does columbia sportswear own mountain hardwear

As outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers, we love to fill our closets with high-quality gear and apparel that can keep up with our lifestyles. Two well-known brands that have been putting out top-notch outdoor clothing and equipment for decades are Columbia Sportswear and Mountain Hardwear. But what many people are wondering is whether Columbia Sportswear owns Mountain Hardwear. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of both brands and how they are related to each other.

The History of Columbia Sportswear

Columbia Sportswear is an American company that was founded in 1938 by Paul Lamfrom, a German refugee who fled Nazi Germany. The company started as a small hat distributor in Portland, Oregon, and gradually evolved into a well-regarded outdoor apparel and equipment brand. Today, Columbia Sportswear is a global brand that offers a wide range of products, including jackets, pants, footwear, backpacks, and more. They are known for their innovative technologies, such as Omni-Heat, which reflects heat back to the wearer, and Omni-Tech, which provides waterproof and breathable protection.

The History of Mountain Hardwear

Mountain Hardwear, on the other hand, is a relatively newer brand that was founded in 1993 by a group of outdoor industry veterans, including Tim Boyle, the CEO of Columbia Sportswear. The brand was built on the premise of creating gear and clothing that could withstand the most extreme conditions. Today, Mountain Hardwear offers a wide range of products, including sleeping bags, tents, backpacks, and of course, outdoor apparel.

Are the Two Brands Related?

Despite both brands being founded by veterans of the outdoor industry, Columbia Sportswear and Mountain Hardwear are not the same company. However, there is a connection between the two brands. In 2003, Columbia Sportswear acquired Mountain Hardwear, making it a subsidiary of the company. Although Mountain Hardwear still operates as its own brand, it is now under the umbrella of Columbia Sportswear. This means that there may be some similarities in the technologies used in their products, as well as in their marketing and promotional efforts.

What Are the Differences Between the Two Brands?

While Columbia Sportswear and Mountain Hardwear are related, they do have some distinct differences. One of the most obvious differences is their focus on specific types of outdoor activities. Columbia Sportswear offers a wide range of products that are suitable for various outdoor pursuits, from hiking and camping to skiing and snowboarding. Mountain Hardwear, on the other hand, specializes in gear and clothing for mountaineering, climbing, and other high-altitude activities.

Another difference between the two brands is their price points. While both brands offer high-quality products, Mountain Hardwear tends to be more expensive than Columbia Sportswear. This is partly due to their focus on more specialized gear and clothing, which tends to have a higher cost of production.

Conclusion

In summary, Columbia Sportswear and Mountain Hardwear are two distinct outdoor brands that offer high-quality gear and clothing for various outdoor pursuits. Although they are related in that Columbia Sportswear owns Mountain Hardwear, they operate as separate brands with their own unique focus and product offerings. No matter which brand you choose, you can be sure that you are getting a product that is built to withstand the toughest outdoor conditions.