Columbia Sportswear – Official Outfitter of the National Parks

The UK’s 15 National Parks have made Columbia Sportswear the Official Outfitter to the National Park rangers and staff – the people who protect and promote some of Britain’s best-loved landscapes.

Demonstrating huge commitment to the National Parks, Columbia is outfitting upwards of 2,000 National Park staff including 300 rangers, providing high quality clothing that’s ‘tested tough’ and designed to keep them warm, dry, cool and protected in Britain’s toughest conditions. This is part of a five-year partnership, announced last summer.

Containing some of Britain’s most important and beautiful landscapes, the UK’s 15 National Parks (ten in England, three in Wales and two in Scotland) are free to visit and host over 100 million visitors each year. In addition to outfitting rangers and staff and obtaining their valuable feedback on the gear, Columbia will work alongside the National Parks on new initiatives to deepen the public’s understanding of their National Parks and encourage more people to enjoy the outdoors.

See Jack, Finn and Suzy, three of the Lake District Rangers, talking about their jobs and testing Columbia gear in the video below.

Andy Barker, General Manager UK & IR Columbia Sportswear said: “At Columbia, our mission is to help people enjoy the outdoors longer. That’s why we consider it our responsibility to be conscientious stewards of our shared environment. Becoming a partner of the UK’s National Parks is an unrivalled opportunity to highlight the amazing work conducted by rangers and staff.”

Rangers and staff are entrusted to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Parks for all who visit. Their efforts range from rebuilding mountain paths to repairing river moorings, and from leading guided walks to educating school children and community groups about the great outdoors. And they undertake much of this work in some of the wettest, most challenging weather in the world.

Jacquie Burgess, Chair of National Parks UK, said:  “Columbia Sportswear is showing a strong commitment to the UK’s National Parks with this partnership. Providing clothing for more than 2,000 staff is a very significant contribution, supporting the very heart of our work.  Columbia will take a leading role in helping to increase public understanding of our wonderful National Parks by sharing the stories of our people and our Parks over the coming five years.”