Columbia

Gert Boyle. Story of a legend

Gert Boyle has been at the helm of the company for nearly 50 years, and his overwhelming attitude has been forever implanted in the firm's values. Columbia's history dates back to 1938, when Gert Boyle's parents immigrated from Germany to Portland fleeing the Nazi regime. There, in the city of Oregon, they started a small hat family business called Columbia Hat Company that would end up being in 1970 one of the most powerful outdoor sports fashion brands in the world: Columbia Sportswear Company. In a few years, Gert passed from being a housewife to becoming a CEO of the company, and her personality as an uncompromising mother led her to establish herself as a phenomenon that was echoed by the media around the world. As a new icon, Gert Boyle occupied the covers with his emblematic phrases, proclaiming his principles of demand and discipline, as he made clear with his unforgettable phrase: "Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and advertise". Gert was the first woman to be included in the Sporting Goods Association Hall of Fame and recorded her milestone in her autobiography “One Tough Mother”, the title of which refers to Columbia’s “Tested Tough” slogan. Today, after the passing of Gert Boyle, his son Tim remains as a director of the brand and his grandson Boyle as president.

Leading outdoor technology

Focusing on innovation to be at the forefront of the most advanced equipment, Columbia implants in its design maximum performance technologies to keep you dry, warm, cool and protected in any situation and under any climate. Its Omni-Heat 3D thermal protection retains your body temperature and provides total softness to your skin, also in light garments with TurboDown. Its reflective variant incorporates small silver dots that reflect body heat. The OutDry Extreme system provides the most optimal, breathable waterproofing, with a water-absorbent inner layer. This care for clothing, quality and advanced technology have led Columbia to position itself as a benchmark in any outdoor sport, boasting historical milestones in this field and revolutionizing clothing in different activities. Their Bugaboo parka put a radical twist on ski clothing, and their PFG marked a before and after in the game.

Sustainability and respect for nature

Coloumbia maintains its headquarters in Portland, in the Pacific northwest, manufacturing clothing, accessories and footwear in an environment of wild nature and majestic terrain. One of the brand’s maxims is to always pursue the minimum environmental impact and the greatest respect for communities and consumers. This is demonstrated by its association with various organizations around the world and its giving program, with the goal of sharing their passion and extending their care for the environment. The brand does not accept requests for sponsorship or unsolicited donations, always trying to ensure the philanthropic intentions of its chain of associations and support. At Columbia we know where your products come from and the process and materials with which they have been created.