Whether you want to summit an 8,000-metre peak, venture into the deep Alaskan depths or simply hike up to the hut with your family at the weekend, your equipment should meet the highest standards. That is definitely the philosophy of Mountain Hardwear. From the very beginning, the people behind the brand knew that they didn't want to settle for mediocrity, because your time outdoors is quality time.
With this idea and the highest quality standards, a handful of industry veterans founded Mountain Hardwear in Richmond, California in 1993. Early on, they brought Ed Viesturs onto the team. Ed had previously been the first American to climb all fourteen 8,000-metre peaks. So they had someone who knew what was important on the mountain and would put the products through their paces.
Enjoying a colourful world
This collaboration with athletes has been successively expanded to this day, with not only successes but also diversity playing a major role in the selection process. Mountain Hardwear is very passionate about diversity anyway, lives it from the inside out and is a strong advocate for every colour of the rainbow.
In addition to the athletes, the company also works closely with mountain guides, because they are out there every day, need the best equipment and provide great insights for the development and further development of the material. There is also a strong focus on working with non-profit organisations that are committed to the development of mountaineering and climbing. After all, such organisations provide an important contribution so that more people can experience the fun of being outdoors and enjoy it more safely.
At Mountain Hardwear, form follows functionality
The high quality standard also means that form follows function at Mountain Hardwear. Of course, things can and should also look good, but only if no lazy compromises have to be made. Performance means keeping your physical and mental well-being high when you explore the world. In short: you should feel good in every moment and in every situation.
The best example of this is the almost legendary Ghost Whisperer Jacket. This ultra-light, clean insulation jacket with RDS-certified down excellently demonstrates Mountain Hardwear's craftsmanship and is exactly the piece you always want to have with you on the mountain.
Be unique, be you
Show courage. Dare to be different. Throw yourself into life and chase the next challenge. Find new ways to discover the world and get to know yourself better in the process. Enjoy the happiness of living life to the full. Mountain Hardwear has dedicated itself to this principle, it drives the makers to constantly develop the existing and underlies everything new.
The takeover by Columbia in 2003 has not changed this. If anything, this has only increased professionalism and synergies can be used efficiently.
Sustainability at Mountain Hardwear
To ensure that we can continue to experience nature in all its glory in the future, Mountain Hardwear also pays close attention to the issue of sustainability with PFC-free waterproofing, recycled materials, bluesign® certified products, gentle dyeing processes and responsibly produced down.
The motto for every product is: what lasts longer doesn't have to be replaced. What can be repaired does not have to be thrown away. A claim that can be completely reconciled with Mountain Hardwear's high quality promise.