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Founded in 1965 by Bob Swanson and George Marks in Point Richmond, California, Sierra Designs emerged from a shared passion for the outdoors and a commitment to making high-quality gear accessible to all. Their journey began at The Ski Hut in Berkeley, where their mutual interests in climbing and backpacking laid the foundation for a brand that would pioneer numerous outdoor innovations.
From its inception, Sierra Designs was a family affair, with the founders’ dedication leading to a team of 28 full-time employees by 1968, including George’s mother in the sewing department. This close-knit team was instrumental in developing groundbreaking products, such as the 60/40 Mountain Parka, which combined durability and weather resistance, setting a new standard in outdoor apparel.
Bob Swanson’s innovative spirit didn’t stop with Sierra Designs. After selling the company, he co-founded Walrus tents, further contributing to advancements in outdoor gear. Today, Sierra Designs continues to uphold its founders’ vision, offering functional and attainable equipment that encourages people to embrace the outdoors, regardless of their background or experience level.
Founders Bob Swanson and George Marks, whose shared passion for the outdoors led to the creation of Sierra Designs.
While some things have changed over the past 50 years, our mission has remained the same. Today, Sierra Designs is still the place to go for happy dogs, new and exciting ideas, and always-reliable camping gear. We draw inspiration from the mountains, the desert, and the beach. We draw inspiration from outside our offices and from the trails that lead into the heart of the Rockies. We draw inspiration from all kinds of adventures, big and small. We live by the philosophy of “thinking outside the box” because adventure is where happiness comes from.
