Progressing Potential
Moments of challenge define us as human beings. During those moments, our character, resolve and our values are tested in ways that enable us to grow, realize our potential and push ourselves a little further. Mountain Hardwear was founded by a group of passionate people who believed anything is possible, and that anything worth pursuing in life required challenge. They were in an industry of sameness with a herd mentality. It was time to challenge the way things were being done, time to shake it up and challenge the status quo. In the first 18 years, our brand has been focused on the literal mountain. Climbing to the highest peaks in the world, standing on their summits and celebrating the moment. We have always looked for the next big challenge, the next big climb, the steepest descent, the longest wild run to feed our insatiable appetite to test our resolve, and push beyond our perceived limits and learn a little more about ourselves. As we learned more about ourselves, grew, and expanded as human beings, and within our culture, we realized standing on the peak didn’t define who we were and our potential; it was the moments of challenge, along the journey that defined us. We celebrate those individuals and are inspired by big dreamers that believe anything is possible. We build the world’s most innovative, carefully crafted products to enable those people who seek out challenge as a way to progress their own potential in life.
Timeline
2011
Introduced Dry.Q™ Elite, the first instant-on waterproof⁄breathable technology.
Introduced the Ueli Steck Project collection, a complete climbing apparel and equipment system at under 12.5 pounds
Introduced award–winning Hoopla tent design.
Introduced award–winning, super lightweight Ghost Whisperer fabric.
2010
Introduced Coolwave Suspension System to athletic packs
2009
Developed Hardwave Framesheet for backpacks, providing a superb carry while maintaining flexibility
Introduced MicroClimate Zoning™ in aerobic apparel
Pioneered industry-leading 100 Wash DWR finish on Expedition Down sleeping bags. Five times more durable than conventional DWRs.
Developed Advanced Fit-Lock™ hipbelt to maximize load transfer and comfort on long haul backpack trips
2008
Launched the Red Savina Heated Glove - the next generation of heated glove technology with Aevex® Intelligent Heat™
Developed Terra Shell fabric - 3 Layer Conduit™ with an industry-leading 40,000 MVTR breathability rating and a 20,000mm waterproof rating
Introduced MicroClimate Zoning™ within Baselayer product line
Developed ultralight Hollowcore 25D nylon rainfly
Introduced the weight-saving, variable diameter Atlas UL tent pole
Developed superlight grommet tab system for Tents
Evolved the FitLock harness into a unique full-torso weight distribution system
2007
Thermic Micro™ Insulation
Partnered with Gore to develop the world's first women's-specific WINDSTOPPER® fabrics
Pioneered Pro Shell with Micro-Grid Backer and the use of 8 mm seam tape
Revolutionized waterproof/breathable with Incite™ fabric and the Quark and Stimulus Jackets
Introduced fully-welded, waterproof glove
2006
Exodus™ Backpack System
Torch Jacket with z-Weld seam wins
MicroClimate Zoning
2005
First fully welded soft shell garment featuring our z-Weld seam
Atlas Poles
Welded down garments
2004
Hybrid construction soft shell
2003
Crossflow tent construction (patent)
First waterproof sleeping bags
Superlight equipment and apparel
Exterior taping on soft shells
2002
Pioneered "Weatherprotective" soft shell garments with Windstopper®
2001
PowerClip for tents
Partnered with Gore® to develop Windstopper® next-to-skin garment fabric
2000
Pioneered Gore-Tex® XCR®
1999
Conical Waists (patent) on pants and rotated seams on shirts for backpacking
Conduit SL introduced in sleeping bags and down outerwear
1998
Simplex zipper closure
Welded technology first used in apparel
1997
Invented the Tension Shelf and Tension Arch (patent) for tents
Conduit 3-Layer Waterproof Breathable Membrane created
1996
Weather protection tent innovations
Pioneered Windstopper® Fleece
1995
First window use in tent flys
Upgrade zipper system for sleeping bags (patent)
1994
Ergonomic Hood with single hand draw cord
1993
Mountain Hardwear founded
