"The Columbia Sports Apparel Company is a firm that makes as well as distributes outerwear, sportswear, and footwear, as well as headwear, camping equipment, ski clothing, as well as outerwear accessories.

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

Columbia's rapid sales growth was sustained by its jackets, which featured breathable waterproof textile as well as interchangeable coverings and linings."