Columbia Sportswear

I was lucky enough to get a tour of this Columbia Sportswear distribution center the other night, and it was super amazing! I am a Supply & Logistics Management business major over at Portland State and one of my 400 level courses is the reason I got to tour this facility. I don’t believe it is open to the public.
Any supply chain dork would love a look into how a large company like Columbia Sportswear gets their product distributed out to all their many customers. The warehouse is HUGE! If you count both the floor space as well as the different mezzanine levels overhead there is 1.5 million square footage. There are conveyors carrying product from one department to another and other conveyors that weigh boxes in a split second. They have a crazy cool scanner system that knows when to sticker boxes and when not to.
The staff members were great and I appreciate that they were willing to give up some of their time to show us around.
Hopefully one day I will be luck enough to work for such a cool company.

I’m pumped about Columbia. They just went a step beyond keeping their word on their warranty. I had an old combination shell and fleece lining jacket — did they used to call them Bugaboo’s? Anyway, I had washed it so many times the yellow had faded to tan in some places (not all the dirt would come out), but it was still waterproof and workable, except for the zipper. So I sent it in for repair — they promise to repair any jacket they sell.
I heard nothing for a few months. Then I got a call from the Warranty Department. They couldn’t repair a zipper that old, the rep said, the new ones don’t fit the same. So they would send me a new jacket; all I had to do was pick out the color and send in the liner. Sure enough, yesterday I received a whole new jacket — liner and shell — free.
That’s how you keep your word. Thank you, Columbia. This morning I announced this to my exercise class. Actually, I’m telling all my friends. No wonder you don’t see Columbia Sportswear in the Goodwill. Who would give away a deal like that?

Outdoor gear junkie? Columbia takes their warranties seriously!
**Review for luggage and backpacks:
I bought two rolling backpacks online (Ridge Runner C1204−407), in 2002ish, when I started doing heavy globe trotting. These were backpacks that you could snap in [the included] smaller day-​packs, and just roll everything with one hand. I’d wear one on my back, roll the other, then detach a day-​pack for carry-​on. Or, just strap them all together to create one unit. I had it down! Til this day I have yet to see a bag engineered so brilliantly. So, you could imagine how upset I was after 10 years, when the handle on one broke and the other bag began to rip.
THE COMPLAINT
I had thrown $$$$ down on these bags because they came with a lifetime warranty. I was so scared that Columbia wouldn’t be able to fix them, that I just kept using them — causing further damage. When I booked my last international trip, I called Columbia and they promised to take care of me by either fixing my bags or replacing them with similar items. I just needed to pack them up and enclose a letter detailing my concerns. Letters of complaint — pshhh never a problem.
THE SOLUTION
After two weeks, I was connected with Ben (I think). He explained that while my bags were amazing, they were no longer in production. However, he offered to help me select new bags for the retail price; and when that wasn’t enough to cover the overall functionality that I’d become accustomed to, they let me go a little over budget so I could feel good about my replacements.
JUSTIFIED LOYALTY — SCIENCE & CAPACITY
They did the math — that’s hot! I returned two rolling backpacks that functioned like luggage/​hiking packs, and two small daypacks (set). In exchange, I received a (1) lightweight backpacking backpack with rain cover and ergonomic back frame (trail grinder 40L) (2) a small rolling duffel for carry-​on and (3) and their largest xl rolling duffel bag. It took us an hour to figure it how many liters I was used to carrying at once, and how I could get the same capacity, versatility, and desired look — given their current stock. I don’t think it would have taken most people this long, but I’m an overly conscious consumer who researches everything. In retrospect, I should have jotted down Ben’s suggestions then called back, but he labored through with me — much appreciated.
SCORE
The added bonus: the new design of my new backpack meets carry-​on restrictions [to date], because they got rid of the bulk. This means that olé girl [hopefully] never has to check her bag again — unless she wants to! The bag just rolls into position in the overhead bin. It is so lightweight in design that I don’t even travel with the roller bags. OK, kinda lying because it depends on the trip — at times I will check the small rolling duffel with books or shoes. However, most of the time, this former bag lady only carries one bag. A+ for making me a more efficient traveler.
BOTTOM LINE
My initial investment in Columbia paid off. When it comes to bags, they have a customer for life in me!
NOTES:
They have a cute little store at PDX airport. The staff is awesome — truly love their own gear. You can go in here and geek out over everything Columbia including socks and blankies without judgment — they love it too.

convenient airport kiosk for impulse shopping. Columbia is cheaper than north face or Patagonia