A tested tough history. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Columbia sportswear company has been making gear so that pacific north westerners can enjoy the outdoors for more than 70 years. At the helm for over 40 years has been our chairman, gert boyle. Her tough mother persona has grown Columbia into the global sportswear company that it is today. Still based in Portland, still making no-nonsense apparel and footwear to keep you warm, dry, cool and protected no matter what. Our unique pacific northwest heritage and boyle family irreverence is what sets us apart from the competition. This is the directive given by our very own tough mother, chairman gert boyle. It’s the reason we’re constantly testing our products against every type of terrible, no good, day-ruining condition the skies of the mighty pacific northwest can dish out. Sure, it makes life hell for us, but it means great gear for you. So when she finally does use her famous stamp of approval, you know you’re duly equipped to stay outside long after the featherweights have retreated indoors