Mountain Hardwear

Last updated
Mountain Hardwear
Company type Subsidiary
IndustryTextiles
Founded1993;32 years ago (1993), Berkeley, California, United States
HeadquartersRichmond, California
Key people
Troy Sicotte, President Jack Gilbert, Founder
Products Outerwear, sportswear
$101.6 million (2017)
Parent Columbia Sportswear
Website mountainhardwear.com

Mountain Hardwear is a subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear, based in Richmond, California, that makes apparel, accessories and gear for mountaineering enthusiasts and outdoor athletes, as well as for consumers who are inspired by the outdoor lifestyle.

Contents

History

Mountain Hardwear was founded in 1993 in Richmond, California by a small group of former employees of Sierra Designs led by Jack Gilbert. Soon after, Mountain Hardwear's first sponsored athlete, Ed Viesturs, the first American to climb all fourteen 8,000 meter peaks, helped develop several of the company's products. [1] Today, Mountain Hardwear continues to associate with elite Alpine athletes.

Columbia Sportswear acquired Mountain Hardwear in 2003. The company is headquartered in Richmond, California. Mountain Hardwear opened its first retail location in Portland, Oregon in April 2008. A Seattle, Washington retail store opened on December 5, 2008. The company has over 90 people in their California office, and more than 35 sales reps and associates in the United States and other countries.

Mountain Hardwear sponsors a number of athletes. Most are alpinists, climbers, or skiers. Sponsored athletes include: [2]

Vivian Bruchez, Tim Emmett, Ayo Sopeju, Kyra Condie, Caleb Robinson, Ethan Pringle, Charlotte Durif, Nikki Smith, Genevive Walker, Rachael Burks, Lily Bradley, Bryce Barnes, Benny Lieber, Jesse Grupper, Hunter Knoll, Garrett Madison, Erin Spong, Scott Lehmann, Shayna Unger.

Timeline

Community Initiatives

Since 2020, Mountain Hardwear has hosted the annual Open Aperture Photo Clinic, a program designed to help underrepresented voices in outdoor photography. The multi-day clinic offers mentorship, workshops, and field experiences led by professional photographers and athletes. In 2022, the event was help in Washington's Cascade Mountains. [3]

References

  1. ↑ Jake Snyder. "Brand spotlight: Mountain Hardwear". Gearx. Retrieved December 20, 2018.
  2. ↑ "Our Athletes". Mountain Hardwear. Retrieved December 20, 2018.
  3. ↑ McLemore, Andrew (2022-09-29). "Mountain Hardwear's 'Open Aperture' Clinic: Overcoming Underrepresentation in Climbing". GearJunkie. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
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