Mountain Hardwear

Mountain Hardwear
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryTextiles
Founded1993 (1993), Berkeley, California, United States
HeadquartersRichmond, California
Key people
Troy Sicotte, President Jack Gilbert, Founder
ProductsOuterwear, sportswear
$101.6 million (2017)
ParentColumbia Sportswear
Websitemountainhardwear.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.

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]

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

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 (September 29, 2022). "Mountain Hardwear's 'Open Aperture' Clinic: Overcoming Underrepresentation in Climbing". GearJunkie. Retrieved May 29, 2025.