Columbia Sport Wear ENG
Based in Portland, Oregon, Columbia Sportswear is a global outdoor brand that crafts active lifestyle gear fortified with industry-leading technologies and tested in our own backyard. Our apparel, footwear, and accessories reflect our Pacific Northwest heritage and indomitable spirit.
It all began in 1937 when Gert's parents fled Nazi Germany and settled in Portland where they purchased a small hat manufacturer, naming it the Columbia Hat Company. Signifying a fresh start for the family, the business eventually passed from Gert's father to her husband Neal and then to Gert herself in 1970 when she went from housewife to executive overnight after Neal's sudden passing.
Our founder Gert Boyle's “Tough Mother” persona lives on in the Columbia brand. Her legendary perfectionism (“It's perfect. Now make it better.”) and the high standards to which she held herself and others still guide us today.
THIS IS HOW "TESTED TOUGH" BEGAN
2018: Introducing Omni-Heat ™ 3D, our most advanced thermal protection, reflective thermal technology with enhanced temperature retention that also feels as smooth as second skin.
2018: We are proud to be official teams and sponsors of the strongest freestyle ski teams (including those from the US, Canada, Brazil and Ukraine) at the Winter Olympics in Pieonchang.
1960: Gert Boyle designs his first fishing jacket. Columbia Hat Company becomes Columbia Sportswear Company.
GERT BOYLE
At Columbia we are passionate about outdoor activities as much as you are. Although our equipment is available worldwide, we are proud to be located in the Pacific Northwest, where lush forests, snow-capped mountains, rugged shorelines, and wide open spaces are our own garden. This is where we hike, fish, hunt, camp, hike, ski, row, golf, run, and simply enjoy the fresh air with our friends.