Columbia Sportswear

Paul and Marie Lamfrom launched Columbia Hat Company in 1938 after fleeing Germany and settling in Oregon. The company soon expanded beyond hats, eventually producing a range of outdoor clothing. The company’s real transformation began in the 1970s when Gert Boyle took over following her husband Neal’s sudden passing. Her uncompromising leadership (inspired by the now-famous “One Tough Mother” ad campaigns) helped Columbia build a reputation for practical, athlete-focused gear.  

She led Columbia through decades of expansion, including launching products like the Bugaboo™ Interchange System and pioneering moisture-wicking and waterproof technologies. Landmark moments include its IPO in 1998, international expansion, and partnerships with athletes and explorers.

The brand’s mission: “Unlock the outdoors for everyone” reflects their drive for inclusivity and accessibility. This isn’t just a slogan. It’s how Columbia gets more folks feeling at home outside, without trashing the place or leaving anyone out. And that makes all the difference. Columbia champions responsible design with a commitment to ethical sourcing, durability, and environmental protection. Their approach combines rigorous field testing, sustainable initiatives, and fair labour practices, aiming to empower outdoor enthusiasts while minimising environmental impact.

Columbia built its reputation in part on comical and memorable advertising, often featuring matriarch Gert Boyle putting her son Tim through outrageous product "tests." These stunts included sending him through a carwash and running him over with a Zamboni, all in the name of proving the company’s gear was tough enough for real-life conditions. Ad campaigns like “Tested Tough” used humour to demonstrate product reliability and made the brand distinct in the outdoor market.

On the sporting front, Columbia has supported national teams and global competitions. The brand outfitted U.S. Freestyle Ski Team members for the Winter Olympics and provided uniforms for the champion U.S. Curling team at the Beijing 2022 Games. These partnerships allow Columbia to showcase products, such as Omni-Heat Infinity, in some of the world’s most demanding environments.​

Ambassador programs boost the brand’s connection with everyday explorers and elite athletes. Columbia’s sponsored athletes span trail runners, anglers, and mountaineers, who put the products to the test and elevate the technical reputation of the design team.

• 1938: Columbia Hat Company was founded in Portland, Oregon.

• 1960: Shift to outerwear, becoming Columbia Sportswear Company.

• 1970: Gert Boyle authors Columbia’s “Tough Mother” legacy.

• 1986: Launch of the Bugaboo™ Columbia Jacket, introducing the Interchange System.

• 1993: Debut of Omni-Tech™ waterproof breathability.

• 2010s: Expansion into global markets, athlete partnerships, and cutting-edge materials like Omni-Heat™ Reflective Technology.

• 2020s: Focus on sustainability, recycled materials, and transparent supply chains.

Columbia doesn’t just make gear in isolation: it plugs into some really interesting partnerships that help prove what its technology can do and who it’s for.

One of the most eye-catching is Columbia’s work with Intuitive Machines, where Omni-Heat and related thermal tech is being used to help protect a lunar lander in the extreme cold of space. For storytelling, this gives you a powerful “if it works on the Moon, it’ll work on a Scottish winter ridge” line, reinforcing the idea that the Columbia kit is tested far beyond a typical product lab.​

Closer to home, Columbia is the official outfitter for the UK’s National Parks, supplying jackets and other apparel for rangers and staff across multiple parks. That partnership is a strong trust signal for UK walkers: the same brand used by people who are outside in all conditions, all year, is available on the rails at Cotswold Outdoor. It also supports Columbia’s positioning around protecting and celebrating the places people explore.​

In sport and lifestyle, Columbia has extended its partnership with 23XI Racing and NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace, releasing co-branded apparel collections that connect performance outerwear with motorsport fans. Combined with a broad ambassador roster – spanning trail runners, anglers, skiers, and creators – these collaborations help Columbia feel culturally current while staying rooted in practical, real-world use.

 Columbia uses a few simple fit terms to help you pick the right cut for how you move.

• Active Fit — A closer, body-following cut that reduces bulk and works brilliantly as part of a layering system. It’s common in performance pieces, running gear, and technical midlayers where you want freedom of movement without extra fabric getting in the way.

• Alpine Fit — A trim, technical silhouette built for steep ground, climbing, and skiing. Alpine Fit garments sit closer to the body, with articulated sleeves and knees to keep you moving freely under a harness or pack.

• Regular Fit — A classic, easy fit that leaves room for a light midlayer underneath. Regular Fit works well for everyday walking, travel, and general outdoor use, where you want comfort without feeling baggy.

• Relaxed Fit — A roomier cut with more space through the body and sleeves. Ideal for casual wear, chunky midlayers, or insulated parkas where you want a looser feel and maximum comfort.

The Bugaboo™ Interchange system features a three-in-one setup, combining a waterproof outer layer and a warm, removable inner liner. This system lets users select their level of protection as outdoor conditions change, making the Bugaboo™ a long-time favourite for outdoor activities that require adaptability.​

When heavy, persistent rain is on the cards, OutDry™ Extreme jackets step in. By putting the waterproof membrane on the outside of the fabric, these shells stop water from soaking into the face fabric, so they don’t become heavy and clammy over time. They also remain breathable, making them ideal for long hill days, multi-day trips, or anywhere you expect to be out in the weather for hours. For walkers and skiers alike, they offer serious protection without feeling overbuilt or overly complicated.

Columbia’s Performance Fishing Gear (PFG) range is designed for wet and sun-exposed environments. The line-up centres on ultra-light shirts like the Bahama and Tamiami, built with mesh-backed vents, quick-dry fabrics, and serious UPF sun protection so you stay cool and covered when the heat bounces off the water. You’ll also find shorts, trousers, and caps in the PFG family, all geared towards easy movement and all-day comfort. Big chest pockets, rod-holder details, and stain-resistant finishes make this kit a favourite not just for anglers, but for anyone who spends summer by the coast, on rivers, or travelling through hot, humid climates.

The Silver Ridge™ collection includes shirts, trousers, and shorts built for active use on hot trails, dusty tracks, and long travel days. The fabrics are light yet tough, with built‑in ventilation, wicking technology, and quick‑dry performance that help regulate heat and manage sweat when the sun is hammering down. Convertible trousers that zip into shorts, roll‑up sleeves with tab holders, stretch panels, and plenty of pockets make Silver Ridge™ pieces as practical as they are packable.

Newton Ridge™ boots have become a go-to choice for walkers who want reliable support without overthinking their footwear. The recipe is simple but effective: waterproof uppers to shrug off wet grass and muddy paths, cushioned midsoles to keep feet happy over distance, and grippy outsoles that feel secure on everything from slick rock to forestry tracks. Because they balance protection, comfort, and price so well, Newton Ridge™ boots show up everywhere: from lowland waymarked routes to weekend mountain trips. They’re the kind of boots you can pull on straight from the box and trust for dog walks, DofE expeditions, and year‑round UK hill days.

Columbia’s Heritage Collection taps into the brand’s archive, reworking classic designs with modern fabrics and features. Pieces like the High Cascades™ 3‑in‑1 Reversible Bomber Jacket nod to old‑school ski and street style, but add today’s insulation, waterproofing, and fit. The Newton Alpine PT™ Waterproof Boots do something similar for footwear, blending retro looks with contemporary traction and weather protection. This collection is for anyone who loves the look of vintage Columbia jackets and boots but still wants current‑day performance. You get bold prints, colour blocking, and familiar silhouettes, backed up by the same tech that appears in Columbia’s more technical lines—so you don’t have to choose between nostalgia and function.

Columbia trousers are built for days when you’re on the move, and the weather can’t make up its mind. From hill walks and campsite missions to travel days and everyday wear, they’re all about comfort, freedom to move, and fabrics that can take a beating without feeling heavy.

A lot of the hiking and walking trousers use quick‑dry, hard‑wearing fabrics that shrug off light showers and dry fast after a downpour or stream crossing. Articulated knees and a touch of stretch keep you moving freely on steeper ground, while partially elasticated waists help them sit comfortably under a pack all day. Many styles also feature built‑in sun protection, making them a smart pick for summer routes, city breaks, and long days on the trail.​

Columbia’s cargo trousers lean into practicality. Generous pockets give you space for maps, snacks, and essentials, so you’re not always reaching into your pack. Tough, rip‑resistant materials handle scrapes with rock and undergrowth, and some models use the same water‑repellent tech you’ll find in Columbia jackets to fend off unexpected showers.

If you’re hunting for that “always right” extra layer, Columbia’s fleeces and midlayers are where to start. The Steens Mountain™ is the no‑brainer choice here: soft, reliable, and tough enough for years of daily wear. Women get the same dependable formula in the Benton Springs™ Full Zip, which works just as well over jeans in town as it does under a shell on a frosty footpath. When you want something cosier, sherpa pieces like Back Bowl™ and Winter Pass™ ramp up the insulation with deep-pile fleece that really takes the edge off cold, windy days.

Columbia also builds fleeces and midlayers for more active days. Technical styles use lighter, grid or smooth-face fabrics that breathe better and wick moisture, so you can keep them on while you’re climbing, hiking, or moving fast. They’re ideal as true midlayers—warm enough to matter, but slim and airy enough to sit comfortably under a waterproof without feeling bulky.

Then there are the head‑turners. The Helvetia™ Cropped Half Snap, for example, blends retro styling with serious warmth, making it a favourite for weekend trips, city wear, and post‑adventure pub stops. Between classic full zips, sporty pullovers, sherpa hoodies, and hybrid insulating pieces, there’s a Columbia midlayer for almost every kind of day out—and they all share the same core benefits: easy care, long‑lasting comfort, and just the right amount of warmth for life spent outdoors.

For anyone passionate about snow sports, Columbia ski gear offers advanced solutions built for enjoyment and protection on the mountain. The latest collection of Columbia ski jackets showcases the brand’s dedication to warmth, dryness, and breathability, all using proprietary technologies.​

Columbia ski jackets are made to withstand both bluebird days and the harshest blizzards, with features like Omni-Heat™ Infinity lining that reflects body warmth and advanced waterproof shells to keep you dry all day. These jackets are available in a wide range of styles, including lightweight shell jackets for layering and insulated coat options for deep winter cold. Models such as the Highland Summit™ and Glacier Ridge™ provide flexibility and weather protection, perfect for your first off-piste adventure.​

Beyond jackets, versatile Columbia ski clothes include bibs, trousers, technical fleeces, and base layers designed to regulate temperature and wick moisture. Essentials like the men’s and women’s Coreshot™ waterproof jacket, Powder Prime™ ski jacket, and Liftline™ waterproof ski jacket demonstrate Columbia’s focus on fit, comfort, and movement for skiers of all abilities. These pieces also offer details like helmet-compatible hoods, adjustable cuffs, and snow skirts—guaranteeing readiness for changing mountain conditions.​