Columbia Milestones
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2009
Columbia launches e-commerce
Titanium golf line introduced
2008
Omni-Shade® Columbia's proprietary sun protection technology developed
Columbia celebrates its 70th anniversary
Official Sponsor of Team Columbia, former team High Road
2006
Columbia acquires Montrail and Pacific Trail Products
Available in 72 countries
2005
Gert's autobiography, One Tough Mother, is released
X Games official supplier 2002–2005
2004
4 Star Distribution Center opens
Columbia acquires Mountain Hardwear
Company reaches $1 billion dollars in annual sales
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2003
Cambrai, France, Distribution Center opens
5+ million visitors to website
2002
Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games: Official supplier to NBC Sports
Eco-Challenge official provider 1996–2002
2000
Columbia acquires Sorel
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1998
Company goes public
Sydney Summer Olympic Games: Official supplier to NBC Sports
1997
Omni Dry®: High-performance moisture management technology developed
Special Olympics: Official supplier to Team USA
1996
Columbia Comfort System introduced
PFG introduced
Flagship store opens
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1995
GRT: Gear for Rugged Trekking and Travel line introduced
America's Cup: Official sponsor to America3
1994
Convert and Titanium lines introduced
Lillehammer Winter Olympics Games: Official supplier to CBS Sports
Rivergate Distribution Center opens
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1993
Footwear line introduced
1991
Omni-Tech®: Columbia's proprietary waterproof-breathable technology developed
1990
First national television ad, "Car Wash"
1986
First Bugaboo™ Parka revolutionizes how downhill skiers dress
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1985
Sportswear line introduced
1984
The Mother of all ad campaigns begins
Youth line introduced
1982
The Columbia Interchange System® is introduced in the Quad™ Parka
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1975
Columbia first to introduce Gore-Tex® parka
Company goes international
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1970
Gert Boyle, a housewife, takes over the company
1960
Gert Boyle designs first fishing vest
Columbia Hat Company becomes Columbia Sportswear Company
1938
Columbia Hat Company established
Columbia's History
If it's true that experience brings wisdom, then Columbia Sportswear’s more than 70 years in business should mean we know a thing or two about making great outdoor gear. We like to think so.
We enjoy the outdoors as much as you do, which means we know what you need. We know that being cold and wet is no fun. Blue eyes may be sexy, but blue lips aren't. And, while a sunny day is excellent, sunburn sucks. That's why we make high-quality performance products that keep you comfortable and protected, no matter where your excursions take you.
The outdoors isn't all about remote expeditions or climbing the world's highest mountains. Anyone can enjoy the outdoors. It's easy. Just open the door and go outside. From the mountain peak to the neighborhood park, from the glacier to the garden, and from the Tour de France to training wheels, Columbia helps you enjoy your outdoor adventure anywhere you like to play..
We're a family business gone global. Chairman Gert Boyle's parents — German nationals who fled Nazi Germany in 1938 — purchased a small hat company upon their arrival in Portland and named it Columbia Hat Company, after the river that inspired their new home. This humble beginning was of huge significance to the family, marking new found freedom and a fresh start. Her husband later took over, and after he died Gert ran the show, going from housewife to executive overnight. Today, her son Tim Boyle is our longtime president and CEO. The family — like our business — has experienced its ups and downs, but enjoying the outdoors together has always been an inseparable part of the program.
Columbia is made up of real people who are as passionate about the outdoors as you are. And, while our products are available around the world, we're based in the great Pacific Northwest, where majestic forests frame volcanic mountains and a rugged coast. This is where we hike, ride, fish, hunt, climb, camp, golf, paddle, run, and just enjoy fresh air with friends.
From front yard to forest, Columbia keeps you comfortable and protected so you can stay out longer. Welcome to Columbia's Greater Outdoors.