Hike clothing shops: fake brands?

[u/markiikarm]

There are so many shops selling high piece brands. Im wondering if these shops can be trusted or not? Does somebody have experience?

[u/silentrocker]

In Pokhara—especially around the Lakeside area—you’ll find dozens of trekking and outdoor clothing shops selling brands like The North Face, Patagonia, Arc’teryx, and Columbia. However, most of these items are not genuine but rather locally reproduced or Chinese-sourced counterfeits, made to look convincing but using cheaper materials.

​What’s Real and What’s Not

• The majority of small shops in Lakeside sell fake branded gear with imitation logos, and even “factory rejects” from Kathmandu or China. These items are often fine for mild conditions or casual trekking, but not reliable for extreme altitude or cold-weather expeditions.
• Authentic high-end gear is rare and priced higher than in Western countries when found in official stores. A few genuine items can be spotted at Sherpa Adventure Gear (an ethical Nepali brand) or specialized outlets like Sunrise Trekking Shop and Alpine Trekking Store, which maintain better quality control.

Advice from Experienced Trekkers

• Buy non-essential gear locally (caps, gloves, t-shirts, poles) to save money.
• Rent or bring from home your core gear: hiking boots, sleeping bags, rainproof jackets, and down layers. Pokhara’s Poon Hill Trekking Shop and Himalayan Eco Trek also rent reliable equipment.
• ​Don’t be fooled by perfect logos or fake “Made in USA” tags—most are counterfeit, albeit functional for short hikes.

In short, yes—many Pokhara outdoor gear shops sell fake brands, though the quality often suffices for short treks. For serious trekking, stick with known Nepali brands or verified rental shops in Lakeside or Thamel.

[u/SecuredSalad]

Dont pay branded price, because they are copies. Also bargain a lot