brands I would say I was happy with are those of my current kit that is still in the same state after a years use like my Montane pants, Berghaus hat and waterproofs, I also like the new Golite stuff and bought a Pinnacle rucksack which is rediculously versitile, I still like Rab equipment I have too and bought a Generator jacket which I'm very impressed with.

those brands aren't always cr*p though. i have a fantastic coolmax t shirt from peter storm which is one of the best value bits of clothing i have and knocks the spots off much dearer brands' offerings. not to mention their absolute bargain softshell jacket. unfortunately, whenever they produce something good they seem to drop it after one season.

in the same way that north face produces some rubbish.

the sneered at brands can and do produce some excellent stuff but it does take some finding.

I have to agree with Parky, my son has a Peter Storm Jacket and it knocks spots off a TNF Jacket I used to have, it was a pile of POO, it had it's own internal shower system.......

I think it's the Skoda Audi thing with some of the products........same car different badge.

But my favourite brand is Paramo, ideal for fat sweaty people (like me)

Snugpac do a very good lightweight jacket, as issued to forces.

Stuart Mc

Mountain Laurel Designs

Titanium Goat

Paramo

Alpkit

Gossamer Gear

Montane

Icebreaker

Alpine lowe.

Still friends with these after much use.

Like the look of alpkit but havn,t got round to buying anything yet.There Sleeping bags look good value.

Just to echo the words of parky and his budget brands my absolute fav walking socks are the ones I bought 3 years ago from aldi,cost £1.99.

I really dont get Paramo.Never will. 

"...or a up and coming brand about to make it big like Haglofs"

Haglofs were founded in 1914

Hey Ed, Ive never even heard of Mountain laurel designs before!! Im perusing their electric web site as I type this, some very nice looking kit to be had there methinks

Yeah their coal-fired one is rubbish..

They do indeed have some nice kit...let's all buy some ...although some looks very light for general usage, other bits look fantastic for careful lightweight use...

Don't think I'll have a "King Brand": in practice I mix and match a great deal, finding what one firm does for something suits me well while the same company's stuff doesn't agree with me at all for another job.  I think the only brand that's a no-brainer for me is Scarpa for boots, but that's because their lasts seem to be have been made around a copy of my particular foot shape rather than any particular design or manufacturing magic on their part.

 As an example of mixing and matching, Saturday's outing had me using kit from over a dozen different manufacturers (and I was carrying stuff from another few that I didn't use), and here's none of it I particularly feel I would change if the lotto numbers came up.

Pete. 

Patagonia would win every year in my book - genuine innovation (read Yvon Chouinard's book and marvel at how many everyday ideas were theirs originally) coupled with fantastic design and an environmental policy that was changing the world before this was even fashionable.

 Honourable mentions to Terra Nova, Crux, Macpac and MSR.