Engineered for Whatever

When Columbia says Engineered for Whatever, that means whatever.

It means designing down to the finest details and engineering for the most outlandish, extreme outdoors situations.

To test this bold claim, ExpertVoice collected stories of where experts have relied on Columbia to keep them cool, protected, confident and comfortable.

5 minutes

By Tiffany Moon,

Stay dry

Russell Biser:

Columbia Men’s OutDry Extreme Mesh Hooded Rain Shell Jacket

“OutDry Extreme is legit waterproof and also somewhat breathable. ... From summertime in Alaska, to wintertime in the smokies this has been the best at keeping me dry from both precip and sweat. This particular jacket is my second outdry extreme jacket, I bought it only because it is even lighter weight than my first.

Recommendation #461212

Behind the seams: OutDry Extreme

OutDry Extreme turned waterproofing inside out with a one-of-a-kind construction — the membrane on the outside with a soft inner layer for zero wet-out, enhanced breathability and next-to-skin comfort.

Stay warm

Laurie Zepnick:

Joy Peak Insulated Jacket

“Very warm jacket. I love the infinity insulation. This jacket is so warm and the fit is great!”

Recommendation #439963

Behind the seams: Omni-Heat Infinity

Omni-Heat™ provides warmth through a recognizable pattern of silver dots. In 2020, Columbia unveiled an elevated thermal reflective-pattern of gold dots, with Omni-Heat™ Infinity, which has been to the moon twice, protecting lunar landers in space.

In context: Also find Omni-Heat™ Arctic insulation for extra warmth without added weight. It’s inspired by the highly efficient way polar bears capture heat in extreme cold. Solar energy passes through the outer layers to reach the inner layer that is specially engineered for heat retention close to the body.

Stay confident

Ian Bryant:

Bugaboot III

“Extremely warm, waterproof and excellent traction in the snow. Fits my snow shoes well with no issues. High recommended!

Recommendation #454430

Behind the seams: Omni-Grip™

Omni-Grip™ outsole is a core traction technology that features specially formulated compounds and tread patterns for cross-terrain stability and grip on variable surfaces in wet and dry conditions.

Before it ever got to you, Columbia apparel went through extreme testing. See the extreme lengths Columbia goes to.

Columbia origins

The legendary Gert Boyle led Columbia for 50 years. At a time when few women headed up corporations, self-proclaimed housewife Gert took a struggling family business and turned it into the powerhouse it is today. Her legacy of strength, tenacity, wit and unapologetic perfectionism lives on in every Columbia stitch, decision and design.

Curious to know more? Use the arrows to explore three core moments that shaped the way Columbia functions today.

One tough hat company

In 1937, Gert’s parents fled Nazi Germany and settled in Portland, Oregon. After generations in the clothing business, Gert’s father had to start all over from scratch to establish the Columbia Hat Company.

The vest that Gert built

The expansion from quality hats to diverse outdoor gear happened when Gert’s husband, Neal, took over the family business. Customers were asking for a fishing vest with plenty of pockets. Gert took to her sewing machine to whip up a prototype with zippered and flap pockets and features to free up hands, such as a rod-holder and a magnet for lures and flies. The Henry Fork Vest became an instant bestseller and put Columbia on the outdoors map.

A tenacious turnaround

Neal passed away unexpected in 1970. Gert, with the help of her college-aged son Tim, charted a course forward. The business came within a month of closing and they nearly sold the company. When a potential buyer undercut the agreed-upon price, Gert responded with defiance:

For that price, “I’ll run it into the ground myself.” 

Instead of selling, Gert, Tim and a small group of dedicated employees launched Columbia into the stratosphere.

It’s perfect. Now make it better.

Inspiring people to thrive outdoors means a dedication to refining and the spirit of grit from longtime leader, Gert Boyle, the legendary force behind the iconic quote:

“It’s perfect. Now make it better.”

Recommendation #460795
Recommendation #455977
Recommendation #549660

Refining and perfecting: The Interchange System

The Interchange Jacket is a prime example of the Columbia dedication to perfection and refinement.

In the 1980s, Columbia introduced Interchange, a 3-in-1 jacket system with a shell and a liner that can be worn separately or zipped together, to adapt to any weather.

Scroll through ExpertVoice member experiences over the Whirlibird Interchange Jacket’s variations.

Designed to perform, not conform

Nature can be fragrant forests and flowery meadows. Columbia knows: It can also be scorching heat, torrential rain and splashing mud.

That’s why Columbia engineers designs for whatever nature can throw at you.