Mountain Hardwear Wins 2011 Gold Industry Award at OutDoor Show

RICHMOND, CALIF. (July 20, 2011) – Mountain Hardwear, a leader in innovative, premium outdoor apparel, equipment and accessories, was honored by iF International Forum Design with four 2011 Industry Awards including one 2011 GOLD Industry Award at the annual OutDoor Show in Friedrichshafen, Germany.

The new Spinoza jacket with the lightweight, waterproof, breathable and air permeable Dry.Q Elite technology won the 2011 Industry GOLD Award in the Material Innovations Category. As the jury noted, “All the best ideas have been included in one jacket: the innovative material, perfect workmanship, optimum climate comfort. The revolutionary membrane technology combined with the ultimate in waterproof protection make this jacket a GOLD award winner.”

The sub-2-ounce Ghost Whisperer Anorak, a wind- and water-resistant shell that can truly be carried in a pocket was also honored with a 2011 Industry Award in the Material Innovations Category. Two products created in cooperation with alpinist Ueli Steck received 2011 Industry Awards. The SummitRocket 40, a lightweight pack in which all non-integral components are removable, was recognized in the Backpacks/Travel Luggage Category and the Direkt 2 tent, a 2-pound, 8-ounce 2-person tent for extreme high-alpine conditions, was honored in the Mountain-Climbing Equipment Category.

The sixth annual OutDoor Industry Award organized by iF International Forum Design aims to provide the retail trade as well as consumers with an endorsement of good design and a sense of orientation amidst a flourishing market. The top product awards were chosen by a jury of seven judges who met over a period of two days to examine 301 product entries from 23 countries.

About Mountain Hardwear:
Mountain Hardwear is a leader in innovative, premium outdoor apparel, equipment and accessories. We celebrate bold ideas, the drive to challenge the edges of our potential, and the joy, friendships and personal growth that come from that endeavor. We work with era-defining athletes to develop lightweight, easy-to-use and incredibly well-crafted outdoor clothing and equipment. Mountain Hardwear, Inc., founded in 1993 and based in Richmond, CA, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear Company and distributes its products through specialty outdoor, running, and sporting goods retailers in the United States and 58 countries worldwide. www.mountainhardwear.com

For more information, contact: Mountain Hardwear Public Relations Manager Laura Schaffer at 510.558.2909 or lschaffer@mountainhardwear.com.