Mountain Hardwear

Mountain Hardwear was founded in 1993 by a group of outdoor industry veterans who wanted to focus on creating high-performance equipment for serious mountaineers and athletes. The company quickly gained a reputation for innovation, particularly in technical apparel and expedition-grade tents, staying true to its 'Everything is Equipment' design philosophy. Based in Richmond, California, the brand has maintained a niche for building gear that withstands the most extreme conditions on Earth.

In 2003, the brand was acquired by Columbia Sportswear Company, a move that provided the financial stability and supply chain reach needed to grow globally while allowing Mountain Hardwear to maintain its independent identity and focus on technical excellence. Today, the products are designed in the United States and manufactured through a high-quality global supply chain centered in Asia to ensure durability and precision.

Under its current ownership, the brand remains a staple in the climbing and alpine communities. It continues to push boundaries with proprietary technologies like DrySpell™ and ultra-lightweight materials, catering to a demographic that values longevity and performance in the wild over mass-market trends.