"The Columbia Sportswear Firm is a firm that produces and also distributes outerwear, sportswear, as well as shoes, along with headwear, outdoor camping tools, ski clothing, and also outerwear devices.

It was founded in 1938 by Paul Lamfrom, the father of Gert Boyle. The company is headquartered in Cedar Mill, an unincorporated area in Washington Area, Oregon, in the Portland metropolitan area near Beaverton.

Columbia's rapid sales growth was sustained by its jackets, which featured breathable water-proof fabric and compatible shells as well as linings."