ONE TOUGH MOTHER
Columbia Founder, Gert Boyle
In 1970, when few women lead corporations, self-proclaimed housewife Gert turned a struggling family business into the powerhouse it is today. Her legacy of strength, tenacity, wit, and unapologetic perfectionism lives on in everything we do.
“Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and advertise.”
Starting in 1984, commercials in which Gert (as One Tough Mother “Ma Boyle”) employs son Tim (Columbia Sportswear CEO) as a test dummy for new products. Join us on a walk, hike, or even car wash trip down memory lane with some of our favorite spots.
“Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and advertise.”
Starting in 1984, commercials in which Gert (as One Tough Mother “Ma Boyle”) employs son Tim (Columbia Sportswear CEO) as a test dummy for new products. Join us on a walk, hike, or even car wash trip down memory lane with some of our favorite spots.
1938
ONE TOUGH HAT COMPANY
In 1937, 13-year-old Gertrude Lamfrom and her family fled Nazi Germany, settling in Portland, Oregon. For generations, the Lamfroms were in the clothing business, but the family had to start from scratch upon arriving in the Pacific Northwest. With a small loan, Gert's father Paul established the Columbia Hat Company, naming it after our renowned local river. The company that would become Columbia Sportswear was born.
1938
ONE TOUGH HAT COMPANY
In 1937, 13-year-old Gertrude Lamfrom and her family fled Nazi Germany, settling in Portland, Oregon. For generations, the Lamfroms were in the clothing business, but the family had to start from scratch upon arriving in the Pacific Northwest. With a small loan, Gert's father Paul established the Columbia Hat Company, naming it after our renowned local river. The company that would become Columbia Sportswear was born.
1960s
THE VEST THAT GERT BUILT
Gert’s husband Neal Boyle takes over the family business, expanding from quality hats to diverse outdoor gear. When Gert hears from Neal that his customers are asking for a more practical fishing vest, she whips up a prototype of the Henry’s Fork™ Vest—on her own sewing machine. The vest becomes an instant bestseller and puts Columbia Sportswear on the map. All in a day’s work.
1960s
THE VEST THAT GERT BUILT
Gert’s husband Neal Boyle takes over the family business, expanding from quality hats to diverse outdoor gear. When Gert hears from Neal that his customers are asking for a more practical fishing vest, she whips up a prototype of the Henry’s Fork™ Vest—on her own sewing machine. The vest becomes an instant bestseller and puts Columbia Sportswear on the map. All in a day’s work.
1970s
FROM HOUSEWIFE TO EXECUTIVE
In 1970, Neal unexpectedly passed, leaving Gert and her son Tim (then in college) to chart a course forward. The duo were prepared to sell the struggling business when a potential buyer tried to undercut them at the last minute. Gert defiantly responded, for that price, “I’ll run it into the ground myself.” And the business started to turn around.
1970s
FROM HOUSEWIFE TO EXECUTIVE
In 1970, Neal unexpectedly passed, leaving Gert and her son Tim (then in college) to chart a course forward. The duo were prepared to sell the struggling business when a potential buyer tried to undercut them at the last minute. Gert defiantly responded, for that price, “I’ll run it into the ground myself.” And the business started to turn around.
1980s
THE TOUGHEST MOTHER OF THEM ALL
Gert, Tim, and a small group of dedicated employees steadily turn the company around, setting the stage for what would become a global leader in outdoor gear. By 1984, we introduce Interchange, our 3-in-1 jacket system that adapts to any weather. In '86, the bestselling Bugaboo™ Interchange makes its mark. Also in this decade, Gert becomes “One Tough Mother,” an exacting boss who demands perfection, in the irreverent ad campaign with Oregon firm Borders Perrin Norrander.
1980s
THE TOUGHEST MOTHER OF THEM ALL
Gert, Tim, and a small group of dedicated employees steadily turn the company around, setting the stage for what would become a global leader in outdoor gear. By 1984, we introduce Interchange, our 3-in-1 jacket system that adapts to any weather. In '86, the bestselling Bugaboo™ Interchange makes its mark. Also in this decade, Gert becomes “One Tough Mother,” an exacting boss who demands perfection, in the irreverent ad campaign with Oregon firm Borders Perrin Norrander.
1990s
THE ORIGINAL FISHING BRAND
While we’ve been innovating in the angling space since the 60s, it was in 1996 that we officially launched Performance Fishing Gear, establishing icons like the Bonehead™, Tamiami™, and Bahama™ that continue to be bestsellers. We also first stepped into the footwear business in ‘93 with the Bugaboot™, designed by visionary Peter Moore.
1990s
THE ORIGINAL FISHING BRAND
While we’ve been innovating in the angling space since the 60s, it was in 1996 that we officially launched Performance Fishing Gear, establishing icons like the Bonehead™, Tamiami™, and Bahama™ that continue to be bestsellers. We also first stepped into the footwear business in ‘93 with the Bugaboot™, designed by visionary Peter Moore.
2000s to Present
DECADES OF INNOVATION
Tenacious grip. Inside-out waterproofing. Little silver dots. These technologies are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our relentless innovation. Many of our tried-and-true technologies take hold in the early 2000s, including industry-first waterproof-breathable OutDry™ Extreme, Omni-Grip™ outsole innovation, and thermal-reflective Omni-Heat™, a.k.a. those little silver dots that keep you warm. In 2020, Omni-Heat™ Infinity elevates our warm tech. By 2025, it had been to the Moon (twice) while protecting lunar landers in space. Apparently the sky isn’t the limit.
2000s to Present
DECADES OF INNOVATION
Tenacious grip. Inside-out waterproofing. Little silver dots. These technologies are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our relentless innovation. Many of our tried-and-true technologies take hold in the early 2000s, including industry-first waterproof-breathable OutDry™ Extreme, Omni-Grip™ outsole innovation, and thermal-reflective Omni-Heat™, a.k.a. those little silver dots that keep you warm. In 2020, Omni-Heat™ Infinity elevates our warm tech. By 2025, it had been to the Moon (twice) while protecting lunar landers in space. Apparently the sky isn’t the limit.
From Your Jacket To The Moon
We sent our Omni-Heat™ Infinity tech to the Moon to help protect the IM-1 and IM-2 lunar landers from extreme temperatures. If it works that well in space, imagine what it will do for you.
We sent our Omni-Heat™ Infinity tech to the Moon to help protect the IM-1 and IM-2 lunar landers from extreme temperatures. If it works that well in space, imagine what it will do for you.
Explore Our Tech
Explore the science behind keeping you warm, dry, cool, and protected on our Tech Hub, where we go into the nitty gritty.
Explore the science behind keeping you warm, dry, cool, and protected on our Tech Hub, where we go into the nitty gritty.
Special Drops
The gear you don’t want to miss. Our special-edition drops come in limited quantities and may never return.
The gear you don’t want to miss. Our special-edition drops come in limited quantities and may never return.
Friends In High Places
From world-class skiers, pro anglers, and chart-topping musician Luke Combs to TV personality and conservationist Robert Irwin.
From world-class skiers, pro anglers, and chart-topping musician Luke Combs to TV personality and conservationist Robert Irwin.
Mickey’s Outdoor Club
An ongoing special-edition collaboration with Disney captures the magic of iconic characters with gear the whole family can enjoy on adventures near or far.
An ongoing special-edition collaboration with Disney captures the magic of iconic characters with gear the whole family can enjoy on adventures near or far.
Inspired By A Galaxy Far Far Away....
A special collaboration series with Lucasfilm featuring one-of-a-kind outdoor gear built for the ultimate STAR WARS™ fan.
A special collaboration series with Lucasfilm featuring one-of-a-kind outdoor gear built for the ultimate STAR WARS™ fan.