Columbia Sportswear Company is a United States company that manufactures and distributes outerwear and sportswear. It began as a small, family-owned hat distributor in 1937, and today is a publicly traded company that produces footwear, headgear, camping equipment, skiwear, and outerwear accessories. Columbia's jackets feature waterproof fabric that is also breathable. Additionally, new jackets feature interchangeable shells and liners. Multiple wearing options and fabric technology have fueled the company's rapid sales growth.