Which climbing equipment brand is owned by Columbia?

Mountain Hardwear is the climbing-equipment brand owned by Columbia Sportswear.

Mountain Hardwear was founded in 1993 in Richmond, California, by outdoor-industry veterans formerly associated with Sierra Designs. From the beginning, it concentrated on technical equipment and clothing for mountaineering, climbing, skiing, and other demanding outdoor activities.

Columbia acquired Mountain Hardwear in 2003. The brand remained distinct rather than becoming simply another Columbia clothing label, allowing it to preserve its specialist identity and focus on high-performance mountain products. Its catalog has included technical apparel, tents, sleeping bags, packs, and climbing-oriented equipment.

The most likely mix-up is Black Diamond, which is also strongly associated with climbing but is a separate company. Patagonia and The North Face likewise make climbing and mountain gear, yet neither is Columbia’s climbing-focused subsidiary. Mountain Hardwear’s connection to Columbia is a corporate ownership relationship, not merely a retail partnership or licensing arrangement.