I can't speak for teens, but I climb and ski. In the past, I would have said all three were comparable brands in terms of quality. Now I find NF a bit lower quality. HH is high quality, but, IMHO, better designed for ski resorts and sailing. For backcountry sports, I like Patagonia the best.

Since you posted in Beauty and Fashion, I'm assuming you are asking more from a day-to-day winter jacket perspective. For a growing kid, I would say it does not matter. My kids wear Marmot, Eddie Bauer, and Deux par Deux while skiing...but they only ski in ski areas.

HH still has a touch of snob appeal because it is not quite as ubiquitous with the masses as North Face or Patagonia. For teens it is simply about what is trendy at their particular school.

I love Patagonia, but I’m from New England.

My son had a Helly and a North Face, he's "urban" and loves fashion. He'd use the Helly for certain outfits and North Face for others.

HH is popular with the rich kids at our school.

Can’t speak about North Face. Only have Helly for years before it became popular with the Urban culture. I know I’ll catch flack for that comment but it’s the truth.

I don’t think any one is better than the other. Brand preferences vary state to state, region to region and school to school. What might be seen as “ the best” here at your kids school will not be seen as “ the best” at a different school.

Anyone purchase across the three brands? Is one better quality?

We like the Warm Storm North Face at the moment.