Mountain Hardwear Technical Outdoor Gear Since 1993
Mountain Hardwear emerged when nine industry innovators, including five women and four men, left Sierra Designs to build gear “for the mountain, not the masses”. On Halloween 1993, Mountain Hardwear was finally established for climbers, by climbers.
The brand quickly caught the attention of elite climbers, being based in Richmond, California. Ed Viesturs, the first American to summit all fourteen 8,000-meter peaks, joined early as a product collaborator. He pushed designs like the Absolute Zero down suit to the world’s highest summits.
It was acquired by Columbia Sportswear in 2003. Mountain Hardwear remained true to its roots. It continued engineering alpine apparel, tents, and sleeping bags crafted with obsessive precision, which is still true. The brand is guided by a philosophy of “wild engineering,” prioritizing durable, experience-driven design.
What sets them apart is their uncompromising quality created for those who live on wilder paths
