Compass: Charting the Evolution of Outdoor Gear

Moonstone History

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1977

Moonstone Mountaineering started in Arcata, California by Fred Williams, out of his out of his thirty-foot trailer

1981

introduce Moonpile, a nylon fibrepile fabric for warmwear

1980

design sleeping bags with Texolite aluminised polyethylene radiant barrier, said to 14% warmer than unlined bags

1982

introduce Texolite sleeping bags with softer, silicone treated Polarguard

1985

enters the apparel side of the outdoor industry with their two layer Gore-Tex Challenge Jacket and Parka

1987

introduce Dryline mid-weight bodywear, made from Allied Signal’s nylon Hydrofil

1995

Fred Williams sells Moonstone to Outdoor Industries Group (OIG), with Williams staying on as President

1997

Esprit buy Moonstone brand from OIG

1998

launch a new website, including a business to business portal

website showcases the company’s 105 product line-up

wins a "Gold Award" for World Wide Web/On-Line Advertising

Gerry Sportswear, a division of Amerex buys Moonstone from Esprit

1999

show the outdoor trade Moonstone’s first summer apparel collection

2000

introduces to the trade over 25 apparel styles, and a new technical glove line, which includes Gore Activent fabric

product line-up includes hard shells, soft shells, insulation, fleece, performance knit, and sleeping bags

2001

Pacific Trails buy Moonstone brand

Line culled to 50 products

2002

Moonstone product selected for National Geographic Society's 50th anniversary Everest expedition

2006

Columbia Sportswear acquire Pacific Trails and with it the Moonstone brand, for $20.4 million USD cash plus liabilities