About Us
CELEBRATING MORE THAN 85 YEARS OF
KEEPING YOU OUTDOORS
KEEPING YOU OUTDOORS
We've been creating innovative outdoor gand technologies since 1938. It's a good stat.
Based in Portland, Oregon, Columbia Outlet 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.
GERT BOYLE
1924 - 2019
1924 - 2019
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.
At Columbia, we're as passionate about the outdoors as you are. And while our gear is available around the world, we’re proud to be based in the Pacific Northwest where the lush forests, snow-covered mountains, rugged coastline, and wide-open spaces serve as our playground. This is where we hike, fish, hunt, camp, climb, shred, paddle, golf, run, and just enjoy the fresh air with friends.
We hope to see you out there. Way, way out there.
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.
At Columbia, we're as passionate about the outdoors as you are. And while our gear is available around the world, we’re proud to be based in the Pacific Northwest where the lush forests, snow-covered mountains, rugged coastline, and wide-open spaces serve as our playground. This is where we hike, fish, hunt, camp, climb, shred, paddle, golf, run, and just enjoy the fresh air with friends.
We hope to see you out there. Way, way out there.
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS
2018
The next dimension of warmth is
introduced with Omni-Heat™ 3D, our latest
thermal-reflective technology with advanced
heat retention and soft next-to-skin feel.
introduced with Omni-Heat™ 3D, our latest
thermal-reflective technology with advanced
heat retention and soft next-to-skin feel.
2018
Proud outfitter and sponsor of the world's
toughest freestyle ski teams (including the
U.S., Canada, Brazil, Russia, and Ukraine) at the
Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.
toughest freestyle ski teams (including the
U.S., Canada, Brazil, Russia, and Ukraine) at the
Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.
2017
Columbia launches a revolutionary line
of high-quality, eco-conscious gear built
for maximum outdoor performance and
minimal environmental impact.
of high-quality, eco-conscious gear built
for maximum outdoor performance and
minimal environmental impact.
2016
OutDry™ Extreme flips rainwear inside out
for the ultimate in waterproof breathability.
It’s our first-ever raingear with a waterproof
layer on the outside and a soft, wicking
layer inside.
for the ultimate in waterproof breathability.
It’s our first-ever raingear with a waterproof
layer on the outside and a soft, wicking
layer inside.
2015
Columbia revisits the '90s "Tested Tough"
campaign as its new, global brand platform.
campaign as its new, global brand platform.
2014
Proud sponsors of the U.S., Canadian and
Russian Freestyle Ski Teams at Sochi.
Russian Freestyle Ski Teams at Sochi.
2014
TurboDown™ technology fuses Omni-Heat™
synthetic insulation with natural down.
synthetic insulation with natural down.
2013
Omni-Freeze™ ZERO wins National Geographic
Adventure's Gear of the year award.
Adventure's Gear of the year award.
2010
Omni-Heat™ Reflective is introduced,
little silver dots that reflect body heat.
little silver dots that reflect body heat.
2005
Founder Gert Boyle publishes her
autobiography, One Tough Mother.
autobiography, One Tough Mother.
1996
Performance Fishing Gear, or
PFG for short, is introduced.
PFG for short, is introduced.
1986
The first Bugaboo™ parka is born,
revolutionizing the way alpine skiers dress.
revolutionizing the way alpine skiers dress.
1938
Columbia Hat Company founded
in Portland, Oregon.
in Portland, Oregon.