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GERT BOYLE
1924 – 2019

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.

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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.

A TESTED TOUGH HISTORY
  • History of Omni-Heat™ 3D

    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.

  • History of Columbia Sportswear

    2018: Proud outfitter and sponsor of the world’s toughest freestyle ski teams (including the U.S., Canada, Brazil, and Ukraine) at the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.

  • History of OutDry Extreme

    2017: Columbia launches a revolutionary line of high-quality, eco-conscious gear built for maximum outdoor performance and minimal environmental impact.

  • History of OutDry Extreme

    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.

  • History of Columbia Sportswear

    2015: Columbia Sportswear unveils “Tested Tough,” as its new, global brand platform.

  • History of Columbia Sportswear

    2014: Proud sponsors of the U.S., Canadian and Russian Freestyle Ski Teams at Sochi.

  • History of Omni-Freeze ZERO

    2014: TurboDown™ technology fuses Omni-Heat™ synthetic insulation with natural down.

  • History of Omni-Freeze ZERO

    2013: Omni-Freeze ZERO wins National Geographic Adventure’s Gear of the year award.

  • History of Omni-Heat Reflective

    2010: Omni-Heat Reflective is introduced, little silver dots that reflect body heat.

  • History of Columbia Sportswear

    2005: Chairman Gert Boyle publishes her autobiography, One Tough Mother.

  • History of Performance Fishing Gear

    1996: Performance Fishing Gear, or PFG for short, is introduced.

  • History of Bugaboo™

    1986: The first Bugaboo™ parka is born, revolutionizing the way alpine skiers dress.

  • Gert Boyle

    1970: Gert Boyle, a housewife, takes over the company

  • History of fishing vest

    1960: Gert Boyle designs first fishing vest Columbia Hat Company becomes Columbia Sportswear Company

  • History of Columbia Sportswear

    1938: Columbia Hat Company founded in Portland, Oregon.