COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR CO
S-1/A, 1998-03-25
APPAREL, PIECE GOODS & NOTIONS
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<PAGE>
   
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MARCH 25, 1998
    
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-43199
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                 --------------
 
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 3
    
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-1
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                                 --------------
 
                          COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY
 
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                               <C>                            <C>
            OREGON                           5130                          93-0498284
 (State or other jurisdiction          (Primary Standard                (I.R.S. Employer
      of incorporation)                   Industrial                 Identification Number)
                                  Classification Code Number)
</TABLE>
 
                              6600 NORTH BALTIMORE
                             PORTLAND, OREGON 97203
                                 (503) 286-3676
 
         (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
            area code, of Registrant's principal executive offices)
 
                              PATRICK D. ANDERSON
                            CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
                          COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY
                              6600 NORTH BALTIMORE
                             PORTLAND, OREGON 97203
                                 (503) 286-3676
 
           (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agent for service)
                                ----------------
 
                                   COPIES TO:
 
          STEPHEN E. BABSON                           JOHN L. SAVVA
          ROBERT J. MOORMAN                        SULLIVAN & CROMWELL
           STOEL RIVES LLP                 444 SOUTH FLOWER STREET, SUITE 1200
   900 SW FIFTH AVENUE, SUITE 2300            LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90071
        PORTLAND, OREGON 97204                        (213) 955-8000
            (503) 224-3380
 
                                ----------------
 
        APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
  As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
                                ----------------
 
    If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box. / /
 
    If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. / /
- ------------
 
    If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. / /
- ------------
 
    If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. / /
- ------------
 
    If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
check the following box. / /
                                ----------------
 
    THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
<PAGE>
   
                  SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MARCH 25, 1998
    
 
                                5,600,000 SHARES
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
                                  -----------
 
    Of the 5,600,000 shares of Common Stock offered, 4,480,000 shares are being
offered hereby in the United States and 1,120,000 shares are being offered in a
concurrent international offering outside the United States. The initial public
offering price and the aggregate underwriting discount per share will be
identical for both offerings. See "Underwriting."
 
    All of the 5,600,000 shares of Common Stock offered are being sold by the
Company.
 
    Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the Common Stock
of the Company. It is estimated that the initial public offering price per share
will be between $15.00 and $17.00. For factors to be considered in determining
the initial public offering price, see "Underwriting."
 
    SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 8 FOR CERTAIN CONSIDERATIONS RELEVANT
TO AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON STOCK.
 
    The Common Stock has been approved for quotation on the Nasdaq National
Market under the symbol "COLM" upon notice of issuance.
 
                                 --------------
 
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
 EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
  AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
                   ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
           ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                                 --------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                INITIAL PUBLIC         UNDERWRITING          PROCEEDS TO
                                OFFERING PRICE         DISCOUNT(1)            COMPANY(2)
                             --------------------  --------------------  --------------------
<S>                          <C>                   <C>                   <C>
Per Share..................           $                     $                     $
Total(3)...................           $                     $                     $
</TABLE>
 
- --------------
 
(1) The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
    liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933. See
    "Underwriting."
 
(2) Before deducting estimated expenses of $740,000 payable by the Company.
 
(3) The Company has granted the U.S. Underwriters an option for 30 days to
    purchase up to an additional 672,000 shares at the initial public offering
    price per share, less the underwriting discount, solely to cover
    over-allotments. Additionally, the Company has granted the International
    Underwriters a similar option with respect to an additional 168,000 shares
    as part of the concurrent international offering. If such options are
    exercised in full, the total initial public offering price, underwriting
    discount and proceeds to Company will be $         , $         and
    $         , respectively. See "Underwriting."
 
                                 --------------
 
    The shares offered hereby are offered severally by the U.S. Underwriters, as
specified herein, subject to receipt and acceptance by them and subject to their
right to reject any order in whole or in part. It is expected that the shares
will be ready for delivery in New York, New York, on or about                ,
1998, against payment therefor in immediately available funds.
 
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
                NATIONSBANC MONTGOMERY SECURITIES LLC
                                 PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED
                                 --------------
 
             The date of this Prospectus is                , 1998.
<PAGE>
[Picture of Company advertisement featuring Gertrude Boyle, with caption "In
Oregon This Is Sexy.-- Tim Boyle, President, Columbia Sportswear."
 
[Picture of Company advertisement featuring Gertrude Boyle, with caption "Quotes
From Chairman Ma. Inspiration from Mother Boyle, the skiwear revolutionary who
kowtows to no one. 'Follow the correct path to outdoor comfort, through the
Columbia Interchange System.' 'All that is required to overcome adversity are
reinforced stress points, double sewn seams, taller tunnel collars and storm
flaps.' 'Am I the only one who thinks in this business?' 'Evolution through
adaptation: when weather changes, one's ski parka had better change with it.' 'A
sensible and functional design is well suited to the masses. Have it on my desk
tomorrow.' 'I asked for a fifth outside pocket. Not how much it would cost.' 'A
reversible liner that is also waterproof? Sounds impossible. Build me one.'
'It's perfect. Now make it better.' "]
 
[Pictures of (i) model on beach wearing Company jacket, (ii) model fly-fishing
in Company vest, (iii) model hunting in Company jacket, (iv) model skiing in
Company jacket, (v) model skiing in Company jacket and (vi) model jumping in
Company sportswear.]
<PAGE>
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
   
    THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH, AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY, THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO APPEARING ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS. EXCEPT AS
OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS (I) ASSUMES NO EXERCISE OF
THE UNDERWRITERS' OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTIONS, (II) GIVES RETROACTIVE EFFECT TO THE
RECAPITALIZATION DESCRIBED IN "DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK" AND (III) GIVES
RETROACTIVE EFFECT TO A 0.59-FOR-ONE REVERSE SPLIT OF THE COMMON STOCK EFFECTED
IN MARCH 1998.
    
 
THE COMPANY
 
    Columbia Sportswear Company ("Columbia" or the "Company") is a global leader
in the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of active outdoor
apparel. As one of the largest outerwear manufacturers in the world and the
leading seller of skiwear in the United States, the Company has developed an
international reputation across an expanding product line for quality,
performance, functionality and value. The Company believes its award-winning
advertising campaigns effectively position the Columbia brand as active,
outdoor, authentic and distinctly American.
 
    Established in 1938, the family-owned Company has grown from a small,
regional hat distributor to a global leader in the active outdoor apparel
industry. The Company has its roots and developed its initial expertise in the
production of high quality, rugged outdoor fishing and hunting gear for the
serious sportsman. Known for durability and dependability at a reasonable price,
the Company leveraged its brand awareness in the 1990s by expanding into related
merchandise categories and developing its "head-to-toe" outfitting concept. The
Columbia brand appeals to a large, increasingly international consumer base.
Today, the Company distributes its products to over 10,000 retailers in 30
countries. The Company's sales and operating income have increased to $353.5
million and $44.3 million in 1997 from $18.8 million and $1.6 million in 1987,
representing compound annual growth rates of 30.6% and 35.1%, respectively. The
Company believes it will continue to grow by enhancing the productivity of
existing retailers, expanding distribution in international markets and further
developing merchandise categories.
 
    The Company groups its broad range of competitively priced merchandise into
four categories-- outerwear, sportswear, rugged footwear and related
accessories. The durability, functionality and affordability of Columbia's
products make them ideal for use in a wide range of outdoor activities,
including skiing, snowboarding, hunting, fishing, hiking and golf, as well as
for casual wear. Throughout the product development cycle, merchandising and
design teams collaborate with retailers, the Columbia sales force and consumers
to ensure that the final product assortment of coordinated "head-to-toe"
merchandise meets or exceeds customer expectations. Across all of its product
lines, Columbia brings a commitment to innovative, functional product design and
a reputation for durable, high quality materials and construction. Columbia
believes it offers consumers one of the best price-value equations in the
outdoor apparel industry.
 
BUSINESS STRENGTHS
 
    ESTABLISHED AND DIFFERENTIATED OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE BRAND.  The Company
believes the Columbia brand represents a differentiated, active, outdoor,
authentic and distinctly American image built on quality, functionality,
performance and value. The Company's award-winning international marketing
campaigns, which feature Chairman Gertrude Boyle in the role of "Mother Boyle,"
an overbearing taskmaster who enforces tough Columbia quality standards,
emphasize this distinctive brand image.
 
    BROAD AND GROWING APPEAL.  Columbia's merchandise appeals to a broad range
of consumers of varying ages and income levels, from serious outdoorsmen to
weekend sports enthusiasts. The Company's price-value equation is attractive to
a large segment of the $10.4 billion U.S. retail outdoor apparel market.
Columbia is effectively positioned to compete against lower priced or unbranded
products based on brand image and product features, and against higher priced,
largely technical or fashion brands based on superior value and generally lower
price points. The Company has benefited in the
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
past and expects to continue to benefit from the trend toward casual dressing
and from the growth in demand for active lifestyle apparel.
 
    PREMIUM QUALITY AT A REASONABLE PRICE.  Columbia maintains a strong focus on
providing a superior mix of quality and value, which are defining elements of
the brand. The Company believes it is able to offer merchandise similar in
quality to its competitors at attractive price points by using its long-standing
supplier relationships to source high quality products from around the world
while controlling costs, relying on Company-supervised production of merchandise
by independent manufacturers, involving itself in the supply chain at an earlier
stage than is typical in the industry and avoiding the overdesign of its
products.
 
    PROVEN AND EXPERIENCED MANAGEMENT TEAM.  Senior management of Columbia has
substantial experience in the apparel industry and a demonstrated track record
of sales and earnings growth. Chairman Gertrude Boyle has been involved in the
business since 1970; President and Chief Executive Officer Timothy P. Boyle
joined Columbia in 1971; and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer Don Richard Santorufo joined the Company in 1979. Under their leadership
over the past decade, the Company's sales and operating income have increased at
compound annual growth rates of 30.6% and 35.1%, respectively. Immediately
following the Offerings, senior management will own over 76.8% of the Company.
 
    FUNCTIONAL AND PERFORMANCE-ORIENTED DESIGN.  All Columbia merchandise is
designed and developed in-house by experienced merchandising and design teams.
Working closely with internal sales and production teams as well as with
retailers and consumers, the Company's merchandising and design teams can reduce
the risks of fashion swings by developing superior products that are tailored
specifically to meet consumer requirements. Because its products are designed
for functionality and durability, the Company does not attempt to lead consumer
preferences or differentiate its products based primarily on fashion. In fact,
many new products are based on existing designs, such as the Bugaboo Parka, a
consistent best seller for more than a decade.
 
    EFFECTIVE "HEAD-TO-TOE" MERCHANDISING.  Columbia's "head-to-toe"
merchandising strategy presents retailers and consumers with a wide selection of
apparel and rugged footwear that shares common color palettes and outdoor
themes. Retailers and consumers both benefit from the ability to use Columbia as
a single source for an attractive array of merchandise. The Company's flagship
store, recently opened in Portland, Oregon, and the Company's successful
store-within-a-store concept ("concept shops") provide showcases for Columbia's
coordinated merchandise.
 
    SOURCING AS A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE.  Columbia's merchandise is produced
worldwide by independent manufacturers selected, monitored and coordinated by
local Columbia employees to assure conformity to strict quality and cost
standards. The Company believes the use of independent manufacturers, in
conjunction with the use of Columbia sourcing personnel rather than agents,
increases its production flexibility and capacity and allows it to maintain
control over critical aspects of the sourcing process, while at the same time
substantially reducing capital expenditures and avoiding the costs of managing a
large production work force.
 
    SUPERIOR INVENTORY MANAGEMENT.  From the time of purchasing through
production, distribution and delivery, the Company manages its inventory to
reduce risk. The sequencing of the product design, sourcing, production and
selling cycle mitigates inventory risk, in part by offering special discounts to
customers that purchase merchandise early. Because the Company's products are
not based primarily on fashion, and because Columbia undertakes extensive
analysis to ensure that its products are what consumers require, the Company
believes its inventory risk is not as great as that of some of its competitors.
A new state-of-the-art inventory management information system, expected to be
fully operational in late 1998, is expected to further enhance the Company's
ability to manage its inventory.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
GROWTH STRATEGY
 
    ENHANCE CHANNEL PRODUCTIVITY OF EXISTING CUSTOMERS.  The Company plans to
improve the productivity of its existing customers by expanding its concept
shops and installing brand enhancement systems. Concept shops, which promote a
consistent brand image, are located within the stores of the Company's customers
and are dedicated exclusively to selling Columbia merchandise. As of December
31, 1997, the Company had 164 concept shops worldwide and plans to double this
number by the end of 1998. The Company believes its concept shops increase sales
by displaying a complete selection of merchandise and promoting
cross-merchandising opportunities on a year-round basis. Smaller-scale brand
enhancement systems, which include signage and fixtures that prominently display
consolidated groupings of Columbia merchandise, offer benefits similar to
concept shops. By the end of 1998, the Company also expects to have installed
1,000 in-store brand enhancement systems.
 
    LEVERAGE THE COLUMBIA BRAND NAME IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS.  The Company
intends to capitalize on its size, strong U.S. brand position and worldwide
brand recognition by targeting certain high opportunity markets for development
or expansion. The Company has identified Europe and Asia as regions where
outdoor activities are consistently popular and where the Company can exploit
its active, outdoor, authentic and distinctly American brand image and
reputation for value. The Company is seeking to enhance its distribution in a
number of countries, including the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Spain, The
Netherlands, Sweden and Germany. The Company will assume control of the
distribution of its products in Japan in late 1998 and recently opened sales
counters dedicated to Columbia merchandise in 15 retail stores in South Korea.
Although the Company has made significant progress in international expansion
over the last several years, substantial opportunity for growth exists. Net
sales outside North America have increased from $9.0 million in 1993 to $35.4
million in 1997, but still represented only 10.0% of the Company's total net
sales in 1997.
 
    DEVELOP EXISTING MERCHANDISE CATEGORIES.  The Company intends to realize
growth by further developing existing product categories, such as sportswear and
rugged footwear, where there remains ample room for growth in market share. The
Company's success in designing and marketing products has allowed Columbia to
significantly broaden its assortment in existing categories. From 1993 through
1997, outerwear and sportswear sales increased 43.7% and 221.5%, respectively,
in part as a result of new product introductions. Since it was introduced in
1993, net sales of the Company's rugged footwear have increased from $1.2
million to $24.3 million in 1997. The Company believes opportunities exist for
continued rapid growth in sales of rugged footwear as distribution is expanded
to sporting goods and specialty outdoor stores that carry the Company's
outerwear and sportswear categories.
 
    SELECTIVELY BROADEN RETAIL DISTRIBUTION.  The Company believes that over the
longer term significant opportunities exist to increase sales of its products to
department stores and footwear specialty shops. Although sales to department
stores accounted for less than 19% of the Company's U.S. net sales in 1997, the
Company believes this percentage will rise because department store retailers
often prefer to purchase products from vendors that can offer complete
head-to-toe product lines.
 
    The Company was established in 1938 and was incorporated under Oregon law in
1961. The Company's executive offices are located at 6600 North Baltimore,
Portland, Oregon 97203, and its telephone number is (503) 286-3676.
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    See "Risk Factors" for a discussion of certain factors that should be
considered by prospective purchasers of the Common Stock.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
                                THE OFFERINGS(1)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                       <C>
Shares of Common Stock offered:
  U.S. Offering.........................................  4,480,000 shares
  International Offering................................  1,120,000 shares
    Total Common Stock Offered..........................  5,600,000 shares
Total Common Stock to be outstanding after the
  Offerings.............................................  24,392,176 shares(2)
Use of proceeds.........................................  Payment of S corporation dividends to existing
                                                            shareholders. See "Use of Proceeds."
Proposed Nasdaq National Market symbol..................  COLM
</TABLE>
 
- --------------
 
(1) The offering of 4,480,000 shares of Common Stock initially offered in the
    United States (the "U.S. Offering") and the concurrent offering of 1,120,000
    shares of Common Stock initially offered outside the United States (the
    "International Offering") are collectively referred to as the "Offerings."
    The underwriters for the U.S. Offering (the "U.S. Underwriters") and the
    underwriters for the International Offering (the "International
    Underwriters") are collectively referred to as the "Underwriters." The
    completion of the U.S. Offering is conditioned on the completion of the
    International Offering, and vice versa.
 
(2) Excludes 2,500,000 shares reserved for issuance under the Company's 1997
    Stock Incentive Plan (the "Stock Incentive Plan"), of which 736,774 shares
    were subject to outstanding options at December 31, 1997 at a weighted
    average exercise price of $10.40 per share. See "Management--Stock Incentive
    Plan."
 
               SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
    This Prospectus includes forward-looking statements, including statements
concerning planned expansion and financial resources, in "Summary" under the
captions "The Company," "Business Strengths" and "Growth Strategy," in "Risk
Factors" under the captions "Uncertain Ability to Implement Growth Strategy" and
"Management of Growth; Expansion of Distribution Facility," in "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" under
the captions "Overview" and "Liquidity and Capital Resources" and in "Business"
under the captions "Introduction," "Business Strengths," "Growth Strategy,"
"Industry Overview," "Products," "Business Process" and "Management Information
System." These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future
performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties related to the Company's
operations, some of which are beyond the Company's control. Certain factors that
could cause results to differ materially from those projected in the
forward-looking statements are described in "Risk Factors," including, but not
limited to, competition, new product offerings by competitors and price
pressures; seasonality, fluctuations in operating results and economic
cyclicality; effects of weather; changes in consumer preferences; the Company's
ability to implement its growth strategy, including management of growth and
expansion of its distribution facility; dependence on key personnel, independent
manufacturers and key suppliers; advance purchases of products; risks related to
collectibility of receivables; product liability and warranty exposures;
international operations, including risks associated with foreign operations
such as currency exchange rate fluctuations; and dependence on proprietary
rights. Risks and uncertainties that could have a material adverse effect on the
Company are also described in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" under the captions "Quarterly Results of
Operations and Seasonality" and "Liquidity and Capital Resources," and in
"Business" under the captions "Intellectual Property," "Competition" and
"Government Regulation." Any of these risks or uncertainties may cause actual
results or future circumstances to differ materially from any future results or
circumstances expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained
in this Prospectus.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
                   SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                         -----------------------------------------------------
                                           1993       1994       1995       1996       1997
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales..............................  $ 192,055  $ 256,426  $ 303,797  $ 298,988  $ 353,452
Gross profit...........................     79,511    107,486    120,826    122,129    154,506
Selling, general and administrative
  expense(1)...........................     46,351     64,049     84,583     95,431    110,204
Earnings from operations...............     33,160     43,437     36,243     26,698     44,302
Net income.............................     30,748     38,324     28,726     21,010     39,296
Pro forma net income(2)................  $  18,883  $  24,130  $  18,286  $  13,487  $  24,425
Pro forma net income per share(2):
  Basic................................                                              $    1.00
  Diluted..............................                                              $    0.99
Pro forma weighted average shares
  outstanding(3):
  Basic................................                                                 24,392
  Diluted..............................                                                 24,650
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                                  --------------------------
                                                                   ACTUAL    AS ADJUSTED(4)
                                                                  ---------  ---------------
<S>                                                               <C>        <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital.................................................  $  69,706    $    60,194
Inventories.....................................................     48,300         48,300
Total assets....................................................    174,477        177,377
Long-term debt..................................................      2,831          2,831
Shareholders' equity............................................    110,535        101,023
</TABLE>
 
- --------------
 
(1) For 1995 includes a $2.5 million payment in settlement of certain
    litigation; for 1996 includes an $8.5 million charge related to the
    termination of a compensation arrangement in exchange for the issuance of
    Common Stock. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
    Condition and Results of Operations," "Management--Certain Transactions" and
    Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(2) The Company was an S corporation and accordingly was not subject to federal
    and, generally, state income taxes during the periods indicated. Pro forma
    net income reflects federal and state income taxes as if the Company had
    been a C corporation, based upon a pro forma effective tax rate of 40%. See
    "Dividend Policy and S Corporation Status" and Note 1 of Notes to
    Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(3) Includes the number of shares to be sold in the Offerings to generate
    proceeds to be used for the payment of dividends in the estimated aggregate
    amount of $95 million to existing shareholders, which the Company expects to
    declare prior to the completion of the Offerings. See "Dividend Policy and S
    Corporation Status," "Certain Transactions" and Note 1 of Notes to
    Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
   
(4) Adjusted to reflect (i) the payment of dividends of approximately $95
    million to existing shareholders, declared in March 1998, (ii) the recording
    of $2.9 million of deferred income tax benefit as if the Company had been a
    C corporation since 1988 and (iii) the sale of the 5,600,000 shares offered
    by the Company in the Offerings at an assumed initial public offering price
    of $16.00 per share and the application of the estimated net proceeds
    therefrom. See "Use of Proceeds," "Dividend Policy and S Corporation
    Status," "Certain Transactions" and Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated
    Financial Statements.
    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    IN ADDITION TO THE OTHER INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS, THE FOLLOWING RISK
FACTORS SHOULD BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED IN EVALUATING THE COMPANY AND ITS
BUSINESS BEFORE PURCHASING THE COMMON STOCK OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
COMPETITION
 
    The markets for outerwear, sportswear and rugged footwear are highly
competitive. Within each of its geographic markets, the Company faces
significant competition from global and regional branded apparel and footwear
companies, as well as retailers that market apparel and footwear under their own
labels. These and other competitors pose significant challenges to the Company's
market share in its major U.S. and Canadian markets and make it more difficult
to make gains in newer markets in Europe and Asia. The Company also competes
with other apparel and footwear companies for the production capacity of
independent manufacturers that produce the Company's apparel and for import
quota capacity. See "--Dependence on Independent Manufacturers" and
"Business--Business Process-- Sourcing and Manufacturing." Many of the Company's
competitors are significantly larger and have substantially greater financial,
distribution, marketing and other resources and have achieved greater
recognition for their brand names for product lines or certain products than the
Company. Increased competition by existing and future competitors could result
in reductions in display areas in retail locations, reductions in sales or
reductions in prices of the Company's products. There is no assurance that the
Company will be able to compete successfully against present or future
competitors or that competitive pressures faced by the Company will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company. See "Business--Competition."
 
SEASONALITY AND FLUCTUATIONS IN OPERATING RESULTS; ECONOMIC CYCLICALITY
 
    The Company's results of operations have fluctuated and may continue to
fluctuate significantly from period to period. The Company's products are
marketed on a seasonal basis, with a product mix now weighted substantially
toward the fall season. Consequently, the Company's results of operations for
the quarter ending September 30 have in the past been much stronger than the
results for the other quarters. This seasonality, along with other factors that
are beyond the Company's control, including general economic conditions, changes
in consumer behavior, weather conditions, availability of import quotas and
currency exchange rate fluctuations, could adversely affect the Company and
cause its results of operations to fluctuate. Results of operations in any
period should not be considered indicative of the results to be expected for any
future period. The sale of the Company's products, particularly skiwear, is
subject to substantial cyclical fluctuation. Sales tend to decline in periods of
recession or uncertainty regarding future economic prospects that affect
consumer spending, particularly on discretionary items. This cyclicality and any
related fluctuation in consumer demand could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's results of operations and financial condition. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Quarterly Results of Operations and Seasonality."
 
EFFECTS OF WEATHER
 
    Sales of the Company's outerwear are dependent in part on the weather and
may decline in years in which weather conditions do not favor the use of the
Company's outerwear. For example, the Company believes unseasonably warm weather
in the northern United States in late 1994 caused customers to delay, and in
some cases reduce or cancel, orders for the Company's outerwear, including
skiwear and snowboarding apparel, which had an adverse effect on the Company's
net sales and gross margins in 1994 and 1995. Sustained periods of unseasonably
warm weather could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
CONSUMER PREFERENCES
 
    The Company believes it has benefited from changing consumer preferences and
increasing consumer interest in outdoor activities and from lifestyle changes
that emphasize apparel designed for these activities, but these trends may not
continue. Any change in consumer preferences or consumer interest in outdoor
activities could have a material adverse effect on the Company. In addition,
although the Company believes its products have not been significantly affected
by past fashion trends, changes in fashion trends could have a greater impact as
the Company expands its product offerings to include more sportswear.
Furthermore, decisions about product designs often are made in advance of
consumer acceptance. Although the Company attempts to manage its inventory risk
through early commitments by retailers, production orders must generally be
placed with manufacturers before all of a season's orders are received by the
Company. Failure to anticipate and respond to changes in consumer preferences
and demands could lead to, among other things, lower sales, excess inventories
and lower margins, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
UNCERTAIN ABILITY TO IMPLEMENT GROWTH STRATEGY
 
    As part of its growth strategy, the Company seeks to develop existing
merchandise categories and increase international distribution, including in
countries where the Company has little distribution experience and where the
Company's brand name is not well-known. There is no assurance that these
strategies will be successful. The Company also intends to increase its sales of
products to department stores and expand the number of concept shops located
within retailers. Increasing sales to department stores, and the actual number
of concept shops to be opened and their success, will each depend on various
factors, including strength of the Company's brand name, competitive conditions,
the ability of the Company to manage the increased sales and concept shop
expansion, the availability of desirable locations and the negotiation of terms
with the department stores and the retailers in which the concept shops are
located. There is no assurance that future terms will be as favorable to the
Company as those under which the Company now operates or that these terms will
not adversely affect the Company's ability to manage inventory risk. There is no
assurance that the Company will be able to increase its sales to department
stores or to open and operate new concept shops on a profitable basis. There is
no assurance that the Company's growth strategies will be successful or that the
Company's sales or net income will increase as a result of the implementation of
such strategies. See "Business--Growth Strategy" and "--Business Process."
 
MANAGEMENT OF GROWTH; EXPANSION OF DISTRIBUTION FACILITY
 
    Successful implementation of the Company's business strategy will require
the Company to manage growth. To manage growth effectively, the Company will
need to continue to implement changes in certain aspects of its business, to
enhance its information systems and operations to respond to increased demand,
to attract and retain qualified personnel and to develop, train and manage an
increasing number of management-level and other employees. Growth could place an
increasing strain on Company management, financial, product design, marketing,
distribution and other resources, and the Company could experience operating
difficulties. The Company is replacing its management information system with an
enterprise system that integrates electronic data interchange ("EDI") and
inventory management capabilities. The system, some aspects of which are already
operational, is expected to be fully operational in late 1998. Delays or other
difficulties in implementing this system could disrupt the Company's ability to
manage its inventory effectively. In addition, the Company plans to increase the
size of its Portland, Oregon distribution facility substantially by early 1999
to meet expected future growth. In connection with this expansion, the Company
plans to implement a new warehouse management system. There is no assurance that
this expansion will be completed on time or will not interfere with existing
operations. Any failure to manage growth effectively could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
 
    The Company's future success will depend in part on the continued service of
certain key management and other personnel, including Gertrude Boyle, the
Company's Chairman, Timothy P. Boyle, the Company's President and Chief
Executive Officer, and Don Richard Santorufo, the Company's Executive Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer, and on the Company's ability to attract
and retain qualified managerial, design, sales and marketing personnel.
Competition for these employees is intense. There is no assurance that the
Company can retain its existing key personnel or that it can attract and retain
sufficient numbers of qualified employees in the future. The loss of key
employees or the inability to hire or retain qualified personnel in the future
could have a material adverse effect on the Company. See "Management."
 
DEPENDENCE ON INDEPENDENT MANUFACTURERS
 
    The Company's products are produced by approximately 115 independent
manufacturers worldwide. For 1997 product sales, approximately 94% (by dollar
volume) of the Company's products were produced by independent manufacturers,
and approximately 86% (by dollar volume) of the Company's products were produced
outside the United States, principally in the Far East. Other than its facility
for the production of fleece products and accessories in Chaffee, Missouri, the
Company does not operate any production facilities. Six manufacturers engaged by
the Company accounted for approximately 38.5% (by dollar volume) of the
Company's total production for 1997 product sales. The primary production
facilities of these manufacturers are located in Asia. No other manufacturer
accounted for more than five percent of the Company's total production for 1997
product sales.
 
    The inability of a manufacturer to ship orders of the Company's products in
a timely manner or to meet the Company's quality standards could cause the
Company to miss the delivery requirements of its customers for those items,
which could result in cancellation of orders, refusal to accept deliveries or a
reduction in purchase prices, any of which could have a material adverse effect
on the Company. Although the Company enters into a number of purchase order
commitments each season specifying a time frame for delivery, method of payment,
design and quality specifications and other standard industry provisions, the
Company does not have long-term contracts with any manufacturer. In addition,
the Company competes with other companies for the production capacity of
independent manufacturers and import quota capacity. Certain of these competing
companies have substantially greater brand recognition and financial and other
resources than the Company and thus may have an advantage in the competition for
production and import quota capacities. None of the manufacturers used by the
Company produces the Company's products exclusively.
 
    For production of a significant portion of the Company's products,
principally in China, Columbia directly purchases the raw material from
suppliers, obtains or arranges for any necessary import quotas and ships the
materials in a "kit" to the independent manufacturer that has been selected by
Columbia to produce the finished garment. This arrangement advances the timing
for inventory purchases and advances the point in the sourcing process at which
the Company is subject to the risk of loss or damage to the materials before a
finished garment is manufactured. In addition, independent manufacturers may
find traditional vendor relationships more profitable and may therefore perceive
an incentive to give priority to customers using those methods.
 
    The Company requires its independent manufacturers to operate in compliance
with applicable laws and regulations. Although the Company's internal and vendor
operating guidelines promote ethical business practices and the Company's
sourcing personnel periodically visit and monitor the operations of its
independent manufacturers, the Company does not control these vendors or their
labor practices. The violation of labor or other laws by an independent
manufacturer of the Company, or the divergence of an independent manufacturer's
labor practices from those generally accepted as ethical in the United States,
could result in adverse publicity for the Company and could have a material
adverse effect on the Company.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
DEPENDENCE ON KEY SUPPLIERS
 
    Certain of the specialty fabrics used by the Company and manufactured to its
custom specification may be available, in the short-term, from only one or a
very limited number of sources. While the Company believes it could identify and
qualify additional factories to produce these materials, the unavailability of
certain existing manufacturers for supply of these materials, for any reason,
could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
ADVANCE PURCHASES OF PRODUCTS
 
    To minimize purchasing costs, the time necessary to fill customer orders and
the risk of non-delivery, the Company places orders for its products with its
manufacturers prior to the time the Company has received all of its customers'
orders and maintains an inventory of certain products that it anticipates will
be in greater demand. There is no assurance, however, that the Company will be
able to sell the products it has ordered from manufacturers or that it has in
its inventory. Customer orders, moreover, are cancelable by the customer up to
45 days prior to the date of the shipment of the products. Inventory levels in
excess of customer demand may result in inventory write-downs and the sale of
excess inventory at discounted prices, which could have a material adverse
effect on the Company. As of December 31, 1997, the Company had $82.5 million of
open purchase orders with its manufacturers and $48.3 million of inventory at
cost. See "Business--Business Process."
 
RISKS RELATED TO COLLECTIBILITY OF RECEIVABLES
 
   
    The Company extends credit to its customers based on an assessment of a
customer's financial circumstances, generally without requiring collateral. To
assist in the scheduling of production and the shipping of seasonal products,
the Company offers customers discounts for placing pre-season orders and
extended payment terms for taking delivery before the peak shipping season.
These extended payment terms increase the Company's exposure to the risk of
uncollectible receivables. The Company's single largest customer, J.C. Penney
Company, Inc. ("J.C. Penney"), accounted for approximately eight percent of the
Company's net sales for 1997. Significant customers of the Company have
experienced financial difficulties in the past, and future financial
difficulties of customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
    
 
PRODUCT LIABILITY; WARRANTY EXPOSURE
 
    The Company's products are used in outdoor activities, sometimes in severe
weather conditions. Purchasers of these products depend on products to be well
designed and durable. Although the Company has not experienced any significant
expense as the result of product recalls or product liability claims, there is
no assurance that it will not incur expenses in connection with product recalls
or product liability claims that could have a material adverse effect on the
Company.
 
    Substantially all of the Company's products are backed by a lifetime limited
warranty for defects in quality and workmanship. The Company maintains a
warranty reserve for future warranty claims, but the actual costs of servicing
future warranty claims may significantly exceed the reserve, which could have a
material adverse effect on the Company. See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements.
 
INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
 
    Approximately 86% of the Company's products are sourced outside the United
States through arrangements with over 85 manufacturers in 12 countries. In
addition, the Company is increasing its international sales efforts. As a
result, the Company's business is subject to the risks generally associated with
doing business abroad, such as foreign governmental regulations, foreign
consumer preferences, political unrest, disruptions or delays in shipments and
changes in economic conditions in countries in which the Company manufactures or
sells its products. For example, the recent turmoil in Asian markets may
adversely affect the Company's ability to receive and deliver its products.
These factors, among others, could influence the Company's ability to sell its
products in international markets,
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
as well as its ability to manufacture its products or procure certain materials.
If any such factors were to render the conduct of business in a particular
country undesirable or impractical, there could be a material adverse effect on
the Company. The Company continues to monitor the political stability of the
Asian countries and the financial condition of the factories with which it
conducts business. Many of the Company's imports are subject to existing or
potential duties, tariffs or quotas that may limit the quantity of certain types
of goods that may be imported into the United States, including constraints
imposed by bilateral textile agreements between the United States and a number
of foreign countries. These agreements impose quotas on the amounts and types of
merchandise that may be imported into the United States from these countries.
These agreements also allow the signatories to adjust the quantity of imports
for categories of merchandise that, under the terms of the agreements, are not
currently subject to specific limits. The Company's imported products are also
subject to United States customs duties, which comprise a material portion of
the cost of the merchandise. The United States and the countries in which the
Company's products are produced or sold may impose new quotas, duties, tariffs
or other restrictions, or may adversely adjust prevailing quota, duty or tariff
levels, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company. A
significant portion of the Company's products is produced in China. In June 1997
President Clinton extended to June 1998 "most favored nation" ("MFN") non-
discriminatory trading status to China. Under U.S. law, MFN status for China is
reviewed annually. The United States has extended MFN status to China each year
since 1980. China is a material source of production for the Company. A
revocation of MFN status would result in a substantial increase in tariff rates
on goods imported from China and therefore could adversely affect the Company's
operations. In addition, in response to alleged transshipment of apparel by
China, the U.S. government may reduce quotas for certain garments imported from
China in 1998. A reduction in quotas for Chinese products could have a material
adverse effect on the Company. See "Business--Business Process--Sourcing and
Manufacturing" and "--Government Regulation."
 
CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATIONS
 
    The Company generally purchases its products in U.S. dollars. The Company,
however, sources a significant amount of its products overseas and the cost of
these products may be affected by changes in the value of the relevant
currencies. Price increases caused by currency exchange rate fluctuations could
make the Company's products less competitive or have an adverse effect on the
Company's margins. The Company's international revenue generally is derived from
sales in foreign currencies, and this revenue could be materially affected by
currency fluctuations, including upon translation of amounts received in foreign
currencies into U.S. dollars following sale by the Company. For example, net
sales and gross margins with respect to the Company's sales in Korea have been
adversely affected by the recent devaluation of the Korean won, although the
effect on the Company's overall operations has not been material. Currency
exchange rate fluctuations could also disrupt the business of the independent
manufacturers that produce the Company's apparel by making their purchases of
raw materials more expensive and adversely affecting their ability to obtain
financing for raw materials. Beginning in late 1997, the Company implemented a
program to hedge against its exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations.
There is no assurance that the hedging program will be successful or that
foreign currency fluctuations will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations--Overview."
 
DEPENDENCE ON PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
 
    The Company uses a number of trademarks, certain of which it has registered
with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and in selected foreign
countries. The Company believes its registered and common law trademarks have
significant value and that some of its trademarks are important to its ability
to create and sustain demand for its products. The Company also places
significant value on its trade dress, the overall appearance and the image of
its products. Although the Company has not been materially inhibited from
selling its products in connection with trademark or trade dress disputes, there
is no assurance that significant obstacles will not arise as it expands its
product line and geographic scope of its marketing. In markets outside the
United States, it may be more difficult for the Company to
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
establish its proprietary rights and to challenge successfully use of those
rights by other parties. There is no assurance, moreover, that the Company's
trademarks or trade dress do not or will not violate the proprietary rights of
others, that they would be upheld if challenged or that the Company would, in
that event, not be prevented from using its trademarks or trade dress, any of
which could have a material adverse effect on the Company. From time to time,
the Company discovers products that are counterfeit reproductions of the
Company's products or that otherwise infringe upon proprietary rights held by
the Company. If the Company is unsuccessful in challenging a party's products on
the basis of trademark or trade dress infringement, continued sales of these
products by that or any other party could adversely impact the Columbia brand,
result in the shift of consumer preference away from the Company and generally
have a material adverse effect on the Company. There is no assurance that
actions taken by the Company to establish and protect its trademarks and other
proprietary rights will be adequate to prevent imitation of its products by
others or to prevent others from seeking to block sales of the Company's
products as violating of trademarks and proprietary rights. In addition, the
Company could incur substantial costs in legal actions relating to the Company's
use of intellectual property or the use of the Company's intellectual property
rights by others, which even if successful, could have a material adverse effect
on the Company. In 1995 the Company paid $2.5 million to another party to settle
a dispute over the use of certain marks, including the word "Columbia." See
"Business--Intellectual Property."
 
ABSENCE OF PRIOR PUBLIC MARKET; POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE
 
    Prior to the Offerings, there has been no public market for the Company's
Common Stock. There is no assurance that an active trading market will develop
or be sustained after completion of the Offerings or that the market price of
the Common Stock will not decline below the initial public offering price. The
initial public offering price of the Common Stock will be determined through
negotiations between the Company and the representatives of the Underwriters.
See "Underwriting." The Company believes quarterly fluctuations in its financial
results and factors not directly related to the Company's operating performance,
such as product or financial results announcements by other apparel companies,
could contribute to the volatility of the price of its Common Stock, causing it
to fluctuate significantly. These factors, as well as general economic
conditions, such as recessions or high interest rates, may adversely affect the
market price of the Common Stock.
 
CONTROL BY PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS; BENEFITS TO EXISTING SHAREHOLDERS
 
    Upon completion of the Offerings, Gertrude Boyle, Chairman of the Board,
Timothy P. Boyle, President, Chief Executive Officer and a director and Ms.
Boyle's son, Sarah Bany, Director of Retail Operations and a director and Ms.
Boyle's daughter, and Don Santorufo, Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer, will beneficially own approximately 76.8% of the outstanding
Common Stock. As a result, if acting together they will be able to control all
matters requiring approval by the shareholders of the Company, including the
election of directors and the amendment of the Company's articles of
incorporation, without the cooperation of other shareholders. Furthermore, the
Company will use the net proceeds of the Offerings and increased borrowings to
pay dividends of approximately $95 million to existing shareholders of the
Company. See "Use of Proceeds," "Dividend Policy and S Corporation Status,"
"Certain Transactions" and "Principal Shareholders."
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
    Sales of a substantial number of shares of the Common Stock in the public
market following the Offerings, or the prospect of such sales, could adversely
affect the market price of the Common Stock and the Company's ability to raise
capital in the future in the equity markets. Upon completion of the Offerings,
there will be 24,392,176 shares of Common Stock outstanding. Of these shares,
the 5,600,000 shares to be sold in the Offerings will be eligible for immediate
resale without restriction under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), unless purchased by an "affiliate" of the Company, as that
term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Upon expiration of lock-up
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
   
agreements with the representatives of the Underwriters, 180 days after the date
of this Prospectus (or earlier with the consent of the representatives of the
Underwriters), 17,575,543 shares will be eligible for immediate resale subject
to the limitations of Rule 144. As of December 31, 1997, options to purchase
736,774 shares of Common Stock had been granted under the Stock Incentive Plan.
The Company intends to file as soon as practicable following completion of the
Offerings a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act covering
shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Stock Incentive Plan.
This registration statement is expected to become effective immediately upon
filing, whereupon, subject to the satisfaction of applicable exercisability
periods, Rule 144 volume limitations applicable to affiliates and, in certain
cases, the agreements with the representatives of the Underwriters referred to
above, shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of outstanding options
granted pursuant to the Stock Incentive Plan will be available for immediate
resale in the open market.
    
 
POTENTIAL ISSUANCE OF PREFERRED STOCK; ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECT OF OREGON LAW
 
    The Company is authorized to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of Preferred
Stock, and the Board of Directors may fix the preferences, limitations and
relative rights of those shares without any vote or action by the shareholders.
The potential issuance of Preferred Stock, certain provisions of Oregon law and
the concentrated ownership of the Company could make it more difficult for a
party to gain control of the Company. See "Description of Capital Stock."
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
    The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the 5,600,000 shares of
Common Stock by the Company in the Offerings (assuming an initial public
offering price of $16.00 per share and after deducting an assumed underwriting
discount and estimated offering expenses) are estimated to be $82.6 million
($95.1 million if the Underwriters' over-allotment options are exercised in
full). The Company intends to use the net proceeds to pay dividends to the
Company's existing shareholders.
 
                    DIVIDEND POLICY AND S CORPORATION STATUS
 
    The Company expects to retain any earnings to finance the expansion and
development of its business and, except as described below, has no plans to pay
cash dividends after the Offerings for the foreseeable future. The payment of
dividends is within the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will
depend on the earnings, capital requirements and operating and financial
condition of the Company, among other factors. Certain of the Company's credit
agreements restrict the Company's ability to pay dividends. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
    Since 1988 the Company has been treated for federal income tax purposes as
an S corporation under Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code and has
generally been treated as an S corporation for state income tax purposes under
comparable state tax laws. As a result, the Company's earnings through the day
preceding the date of termination of the Company's S corporation status (the
"Termination Date") have been or will be for federal and, generally, state
income tax purposes taxed directly to the Company's shareholders, at their
individual federal and state income tax rates, rather than to the Company. The
Termination Date will occur on or prior to the date of the closing of the
Offerings. Subsequent to the Termination Date, the Company will no longer be
treated as an S corporation and, accordingly, will be subject to federal and
state income taxes on its earnings. See Notes 1 and 2 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements.
 
   
    In 1997 and 1996, the Company declared cash dividends to its shareholders in
the aggregate amounts of $18,525,000 and $8,543,000, respectively. In March
1998, the Company declared additional dividends to its existing shareholders in
an amount equal to the greater of $95 million or the amount of the Company's
Subchapter S accumulated adjustments account as of the Termination Date, which
the Company believes will be approximately $95 million but could be greater. See
"Use of Proceeds" and "Certain Transactions."
    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
                                    DILUTION
 
    As of December 31, 1997, the Company had a net tangible book value (giving
effect to dividends of $95 million expected to be declared prior to completion
of the Offerings and the recording of a deferred tax asset in the amount of $2.9
million as described under "Capitalization") of approximately $17.7 million or
$0.94 per share. Net tangible book value per share is equal to total tangible
assets (total assets less intangible assets) less total liabilities of the
Company, divided by the number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding.
Without taking into account any adjustment in net tangible book value
attributable to operations after December 31, 1997, after giving effect to the
sale by the Company of 5,600,000 shares in the Offerings at an assumed initial
public offering price of $16.00, the net tangible book value of the Company as
of December 31, 1997 (after deduction of an assumed underwriting discount and
estimated offering expenses and the application of the net proceeds as described
under "Use of Proceeds") would have been approximately $100.3 million or $4.11
per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of
$3.17 per share to existing shareholders and an immediate dilution of $11.89 per
share to new investors. The following table illustrates this per share dilution:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                           <C>        <C>
Assumed initial public offering price per share.............................  $              16.00
  Net tangible book value per share as of December 31, 1997.................       0.94
  Increase per share attributable to new investors..........................       3.17
                                                                              ---------
Net tangible book value per share after the Offerings.......................                  4.11
                                                                                         ---------
Dilution per share to new investors.........................................             $   11.89
                                                                                         ---------
                                                                                         ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The following table summarizes as of December 31, 1997 the relative
investments of all existing shareholders and new investors, giving effect to the
sale by the Company of shares in the Offerings at an assumed initial public
offering price of $16.00 per share (without giving effect to underwriting
discount and offering expenses payable by the Company):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   SHARES PURCHASED         TOTAL CONSIDERATION
                                -----------------------  --------------------------   AVERAGE PRICE
                                  NUMBER      PERCENT       AMOUNT        PERCENT       PER SHARE
                                ----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ---------------
<S>                             <C>         <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
Existing shareholders.........  18,792,176        77.0%  $  15,535,000        14.8%     $    0.83
New investors.................   5,600,000        23.0      89,600,000        85.2          16.00
                                ----------       -----   -------------       -----
    Total.....................  24,392,176       100.0%  $ 105,135,000       100.0%
                                ----------       -----   -------------       -----
                                ----------       -----   -------------       -----
</TABLE>
 
    The above information assumes no exercise of any outstanding options after
December 31, 1997. As of December 31, 1997, there were outstanding options to
purchase an aggregate of 736,774 shares of Common Stock at exercise prices
ranging from $9.68 to $15.20 per share. Purchasers of shares of Common Stock
offered in the Offerings may incur additional dilution to the extent outstanding
stock options are exercised. See "Management--Stock Incentive Plan" and Note 10
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
    The following table sets forth the capitalization and short-term obligations
of the Company on an actual basis as of December 31, 1997 and on an as adjusted
basis to give effect to (i) the payment of dividends after December 31, 1997 and
(ii) the receipt and application of the estimated net proceeds to the Company
from the sale of the 5,600,000 shares of Common Stock offered by the Company in
the Offerings at an assumed initial public offering price of $16.00 per share.
This table should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the Consolidated
Financial Statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                                  --------------------------
                                                                   ACTUAL    AS ADJUSTED(1)
                                                                  ---------  ---------------
                                                                        (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                               <C>        <C>
Short-term obligations:
  Notes payable(2)..............................................  $  20,427    $    32,839
  Current portion of long-term obligations......................        154            154
                                                                  ---------  ---------------
    Total short-term obligations................................     20,581         32,993
Long-term obligations, net of current portion...................      2,831          2,831
                                                                  ---------  ---------------
Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred Stock, 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares
    issued and outstanding......................................     --            --
  Common Stock, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 18,792,176 shares
    issued and outstanding, actual; 24,392,176 shares issued and
    outstanding, as adjusted(3).................................     17,886        100,474
  Retained earnings.............................................    101,805          9,705
  Foreign currency adjustments..................................     (3,806)        (3,806)
  Unearned portion of restricted stock issued for future
    services....................................................     (5,350)        (5,350)
                                                                  ---------  ---------------
    Total shareholders' equity..................................    110,535        101,023
                                                                  ---------  ---------------
    Total capitalization........................................  $ 133,947    $   136,847
                                                                  ---------  ---------------
                                                                  ---------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
- --------------
 
   
(1) Adjusted to reflect (i) the payment of dividends in the estimated aggregate
    amount of $95 million for S corporation distributions to existing
    shareholders, which the Company declared in March 1998,(ii) borrowings of
    $12.4 million to pay dividends to shareholders, (iii) the recording of $2.9
    million of deferred income tax benefit as if the Company had been a C
    corporation and (iv) the sale of the 5,600,000 shares offered by the Company
    in the Offerings, receipt of the estimated net proceeds of $82.6 million
    therefrom and the application of such proceeds to payment of dividends by
    the Company. See "Use of Proceeds," "Dividend Policy and S Corporation
    Status," "Certain Transactions" and Notes 1 and 2 of Notes to Consolidated
    Financial Statements.
    
 
(2) Represents amounts due under certain of the Company's credit lines. See
    "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
    Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources" and Note 7 of Notes to
    Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(3) Excludes 2,500,000 shares reserved for issuance under the Stock Incentive
    Plan, of which 736,774 shares were subject to outstanding options at
    December 31, 1997 at a weighted average exercise price of $10.40 per share.
    See "Management--Stock Incentive Plan" and Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated
    Financial Statements.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
                      SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The selected financial data presented below for, and as of the end of, each
of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 1997 have been derived
from the audited financial statements of the Company. The financial data should
be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and the Consolidated Financial Statements
and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                         -----------------------------------------------------
                                           1993       1994       1995       1996       1997
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales..............................  $ 192,055  $ 256,426  $ 303,797  $ 298,988  $ 353,452
Cost of sales..........................    112,544    148,940    182,971    176,859    198,946
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Gross profit...........................     79,511    107,486    120,826    122,129    154,506
Selling, general and administrative
  expense(1)...........................     46,351     64,049     84,583     95,431    110,204
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Income from operations.................     33,160     43,437     36,243     26,698     44,302
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Interest expense, net..................      1,688      3,220      5,767      4,220      3,593
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Provision (benefit) for income taxes...        724      1,893      1,750      1,468      1,413
Net income.............................  $  30,748  $  38,324  $  28,726  $  21,010  $  39,296
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Earnings per share:
  Basic................................  $    1.81  $    2.26  $    1.69  $    1.24  $    2.09
  Diluted..............................  $    1.81  $    2.26  $    1.69  $    1.24  $    2.06
Weighted average shares outstanding:
  Basic................................     16,973     16,973     16,986     16,997     18,792
  Diluted..............................     16,973     16,973     16,986     16,997     19,050
 
Pro forma net income(2)................  $  18,883  $  24,130  $  18,286  $  13,487  $  24,425
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Pro forma net income per share(2):
  Basic................................                                              $    1.00
  Diluted..............................                                              $    0.99
Pro forma weighted average shares
  outstanding(3):
  Basic................................                                                 24,392
  Diluted..............................                                                 24,650
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                         -----------------------------------------------------
                                           1993       1994       1995       1996       1997
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital........................  $  35,002  $  48,971  $  47,726  $  59,797  $  69,706
Inventories............................     18,937     43,442     48,404     34,638     48,300
Total assets...........................     78,428    133,349    162,301    135,967    174,477
Long-term debt.........................      3,750      1,250     --          2,963      2,831
Shareholders' equity...................     43,394     61,992     70,458     91,936    110,535
</TABLE>
 
- --------------
 
(1) For 1995 includes a $2.5 million payment in settlement of certain
    litigation; for 1996 includes an $8.5 million charge related to the
    termination of a compensation arrangement in exchange for the issuance of
    Common Stock. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
    Condition and Results of Operations," "Management--Certain Transactions" and
    Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
(2) The Company was an S corporation and accordingly was not subject to federal
    and, generally, state income taxes during the periods indicated. Pro forma
    net income reflects federal and state income taxes as if the Company had
    been a C corporation, based upon a pro forma effective tax rate of 40%. See
    "Dividend Policy and S Corporation Status" and Note 1 of Notes to
    Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
   
(3) For 1997 includes the number of shares to be sold in the Offerings to
    generate proceeds to be used for the payment of dividends in the estimated
    aggregate amount of $95 million to existing shareholders declared in March
    1998. See "Dividend Policy and S Corporation Status," "Certain Transactions"
    and Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
    
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
OVERVIEW
 
    Established in 1938, Columbia has grown from a small, regional hat
distributor to a global leader in outdoor apparel. The Company has its roots and
developed its initial expertise in the production of high quality, rugged
outdoor fishing and hunting apparel for the serious sportsman. The Company
broadened its product offerings in the 1980s to include related merchandise
categories. In 1985 the Company introduced the Interchange System into its
outerwear line and opened the first of its six international sourcing offices,
further enhancing the value component of the Company's merchandise. In the 1990s
the Company leveraged its brand awareness by expanding its sportswear offerings
and introducing a rugged footwear line to complement its successful outerwear
line. Based on this success, the Company expanded into the international markets
through the establishment of direct sales operations in Canada, Europe and South
Korea and a network of independent distributors in South America, Japan,
Australia, New Zealand and certain European countries. Today, the Company sells
its products in 30 countries and its sales have increased to $353.5 million in
1997 from $18.8 million in 1987.
 
    From 1992 through 1995, sales increased at a compound annual growth rate of
34%. During this period of rapid sales growth, the Company recognized the need
to diversify its product offerings, which were dominated by the
fall/winter-oriented outerwear and accessory lines (84.6% in 1993), and to
expand its geographic distribution, which was dominated by domestic sales (88.5%
in 1993). To accomplish this, the Company established an internal merchandise
and design department for its sportswear line and purchased its Canadian
distributor in 1992. In 1993 the Company introduced its first footwear offering
to the market and expanded its wholesale distribution into Europe. In 1997 the
Company opened a flagship store in South Korea, and in the fall of 1998 the
Company will assume the wholesale operations in Japan now operated by its
Japanese distributor. See "Business--Business Process-- Sales and
Distribution--Asia." These actions diversified the Company's product offerings
and geographic distribution. For 1997 sales of the Company's sportswear and
footwear accounted for 25.8% and 6.9% of net sales, respectively, and sales
outside the United States accounted for 18.8% of net sales.
 
    Sales decreased slightly in 1996, primarily as a result of a poor retail
environment in 1995 that caused domestic customers to hold unseasonably high
inventories during the fall 1996 order season. This had the effect of depressing
fall 1996 orders. In addition, two of the Company's larger customers, which
together accounted for $10.2 million of the Company's net sales in 1995,
declared bankruptcy after the fall 1995 season. The decrease in the domestic
business was offset in part by a $10.3 million, or 65%, increase in foreign
sales for 1996. After 1996 the Company's sales growth resumed, with an 18.2%
increase for 1997. This increase in sales was the result of an improved retail
environment for most of the Company's significant U.S. customers, the continued
growth in sportswear and rugged footwear sales and the Company's increasing
brand acceptance in its foreign markets.
 
    The Company's gross margins are affected by its ability to maintain or
increase the price of its products and control production costs. Sales prices
are influenced by the strength of the Company's brand, competitive conditions
and the amount of inventory sold in close-out sales, which depends in part on
weather conditions and the retail environment as well as the Company's ability
to control inventory levels. Prior to 1995 the Company had experienced several
years of improved gross profit margins. This increase was the result of improved
efficiencies in the production of the foreign-sourced goods as well as the
strength of the brand in the marketplace. In 1995 and 1996 the Company
experienced a decline in gross margins from the prior years. For both years the
decrease was attributable to close-out sales of excess fall inventory from the
prior season. The excesses were the result of lower than anticipated reorders
due to a late winter in 1994 and a poor retail environment in 1995. In response
to the adverse effect on margins in 1995 and 1996, the Company implemented an
inventory management strategy to reduce the exposure to excess inventory
positions. This strategy includes obtaining customer orders closer to the
production cycle as well as reducing the reorder percentage assumed in the
production schedule. For 1996 the Company sold out of fall products with only
minimal
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
off-priced sales. Excess inventories also were minimal for 1997 and the
Company's gross margins improved significantly. The Company believes this
inventory management strategy, its increasing revenue derived from international
operations and the greater significance of sportswear and footwear in the
product offering have substantially reduced its exposure to weather-related
sales fluctuations.
 
    The Company's gross margins are also influenced by changes in its product
mix and relative levels of domestic and international sales. Generally, the
Company's outerwear products have generated higher gross margins than its
sportswear and rugged footwear products. In addition, the Company's
international sales have typically generated higher gross margins than those
realized on its domestic sales. Accordingly, the Company believes its increasing
emphasis on sportswear and rugged footwear products may tend to reduce gross
margins, while its expansion of international sales activity may strengthen
gross margins.
 
    In 1993 the Company experienced sales growth of 50.4%, followed by a 33.5%
increase in 1994. This near doubling of sales in a two-year period strained the
supporting infrastructure and resulted in relatively low selling, general and
administrative expense as a percentage of sales. During this period of rapid
sales growth, the Company focused on investing in its infrastructure to enable
continued expansion. Major areas of investment consisted of expansion of the
domestic distribution facilities, the establishment of sportswear and footwear
design and development departments, creation of a product development facility
in Hong Kong and establishment of a European sales headquarters. Significant
investment in infrastructure contributed to an increase in selling, general and
administrative expense as a percentage of sales to 31.2% for 1997 from 24.1% in
1993. The Company anticipates that it will be able to leverage selling, general
and administrative expense as a percentage of sales as the international sales
operations become more established and the sportswear and footwear segments of
the business continue to expand.
 
    The Company generally purchases its products in U.S. dollars. The Company,
however, sources a significant amount of its products overseas and the cost of
these products may be affected by changes in the value of the relevant
currencies. Price increases caused by currency exchange rate fluctuations could
make the Company's products less competitive or have an adverse effect on the
Company's margins. The Company's international revenue generally is derived from
sales in foreign currencies, and this revenue could be materially affected by
currency fluctuations, including upon translation of amounts received in foreign
currencies into U.S. dollars following sale by the Company. For example, net
sales and gross margins with respect to the Company's sales in Korea have been
adversely affected by the recent devaluation of the Korean won, although the
effect on the Company's overall operations has not been material. Currency
exchange rate fluctuations could also disrupt the business of the independent
manufacturers that produce the Company's apparel by making their purchases of
raw materials more expensive and adversely affecting their ability to obtain
financing for raw materials. Beginning in late 1997, the Company implemented a
program to hedge against its exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations.
See "Risk Factors--Currency Exchange Rate Fluctuations."
 
    The Company has operated as an S corporation since 1988 and, as a result,
has not been subject to federal or, generally, state income taxes. Accordingly,
the following discussion of the Company's historical results of operations does
not include a discussion of income tax expense. In connection with the
Offerings, the Company will become a C corporation subject to federal and state
income taxation and will record a net deferred tax asset of approximately $2.9
million and a corresponding nonrecurring benefit to income tax expense. See
"Dividend Policy and S Corporation Status" and Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    The following table sets forth certain financial data for the Company for
the periods indicated as a percentage of revenue.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                 ----------------------------------------------------------
                                                    1993        1994        1995        1996        1997
                                                 ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net Sales:
  United States................................       88.5%       88.8%       86.2%       82.1%       81.2%
  Canada.......................................        6.8         6.9         8.6         9.1         8.8
  Other International..........................        4.7         4.3         5.2         8.8        10.0
                                                     -----       -----       -----       -----       -----
    Total......................................      100.0       100.0       100.0       100.0       100.0
Cost of sales..................................       58.6        58.1        60.2        59.2        56.3
Gross profit...................................       41.4        41.9        39.8        40.8        43.7
Selling, general and administrative expense....       24.1        25.0        27.8        31.9        31.2
Income from operations.........................       17.3        16.9        11.9         8.9        12.5
</TABLE>
 
- --------------
 
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
    NET SALES.  Net sales increased 18.2% to $353.5 million in 1997 from $299.0
million in 1996. Domestic sales increased 16.8% to $287 million in 1997 from
$245.6 million in 1996. The domestic sales increase was due to strong growth in
volume for outerwear and sportswear categories, including the youth and fleece
products. Rugged footwear increased 87.1% or $10.0 million in 1997. The growth
in the sportswear and outerwear categories was primarily due to larger existing
customers who had experienced strong sell through on the 1996 product, while the
increase in rugged footwear was attributable to several new customers in
addition to the existing customer base. International sales, excluding Canada,
increased 34.9% to $35.4 million in 1997 from $26.3 million in 1996. The
increase was due primarily to a $5.3 million or 49.6% increase in European
direct sales. The increase is also attributable to volume growth in the
international markets where the Company's brand is gaining recognition. Canadian
sales grew 14.7% to $31.1 million in 1997 from $27.2 million in 1996.
 
    GROSS PROFIT.  Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 43.7% in 1997
compared to 40.9% in 1996. The increase in gross margin was due to improved
inventory management resulting in fewer mark downs and close-outs as well as
efficiencies in the manufacturing process and continued strength of the brand in
the market.
 
    SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE.  Selling, general, and
administrative expense increased 15.5% to $110.2 million in 1997 from $95.4
million in 1996. As a percentage of sales, selling, general, and administrative
expense decreased from 31.9% to 31.2%. Net of the $7.5 million nonrecurring
portion of the compensation expense recognized in 1996 for the conversion of
participation shares described below under "--Year Ended December 31, 1996
Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1995--Selling, General and Administrative
Expense," selling, general and administrative expense actually increased $22.3
million, or 25.3%. This increase was primarily attributable to the Company's
investment in personnel and operational infrastructure to support the product
line expansion, additional advertising and promotional expenditures to support
the brand and international expansion into Europe, South Korea and Japan.
Because these markets are in the start-up phase, personnel expenses and
advertising and promotional expenditures are disproportionately high as the
Company establishes the Columbia brand. The Company believes it can leverage
selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales as its
international operations become more established and its sportswear and footwear
sales expand.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
    INTEREST EXPENSE.  Interest expense decreased 14.9% in 1997 from 1996. The
decrease was attributable to lower borrowing requirements for working capital in
1997.
 
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
    NET SALES.  Net sales decreased 1.6% to $299.0 million in 1996 from $303.8
million in 1995. This decrease was due to a decline in domestic sales, which
decreased 6.2% to $245.6 million in 1996 from $261.9 million in 1995. The
domestic sales decrease primarily reflects the poor retail environment
experienced in the industry in fall 1995 selling season that resulted in
decreased preseason orders for 1996. In response to significant excess inventory
levels from the fall 1995 season and the high inventory levels held at the
retailers, the Company deliberately reduced the production of fall 1996
merchandise to limit the Company's exposure to reorder business. In addition,
two of the Company's larger customers, which together accounted for $10.2
million of the Company's sales in 1995, filed for bankruptcy after the fall 1995
season. This decrease was partially offset by the opening of two new outlet
stores in late 1995 and the Company's flagship store in late 1996. International
sales, excluding Canada, increased 65.4% to $26.3 million in 1996 from $15.9
million in 1995. The increase was due primarily to a $5.2 million, or 96.1%,
increase in European direct sales and a $5.1 million increase in sales to
international distributors. Canadian sales increased 4.6% to $27.2 million in
1996 from 1995.
 
    GROSS PROFIT.  Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 40.8% in 1996
compared to 39.8% in 1995. The lower gross margin experienced in 1995 was
attributable to excess off-priced inventory sales. Due to a very mild fall 1994
in the United States, the Company experienced a low reorder rate, resulting in
excess inventory that was sold off-price in the first quarter of 1995. In fall
1995, many of the Company's retail customers experienced poor sales, resulting
in cancellations for fall 1995 merchandise. In anticipation of lower reorders,
the Company elected to sell a significant amount of excess inventory in late
1995 at discount prices. The effect of these sales was lower gross margins for
the first and fourth quarters of 1995. Gross margins for the first quarter of
1996 were negatively affected by off-priced inventory sales carried over from
fall 1995. In 1996 the Company deliberately reduced the reorder factor for fall
1996 production. The reduced inventory exposure, coupled with a healthier retail
environment, resulted in minimal markdown sales in the fall 1996 selling season
and, consequently, improved gross margins in 1996 over the prior year.
 
    SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE.  Selling, general and
administrative expense increased 12.8% to $95.4 million in 1996 from $84.6
million in 1995. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and
administrative expense increased to 31.9% of sales in 1996 from 27.8% in 1995.
The increase was primarily due to the Company's investment in personnel and
systems infrastructure to support the growth of the Company's product offering
and the expansion of the European operation. In addition, the second phase of
the distribution center became operational in late 1995. The increase as a
percentage of sales was also affected by lower than anticipated preseason order
volume in 1996, influenced by the poor 1995 retail selling season. Based on the
lower order volume, the Company initiated a corporate cost containment strategy
for 1996 which included a reduced advertising budget, a delay in hiring of
additional personnel and reduced spending for discretionary projects. Selling,
general and administrative expense includes compensation recognized upon
conversion of participation shares to Common Stock for Don Richard Santorufo,
the Company's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Total
non-cash compensation recognized by the Company for 1996 related to the
conversion was $5.7 million. In addition to the non-cash compensation
recognized, the Company awarded Mr. Santorufo a cash bonus of $2.8 million to
cover the personal tax liability associated with the transaction. The Company
will continue to recognize additional compensation relating to the vesting of
these shares through the year 2004.
 
    INTEREST EXPENSE.  Interest expense decreased 26.8% in 1996 from 1995. The
decrease was attributable to lower borrowing requirements for working capital
needs.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
    QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND SEASONALITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              FOR THE QUARTER ENDED
                      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             1995                                                1996
                      --------------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------
                        MAR. 31      JUNE 30     SEPT. 30      DEC. 31      MAR. 31      JUNE 30     SEPT. 30      DEC. 31
                      -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                              (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                   <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
STATEMENTS OF
 EARNINGS DATA:
Net sales...........   $  44,762    $  62,933    $ 126,409    $  69,693    $  49,292    $  55,350    $ 121,597    $  72,749
As a % of full
  year..............       14.7%        20.7%        41.6%        23.0%        16.5%        18.5%        40.7%        24.3%
Gross profit........   $  14,851    $  26,551    $  54,604    $  24,820    $  16,035    $  20,192    $  54,386    $  31,516
As a % of full
  year..............       12.3%        22.0%        45.2%        20.5%        13.1%        16.5%        44.5%        25.9%
As a % of net
  sales.............       33.2%        42.2%        43.2%        35.6%        32.5%        36.5%        44.7%        43.3%
Income (loss) from
  operations........   $  (1,070)   $   7,989    $  30,074    $    (750)   $  (2,890)   $   1,572    $  28,338    $    (322)
As a % of net
  sales.............       (2.4)%       12.7%        23.8%         2.5%       (5.9)%         2.9%        23.3%         9.8%
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                             1997
                      --------------------------------------------------
                        MAR. 31      JUNE 30     SEPT. 30      DEC. 31
                      -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 
<S>                   <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
STATEMENTS OF
 EARNINGS DATA:
Net sales...........   $  54,495    $  49,695    $ 154,165    $  95,097
As a % of full
  year..............       15.4%        14.1%        43.6%        26.9%
Gross profit........   $  20,752    $  21,623    $  71,409    $  40,722
As a % of full
  year..............       13.4%        14.0%        46.2%        26.4%
As a % of net
  sales.............       38.1%        43.5%        46.3%        42.8%
Income (loss) from
  operations........   $  (1,131)   $    (852)   $  38,010    $   8,275
As a % of net
  sales.............       (2.1)%       (1.7)%       24.7%         8.7%
</TABLE>
 
    The Company's business is based on two primary wholesale selling seasons,
spring (December to June), which represented 20% of the 1997 business, and fall
(June to December), which represented 80% of the 1997 business by wholesale
dollar volume. The spring product mix is weighted toward sportswear, footwear
and lighter outerwear. These products generally have a lower unit selling price
and lower gross margin than the fall products. The fall product mix is weighted
toward the higher unit priced, higher margin outerwear. These seasonal
differences lead to significant fluctuations in operating results from quarter
to quarter. Historically the Company has recognized the majority of its profits
in the third quarter and has realized losses in the first quarter. Second and
fourth quarter results vary from year to year based on the shipping efficiencies
and reorder activity for fall product.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    The Company's main sources of liquidity have been cash flows from operations
and borrowings on short term credit facilities. Net cash provided by operations
for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 was $18.9 million, $66.8
million and $11.8 million, respectively.
 
    The Company's primary capital requirements have been for working capital,
investing activities associated with expansion of the distribution center,
systems development, build-out of the new flagship store and general corporate
needs. Net cash used in investing activities for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995 was $14.0 million, $10.9 million and $13.0 million,
respectively.
 
    Financing activities consist primarily of distributions to shareholders for
tax payments and net changes in the short term borrowings. Net cash provided by
(used in) financing activities for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995 was $(3.6 million), $(53.7 million) and $588,000, respectively.
 
    Prior to the Offerings, the Company was an S corporation and net income was
included in the shareholders' income for federal and certain state income tax
filings. To accommodate the payment of taxes, the Company generally made
substantial cash distributions to the shareholders in the first, third and
fourth quarters of each year. After the Offerings, the Company's cash flows from
financing activities will no longer reflect the distribution to shareholders for
tax purposes. The Company will be responsible, however, for corporate tax
payments, which will be reflected in the cash flow from operating activities.
 
    The Company has an unsecured revolving line of credit for $50 million with
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., which expires June 30, 1998. Funds borrowed bear
interest, at the Company's option, at a rate of (i) the CD Rate (as defined
therein) plus up to .75%, (ii) the Base Rate (as defined therein) minus up to
2.1% or (iii) LIBOR plus up to .75%. The amount of interest varies depending on
the ratio of the Company's indebtedness to tangible net worth. If an event of
default occurs, the Company is prohibited, subject to certain exceptions, from
making dividend payments or other distributions. As of December 31, 1997, $14.0
million was outstanding under this line of credit bearing interest at a rate of
6.5%. The Company expects to renew or replace this line of credit upon its
expiration.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
    The Company is party to a Buying Agency Agreement with Nissho Iwai American
Corporation ("Nissho") pursuant to which Nissho provides the Company unsecured
credit, the amount of which varies annually at Nissho's discretion, and acts as
a buying agent on behalf of the Company. At December 31, 1997, the maximum
amount available under the Nissho Agreement was $120.0 million, which includes
$70.0 million allowed under the credit line and amounts available for letters of
credit. Borrowings bear interest at a rate of 0.5% above the three month LIBOR
rate. In addition, the Company pays Nissho a commission of 1.5% of the FOB price
of the goods purchased by Nissho in its capacity as buying agent. The Company is
prohibited from paying dividends in excess of (i) 50 percent of the Company's
income after provision for state and federal income taxes and (ii) 100 percent
of the proceeds of a common stock offering completed following the Offerings.
The Offerings and the distribution of proceeds from the Offerings will not
violate the agreement with Nissho. The agreement expires September 30, 1998. As
of December 31, 1997, $11.0 million was outstanding under the Company's line of
credit with Nissho.
 
    The Company maintains a credit agreement with The Hong Kong and Shanghai
Banking Corporation Limited for an uncommitted and unsecured line of credit with
a combined limit of $60 million. Within this limit, up to $45 million may be
used as an import line of credit for issuing documentary letters of credit and
up to $25 million may be used as a revolving line of credit for working capital.
Funds borrowed under the agreement bear interest, at the Company's option, at
either a fixed rate for a specified number of days at the bank's cost of funds
plus 0.35%, or a floating rate of the prime rate minus 2%. As of December 31,
1997, no balance was outstanding under the agreement.
 
    The Company's Canadian and Japanese subsidiaries also maintain separate
credit arrangements. If a subsidiary's credit arrangement is unsecured, the
Company generally guarantees the subsidiary's obligations under the credit
arrangement.
 
    To assist in the scheduling of production and the smooth shipping of
seasonal products, the Company offers customers discounts for placing pre-season
orders and extended payment terms for taking delivery before the peak shipping
season. Accordingly, the Company may have significant exposure regarding the
collection of receivables from its customers. The Company has credit policies
and procedures in place to manage the credit risk. The Company believes the
additional costs associated with the payment term extension program are more
than offset by the reduced exposure to inventory excesses and the increased
distribution efficiencies. The payment term extension program results in peak
short term borrowing on the credit facilities in October before the first due
date under the payment term extension program. See "Risk Factors--Risks Related
to Collectibility of Receivables."
 
    The Company estimates that capital expenditures for 1998 will be
approximately $40 million. This amount will be primarily for the final
implementation of the new management information system and the expansion and
reconfiguration (including a new warehouse management system) of the existing
distribution center. The new enterprise management information system, which is
expected to be fully operational by late 1998, will address the Year 2000 issue
on all core Company business systems. The Company has other ancillary systems
that will be modified to address the Year 2000 issue. The Company, however,
cannot be certain that these planned system modifications will be completed in a
timely fashion. In addition, the Company has not thoroughly analyzed the impact
of other parties' computer system failures, but the Company believes costs
incurred in responding to other parties' Year 2000 computer system failures,
together with the cost of modifications to the Company's computer systems, will
not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations or financial
condition. The total expenditure for the distribution center project, scheduled
for completion in April 1999, is estimated to be $33 million, including $30
million expected to be expended in 1998 and the remaining $3 million to be
expended in 1999.
 
    The Company's current primary sources of liquidity are cash flow from
operations and borrowings under short term credit facilities. The Company
believes cash flow from operations, funds available under its credit facilities
and funds available under the borrowing arrangement it expects to enter into to
fund the expected construction and reconfiguration of its distribution center
will be sufficient to satisfy
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
the Company's liquidity requirements for the next 12 months. In connection with
the anticipated distribution center project, the Company intends to enter into a
long term borrowing arrangement in mid-1998 to provide funds to complete the
project. The Company believes that its liquidity requirements for the next 12
months and beyond will be adequately covered by the anticipated long term
borrowing facility and its short term arrangements.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
                                    BUSINESS
 
INTRODUCTION
 
    Columbia is a global leader in the design, manufacture, marketing and
distribution of active outdoor apparel. As one of the largest outerwear
manufacturers in the world and the leading seller of skiwear in the United
States, the Company has developed an international reputation across an
expanding product line for quality, performance, functionality and value. The
Company believes its award-winning advertising campaigns effectively position
the Columbia brand as active, outdoor, authentic and distinctly American.
 
    Established in 1938, the family-owned Company has grown from a small,
regional hat distributor to a global leader in the active outdoor apparel
industry. The Company has its roots and developed its initial expertise in the
production of high quality, rugged outdoor fishing and hunting gear for the
serious sportsman. Known for durability and dependability at a reasonable price,
the Company leveraged its brand awareness in the 1990s by expanding into related
merchandise categories and developing its "head-to-toe" outfitting concept. The
Columbia brand appeals to a large, increasingly international consumer base.
Today, the Company distributes its products to over 10,000 retailers in 30
countries. The Company's sales and operating income have increased to $353.5
million and $44.3 million in 1997 from $18.8 million and $1.6 million in 1987,
representing compound annual growth rates of 30.6% and 35.1%, respectively. The
Company believes it will continue to grow by enhancing the productivity of
existing retailers, expanding distribution in international markets and further
developing merchandise categories.
 
    The Company groups its broad range of competitively priced merchandise into
four categories-- outerwear, sportswear, rugged footwear and related
accessories. The durability, functionality and affordability of Columbia's
products make them ideal for use in a wide range of outdoor activities,
including skiing, snowboarding, hunting, fishing, hiking and golf, as well as
for casual wear. Throughout the product development cycle, merchandising and
design teams collaborate with retailers, the Columbia sales force and consumers
to ensure that the final product assortment of coordinated "head-to-toe"
merchandise meets or exceeds customer expectations. Across all of its product
lines, Columbia brings a commitment to innovative, functional product design and
a reputation for durable, high quality materials and construction. Columbia
believes it offers consumers one of the best price-value equations in the
outdoor apparel industry.
 
BUSINESS STRENGTHS
 
    ESTABLISHED AND DIFFERENTIATED OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE BRAND.  The Company
believes the Columbia brand represents a differentiated, active, outdoor,
authentic and distinctly American image built on quality, functionality,
performance and value. The Company's award-winning international marketing
campaigns, which feature Chairman Gertrude Boyle in the role of "Mother Boyle,"
an overbearing taskmaster who enforces tough Columbia quality standards,
emphasize this distinctive brand image.
 
    BROAD AND GROWING APPEAL.  Columbia's merchandise appeals to a broad range
of consumers of varying ages and income levels, from serious outdoorsmen to
weekend sports enthusiasts. The Company's price-value equation is attractive to
a large segment of the $10.4 billion U.S. retail outdoor apparel market.
Columbia is effectively positioned to compete against lower priced or unbranded
products based on brand image and product features, and against higher priced,
largely technical or fashion brands based on superior value and generally lower
price points. The Company has benefited in the past and expects to continue to
benefit from the trend toward casual dressing and from the growth in demand for
active lifestyle apparel.
 
    PREMIUM QUALITY AT A REASONABLE PRICE.  Columbia maintains a strong focus on
providing a superior mix of quality and value, which are defining elements of
the brand. The Company believes it is able to offer merchandise similar in
quality to its competitors at attractive price points by using its long-standing
supplier relationships to source high quality products from around the world
while controlling
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
costs, relying on Company-supervised production of merchandise by independent
manufacturers, involving itself in the supply chain at an earlier stage than is
typical in the industry and avoiding the overdesign of its products.
 
    PROVEN AND EXPERIENCED MANAGEMENT TEAM.  Senior management of Columbia has
substantial experience in the apparel industry and a demonstrated track record
of sales and earnings growth. Chairman Gertrude Boyle has been involved in the
business since 1970; President and Chief Executive Officer Timothy P. Boyle
joined Columbia in 1971; and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer Don Richard Santorufo joined the Company in 1979. Under their leadership
over the past decade, the Company's sales and operating income have increased at
compound annual growth rates of 30.6% and 35.1%, respectively. Immediately
following the Offerings, senior management will own over 76.8% of the Company.
 
    FUNCTIONAL AND PERFORMANCE-ORIENTED DESIGN.  All Columbia merchandise is
designed and developed in-house by experienced merchandising and design teams.
Working closely with internal sales and production teams as well as with
retailers and consumers, the Company's merchandising and design teams can reduce
the risks of fashion swings by developing superior products that are tailored
specifically to meet consumer requirements. Because its products are designed
for functionality and durability, the Company does not attempt to lead consumer
preferences or differentiate its products based primarily on fashion. In fact,
many new products are based on existing designs, such as the Bugaboo Parka, a
consistent best seller for more than a decade.
 
    EFFECTIVE "HEAD-TO-TOE" MERCHANDISING.  Columbia's "head-to-toe"
merchandising strategy presents retailers and consumers with a wide selection of
apparel and rugged footwear that shares common color palettes and outdoor
themes. Retailers and consumers both benefit from the ability to use Columbia as
a single source for an attractive array of merchandise. The Company's flagship
store, recently opened in Portland, Oregon, and the Company's successful
store-within-a-store concept ("concept shops") provide showcases for Columbia's
coordinated merchandise offerings.
 
    SOURCING AS A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE.  Columbia's merchandise is produced
worldwide by independent manufacturers selected, monitored and coordinated by
local Columbia employees to assure conformity to strict quality and cost
standards. The Company believes the use of independent manufacturers, in
conjunction with the use of Columbia sourcing personnel rather than agents,
increases its production flexibility and capacity and allows it to maintain
control over critical aspects of the sourcing process, while at the same time
substantially reducing capital expenditures and avoiding the costs of managing a
large production work force.
 
    SUPERIOR INVENTORY MANAGEMENT.  From the time of purchasing through
production, distribution and delivery, the Company manages its inventory to
reduce risk. The sequencing of the product design, sourcing, production and
selling cycle mitigates inventory risk, in part by offering special discounts to
customers that purchase merchandise early. Because the Company's products are
not based primarily on fashion, and because Columbia undertakes extensive
analysis to ensure that its products are what consumers require, the Company
believes its inventory risk is not as great as that of some of its competitors.
A new state-of-the-art inventory management information system, expected to be
fully operational in late 1998, is expected to further enhance the Company's
ability to manage its inventory.
 
GROWTH STRATEGY
 
    ENHANCE CHANNEL PRODUCTIVITY OF EXISTING CUSTOMERS.  The Company plans to
improve the productivity of its existing customers by expanding its concept
shops and installing brand enhancement systems. Concept shops, which promote a
consistent brand image, are located within the stores of the Company's customers
and are dedicated exclusively to selling Columbia merchandise. As of December
31, 1997, the Company had 164 concept shops worldwide and plans to double this
number by the end of 1998. The Company believes its concept shops increase sales
by displaying a complete selection of merchandise and promoting
cross-merchandising opportunities on a year-round basis. Smaller-scale
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
brand enhancement systems which include signage and fixtures that prominently
display consolidated groupings of Columbia merchandise, offer benefits similar
to concept shops. By the end of 1998, the Company also expects to have installed
1,000 in-store brand enhancement systems.
 
    LEVERAGE THE COLUMBIA BRAND NAME IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS.  The Company
intends to capitalize on its size, strong U.S. brand position and worldwide
brand recognition by targeting certain high opportunity markets for development
or expansion. The Company has identified Europe and Asia as regions where
outdoor activities are consistently popular and where the Company can exploit
its active, outdoor, authentic and distinctly American brand image and
reputation for value. The Company is seeking to enhance its distribution in a
number of countries, including the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Spain, The
Netherlands, Sweden and Germany. The Company will assume control of the
distribution of its products in Japan in late 1998 and recently opened sales
counters dedicated to Columbia merchandise in 15 retail stores in South Korea.
Although the Company has made significant progress in international expansion
over the last several years, substantial opportunity for growth exists. Net
sales outside North America have increased from $9.0 million in 1993 to $35.4
million in 1997, but still represented only 10.0% of the Company's total net
sales in 1997.
 
    DEVELOP EXISTING MERCHANDISE CATEGORIES.  The Company intends to realize
growth by further developing existing product categories, such as sportswear and
rugged footwear, where there remains ample room for growth in market share. The
Company's success in designing and marketing products has allowed Columbia to
significantly broaden its assortment in existing categories. From 1993 through
1997, outerwear and sportswear sales increased 43.7% and 221.5%, respectively,
in part as a result of new product introductions. Since it was introduced in
1993, net sales of the Company's rugged footwear have increased from $1.2
million to $24.3 million in 1997. The Company believes opportunities exist for
continued rapid growth in sales of rugged footwear as distribution is expanded
to sporting goods and specialty outdoor stores that carry the Company's
outerwear and sportswear categories.
 
    SELECTIVELY BROADEN RETAIL DISTRIBUTION.  The Company believes that over the
longer term significant opportunities exist to increase sales of its products to
department stores and footwear specialty shops. Although sales to department
stores accounted for less than 19% of the Company's U.S. net sales in 1997, the
Company believes this percentage will rise because department store retailers
often prefer to purchase products from vendors that can offer complete
head-to-toe product lines.
 
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
 
    Between 1991 and 1996 the U.S. retail market for outdoor apparel grew 18.0%
to $10.4 billion from $8.8 billion. The increased sales of outdoor apparel has
resulted, in large part, from the growth in the popularity of outdoor
activities. For example, according to the National Sporting Goods Association,
between 1994 and 1996 the number of people who participated in snowboarding
increased 76%, climbing 39%, in-line skating 31%, mountain biking 27% and
backpacking 17%. The growth in the popularity of outdoor activities has also
spurred an increase in sales of active outdoor apparel to consumers who do not
participate in these activities. The global trend toward casual dressing both in
and out of the workplace has also contributed to the increase in sales of active
outdoor apparel.
 
    Sales of sportswear and rugged footwear have also increased in recent years.
From 1995 to 1996 sales of sportswear and rugged footwear in the United States
increased 6.6% and 4.3%, respectively. The Company believes the growth in the
sportswear market is fueled by a number of factors, including increasing
popularity of casual dressing worldwide, global interest in sports and active
lifestyles, consumer interest in brands, as well as innovative product design,
increased marketing and promotion expenditures and larger and more attractive
retail formats. The Company expects the growth in the rugged footwear market to
continue as the number of products designed to suit a greater variety of outdoor
activities and conditions proliferates.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
PRODUCTS
 
    The Company offers a broad range of durable and functional outdoor apparel
that represents exceptional value to the consumer. The Company's products are
grouped into four broad categories-- outerwear, sportswear, rugged footwear and
related accessories--and are sold as casual wear as well as for use in a wide
range of outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, hunting, fishing,
hiking and golf.
 
    The Company believes its Columbia brand represents a differentiated active,
outdoor, authentic, value-oriented and distinctly American image and designs its
products to reinforce this image. In both the design and production phases, the
Company focuses its efforts on the development of popular, higher volume
products at moderate price points. The Company's merchandise is durable and
functional, incorporating useful technical details such as pockets that double
as vents, double storm flaps over zippers and "gutters" that facilitate water
run-off. The Company's attention to technical details derives from Columbia's
long experience producing specialized hunting and fishing apparel and
contributes to the authenticity and functionality of Columbia's entire selection
of merchandise. In the manufacture of its apparel, the Company uses special
technical materials that possess functionality similar to branded materials, but
are produced at a lower cost, thereby enhancing the price-value equation.
 
    The charts below set forth net sales information by product category.
 
                         NET SALES BY PRODUCT CATEGORY
 
                                   1993
 
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
 
<TABLE>
<S>                         <C>        <C>
Accessories                      4.9%    ($9.3 million)
Sportswear                      14.8%   ($28.4 million)
Rugged Footwear                  0.6%    ($1.2 million)
Outerwear                       79.7%  ($153.2 million)
Total sales: $192.1
million
</TABLE>
 
                                      1997
 
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
 
<TABLE>
<S>                         <C>        <C>
Accessories                      5.0%   ($17.6 million)
Sportswear                      25.8%   ($91.3 million)
Rugged Footwear                  6.9%   ($24.3 million)
Outerwear                       62.3%  ($220.2 million)
Total sales: $353.4
million
</TABLE>
 
    OUTERWEAR
 
    Outerwear is the Company's most established product category. Although sales
of outerwear drive the Company's business, outerwear sales as a percentage of
the Company's net sales are likely to continue to decrease as Columbia develops
the markets for its growing sportswear and rugged footwear categories. The
Company intends to use its leading U.S. market position and extensive experience
in outerwear as a foundation upon which to grow its international business. The
Company's growth strategy primarily involves expanding the category in
international markets, improving the productivity of its existing customers and
increasing outerwear sales to more department store retailers over the longer
term.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
    The Company's outerwear is designed to protect the wearer from inclement
weather in everyday use and in a variety of outdoor activities, including
skiing, snowboarding, hiking, hunting and fishing. Many of the Company's jackets
incorporate Columbia's revolutionary Interchange System, which was introduced in
1983 and features a 3- or 4-jackets-in-1 design. Jackets incorporating the
Interchange System typically combine a durable, nylon outershell with a
removable, zip-out liner. The outershell and the liner may be worn separately or
together. This layered ensemble provides the wearer with a jacket for all
seasons and weather conditions at a reasonable price.
 
    SKIWEAR.  The Company's skiwear line is the best selling brand of skiwear in
the United States. The Company's skiwear products include parkas, vests, ski
pants, ski suits, pullovers and sweaters. Many of the Company's ski parkas
feature the Interchange System. The Bugaboo Parka, which was an early Columbia
skiwear product incorporating the Interchange System, has been the Company's
best selling ski parka for over a decade. Columbia's attention to detail and
commitment to technical and useful features contribute to products with a
distinctive and differentiated look and feel.
 
    SNOWBOARD APPAREL.  Columbia's Convert brand is the second best selling
brand of snowboard apparel in the United States. The Convert line includes
parkas, vests, snowboard pants, pullovers and shirts. Columbia was one of the
first major outdoor apparel companies to identify and react to the rapid
emergence of snowboarding as a popular sport. Demonstrating its ability to move
quickly to capture a significant share of a growth niche, Columbia achieved
rapid consumer acceptance as net sales of its snowboard apparel increased to
$14.4 million in 1997 from its introduction in 1994.
 
    HUNTING AND FISHING APPAREL.  Hunting and fishing products constitute one of
the Company's oldest product lines and include apparel for the serious sportsman
engaged in a variety of outdoor activities, including waterfowl hunting, upland
hunting, big game hunting and fishing. Products include parkas, shells, vests,
liners, bib pants and rain suits. All of these products incorporate a variety of
specific-purpose, tailored features that enhance Columbia's reputation as a
producer of outerwear. Examples of Columbia's attention to detail include shell
loops and Ethefoam fly patches, terrain and seasonal camouflage patterns, recoil
cushioned shoulders and Silent Rain cloth for noise-proof movement.
 
    YOUTH OUTERWEAR.  The Company's youth line of products includes ski parkas,
vests, snow pants, snow suits and pullovers. The youth product line benefits
from the Company's expertise in its adult lines and enables a Columbia customer
to outfit the entire family in dependable outerwear at a reasonable price.
 
    SPORTSWEAR
 
    The Company believes the global market for sportswear is significantly
larger than the global market for outerwear, and the continued development of
this market represents a substantial opportunity for the Company. Beginning in
the latter part of 1993, the Company targeted sportswear as a growth
opportunity. Building on a foundation of authentic fishing and hunting shirts,
the Company rapidly expanded its sportswear product offering, resulting in
sportswear sales increasing as a percentage of the Company's net sales from
14.8% for 1993 to 25.8% for 1997. The Company believes sportswear sales as a
percentage of the Company's net sales are likely to continue to increase.
 
    The majority of the Company's sportswear sales are to sporting goods and
specialty outdoor stores. Department stores, which represent a substantially
larger portion of sportswear distribution, accounted for 18% of the Company's
U.S. net sales for 1997. The Company's growth strategy for sportswear sales
consists of increasing productivity of existing customers, improving
merchandising at the store level (including opening additional concept shops and
installing brand enhancement systems), expanding distribution to department
stores and enhancing the product offerings to take advantage of apparel trends.
 
    The Company's sportswear products consist of durable, functional,
value-priced, authentic, active outdoor apparel that appeals both to the serious
outdoorsman and the more casual wearer who wants to
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
project an outdoor image. Sportswear products are designed to be sold alongside
the Company's outerwear and rugged footwear products as part of a unified
"head-to-toe" outfitting concept. In particular, fleece and pile products are
merchandised to provide a bridge to the outerwear products.
 
    OUTDOOR SPORTSWEAR.  The Company's outdoor sportswear is designed to meet
the recreation needs of walkers, hikers, campers, mountain bikers, fishermen,
hunters and the general outdoor enthusiast. Authentic design and affordable
prices also make the Company's sportswear products attractive to active outdoor
apparel consumers who purchase these products for casual wear. The outdoor
sportswear product line consists primarily of jeans, chinos, hiking shorts,
water sport trunks, knit shirts, woven shirts, sweats, sweaters and fleece and
pile products.
 
    GOLF APPAREL.  Introduced in 1997, the Company's golf line includes shorts,
pants, polo shirts, fleece products, windshirts and rainwear designed
specifically for the needs of golfers. The Company's golf line is differentiated
from competitors by its focus on golf as an outdoor activity that requires
specific fabrics and features to enhance performance.
 
    GRT.  The Company's GRT line of active outdoor performance apparel consists
of pants, shirts, shorts, vests, polo shirts, tee shirts, tank shirts and
lightweight jackets designed specifically for training, trekking and adventure
travel. Many of the items in the line incorporate the Company's Omni-Dry system
of moisture management.
 
    RUGGED FOOTWEAR
 
    The Company's newest product category, rugged footwear, was introduced in
1993. The success of the introduction demonstrates Columbia's ability to expand
its head-to-toe merchandising assortment and to leverage its reputation as a
provider of durable, comfortable outdoor apparel, enabling consumers to broaden
their purchases of Columbia branded apparel. Rugged footwear as a percentage of
the Company's net sales has increased from 0.6% in 1993 to 6.9% in 1997. The
Company believes the market for rugged footwear remains a substantial growth
opportunity. The Company expects sales of its rugged footwear will be driven
primarily by the design and development of new footwear and by expanding the
distribution of rugged footwear within existing U.S. and international
distribution channels, such as sporting goods stores, outdoor specialty and
footwear retailers and department stores.
 
    The Company's rugged footwear category consists primarily of active
all-weather and performance outdoor products. Many of the Company's footwear
styles feature innovative technical designs that incorporate
waterproof/breathable constructions, thermal insulation, advanced cushioning
systems and high abrasion, slip-resistant outsoles. Several styles are offered
within each of the following classifications: All-Weather, Active Outdoor,
Performance Outdoor and Classic Columbia Comfort.
 
    ACCESSORIES
 
    The Company also produces and sells hats, caps, scarves, gloves, mittens and
headbands to complement its outerwear and sportswear lines.
 
ADVERTISING, MARKETING AND PROMOTION
 
    The Company's creative and award-winning print and broadcast advertising
campaigns have built brand awareness and have helped to highlight the strengths
of Columbia's products among consumers. The humorous advertisements, which have
received 18 awards in the past seven years, feature Chairman Gertrude Boyle as
an overbearing taskmaster--'one tough mother'--who demands high quality
standards for Columbia products. The advertisements, which often include witty
dialogue between "Mother Boyle" and her son Tim, Columbia's President, remind
consumers of the Company's long history of providing authentic outdoor apparel
with exceptional value and help to create a distinctly American brand. The
Company's advertising appears in a wide variety of print and broadcast media,
ranging from GQ, ROLLING STONE, SKI (Germany), BE-PAL (Japan) and DESNIVAL
(Spain) to THE DAVID LETTERMAN SHOW, ESPN and MTV. The Company has also
sponsored several high profile sporting events, including three America's Cups,
the Eco Challenge, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and the
Paris-Dakkar Rally.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
BUSINESS PROCESS
 
    From the time of purchasing through production, distribution and delivery,
the Company manages its inventory to reduce risk. Because the Company's products
are not based primarily on fashion and because Columbia undertakes extensive
analysis to ensure that its products are what consumers desire, the Company
believes its inventory risk is not as great as that of some of its competitors.
A new state-of-the-art inventory management information system, expected to be
fully operational in late 1998, should further enhance the Company's ability to
manage its inventory.
 
    The Company encourages early purchases by its customers to promote inventory
management. To achieve this goal, the Company offers a select assortment of its
products to its entire roster of customers approximately one to two months
before most competing lines are introduced. Discounts are available for
customers who place early orders. In addition, the Company provides its
customers with staggered delivery times through the spring and fall seasons,
which also permits the Company and its customers to manage inventory effectively
and thereby diminish the likelihood of closeout sales.
 
    The following charts depict the purchasing, order and delivery cycles for
the Company's spring 1997 and fall 1997 merchandise. (For example, as of May
1997 the Company had placed orders for its fall 1997 season with its independent
manufacturers for 98% of its product needs, had already received orders from its
customers for 98% of the planned production and had shipped 9% of its products.)
There is no assurance that future purchasing, order and delivery cycles will be
similar to those illustrated below.
 
                                  SPRING 1997
 
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 PERCENTAGE COMPLETED
 
<S>                      <C>                     <C>                 <C>
                            Columbia Purchasing     Customer Orders   Delivery and Invoicing
Mar 1996                                     1%
April                                        2%
May                                          4%
Jun                                          7%                  1%
July                                        27%                 26%
Aug                                         55%                 56%
Sept                                        83%                 78%
Oct                                         95%                 96%
Nov                                         96%                100%                       1%
Dec                                         97%                100%                       5%
Jan 1997                                    99%                101%                      23%
Feb                                        100%                102%                      48%
Mar                                                            103%                      75%
Apr                                                            104%                      89%
May                                                            100%                      96%
Jun                                                            100%                      97%
Jul                                                                                      98%
Aug                                                                                      99%
Sept                                                                                     99%
</TABLE>
 
                                   FALL 1997
 
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 PERCENTAGE COMPLETED
 
<S>                      <C>                     <C>                 <C>
                            Columbia Purchasing     Customer Orders   Delivery and Invoicing
Aug                                          1%
Sep 1996                                     3%
Oct                                          8%
Nov                                         20%                  0%
Dec                                         35%                  5%
Jan 1997                                    57%                 64%
Feb                                         76%                 79%
Mar                                         89%                 87%
Apr                                         96%                 96%                       3%
May                                         98%                 98%                       9%
Jun                                        100%                 99%                      16%
Jul                                        100%                 99%                      31%
Aug                                                             99%                      49%
Sep                                                            100%                      70%
Oct                                                            100%                      83%
Nov                                                                                      96%
Dec                                                                                      99%
</TABLE>
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
    The Company attempts to mitigate its inventory risk in part by matching
purchases of inventory to the receipt of customer orders, as illustrated by the
charts above. By avoiding significant inventory build-ups in anticipation of
orders not yet received, the Company believes it is able to reduce the risk of
overcommitting to inventory purchases. Because customer orders can be canceled
up to 45 days prior to shipment, however, this strategy does not eliminate
inventory risk in the event of significant cancellations of customer orders.
 
    PRODUCT DESIGN
 
    All Columbia merchandise is designed and developed in-house by experienced
merchandising and design teams. Working closely with internal sales and
production teams as well as with retailers and consumers, the Company's
merchandising and design teams can mitigate the risks of fashion swings by
developing superior products that are tailored specifically to meet consumer
requirements. Because its products are designed for functionality and
durability, the Company does not attempt to lead consumer preferences or
differentiate its products based primarily on fashion. In fact, many new
products are based on existing designs such as the Bugaboo Parka, a consistent
best seller for more than a decade. By pursuing this strategy, the Company
believes it can attract a wider, value-oriented consumer audience than its more
technical or fashion-oriented competitors.
 
    The Company uses several special materials, such as Omni-Tech and Bergundtal
Cloth, in the design of its products, some of which were developed in
collaboration with textile mills. Omni-Tech fabrics have micro-porous
polyurethane coatings that provide a waterproof finish and breathability.
Bergundtal Cloth, constructed with taslanized filament nylon in the horizontal
direction and filament nylon in the vertical direction, has a water-repellent
finish on its face and is coated with polyurethane on its back to provide added
water resistance and wind protection. The Company's special materials
substantially enhance the value of the Company's products without adding
significant cost.
 
    All designs are created by approximately 70 members of Columbia's product
development team. Prototypes of the designed products are created in the
Company's Hong Kong facility. Prototypes are reviewed by groups of retailers,
sales personnel and consumers for commercial acceptance. The design process
requires approximately six to seven months from conceptualization until the
product line is finalized. After the product line is finalized, costing and
scheduling of manufacture of the product line at factories commences. This
process requires approximately one and one-half months to complete. Pricing of
the product line is then completed over the following two months, after which
the Company's sales force receives samples. At approximately the same time,
placement of orders for the product line commences, and the Company will
purchase finished garments for the following four or five months. When the
finished garments arrive for shipment to retailers, approximately 18 months will
have passed since the initial conceptualization of the product line.
 
    SOURCING AND MANUFACTURING
 
    Columbia's apparel is produced worldwide by independent manufacturers
selected, monitored and coordinated by regional Columbia employees to assure
conformity to strict quality standards. The Company believes the use of these
independent manufacturers, whether producing products from materials provided by
the Company or obtained directly by the manufacturer, increases the Company's
production capacity and flexibility and reduces its costs.
 
    Unlike many apparel companies, Columbia uses few independent agents in its
sourcing activities. Rather, the Company maintains 10 sourcing and quality
control offices in the Far East, in Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, India, Sri
Lanka, South Korea, China (three) and Malaysia, in each case staffed by Columbia
employees and managed by personnel native to the region. At December 31, 1997,
the Company employed a total of approximately 240 persons in these offices,
including approximately 101 persons in its Hong Kong office. Personnel in these
offices include those engaged in direct sourcing activities, such as
specification and sample distribution, production capability certification,
order placement, contract management and price and quantity negotiations, as
well as communications with the
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
U.S.-based design teams, sample preparation, quality control, quota and other
import restriction monitoring, warehouse and shipment coordination and pattern
making. Final pricing for all orders, however, is approved by personnel from the
Company's U.S. headquarters. The Company believes the use of dedicated Columbia
personnel rather than independent agents reduces its sourcing costs. Columbia
personnel who are focused narrowly on the Company's interests are more
responsive to the Company's needs than independent agents would be, and are more
likely to build long-term relationships with key vendors. The relationships
enhance the Company's access to raw materials and factory capacity at more
favorable prices.
 
    The Company's merchandise is produced by approximately 115 independent
manufacturers worldwide. For 1997 product sales, approximately 94% (by dollar
volume) of the Company's products were produced by independent manufacturers,
and approximately 86% (by dollar volume) of the Company's products were produced
outside the United States, principally in the Far East. Other than its facility
for the production of fleece products and headware in Chaffee, Missouri, the
Company does not operate any production facilities. The Company attempts to
monitor its selection of independent factories to ensure that no one
manufacturer or country is responsible for a disproportionate amount of the
Company's merchandise. Six manufacturers engaged by the Company accounted for
approximately 38.5% (by dollar volume) of the Company's total production for
1997 product sales. The primary production facilities of these manufacturers are
located in Asia. No other manufacturer accounted for more than five percent of
the Company's total production for 1997 product sales.
 
    The Company believes the use of independent manufacturers, in conjunction
with the use of Columbia sourcing personnel rather than agents, increases its
production flexibility and capacity and allows it to maintain control over
critical aspects of the sourcing process, while at the same time substantially
reducing capital expenditures and avoiding the costs of managing a large
production work force. There are no formal arrangements between the Company and
any of its contractors or suppliers; however, the Company believes its
relationships with its contractors and suppliers are excellent and that its
long-term, reliable and cooperative relationships with many of its vendors
provide it an advantage over many of its competitors.
 
    The Company's quality control program is designed to ensure its products
meet the Company's high quality standards. The Company monitors the quality of
its fabrics and inspects prototypes of each product before production runs are
commenced. The Company also performs random in-line quality control checks
during and after production before the garments leave the factory. Columbia
quality control personnel visit most of their independent manufacturers'
facilities at least weekly. Final inspections occur when the garments are
received in the Company's distribution centers. The Company employs a total of
approximately 75 full-time quality control personnel in its 10 Far East sourcing
and quality control offices, as well as additional inspectors at its warehouses
in Portland, Oregon and at its one U.S. manufacturing facility. In addition, a
staff of approximately 22 persons in the Company's headquarters facility
oversees and coordinates global quality control standards and efforts. The
Company believes its quality control program is an important and effective means
of maintaining the quality and reputation of its products.
 
    Production of apparel by independent manufacturers is accomplished through
one of two principal arrangements. In the first, the supplier purchases the raw
materials needed to produce the garment from sources approved by Columbia
personnel, at prices and on terms negotiated by that independent supplier. Most
of the Company's merchandise is manufactured under this arrangement. In the
second, sometimes referred to as "cut, make, pack, and quota" and used
principally for production in China, Columbia directly purchases the raw
material, principally fabric, from suppliers, obtains or arranges for any
necessary U.S. import quotas, and ships the materials in a "kit," together with
patterns, samples, and most other necessary items, to the independent
manufacturer that has been selected by Columbia to produce the finished garment.
Prior to shipment, materials for the kits are stored and consolidated at the
Company's Hong Kong warehouse. While this second arrangement advances the timing
for inventory purchases and exposes the Company to certain additional risks
before a garment is manufactured, the Company believes this arrangement further
increases its manufacturing flexibility and frequently
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
provides it with a cost advantage over other production methods. See "Risk
Factors--Dependence Upon Independent Manufacturers."
 
    While the Company has traditionally received a significant portion of its
customers' orders prior to placement of its initial manufacturing orders,
production orders must generally be placed with manufacturers before all of a
season's orders are received by the Company from customers. Columbia, therefore,
takes into account market trends and the early orders received from customers in
placing its orders with suppliers. Many of these customer orders may change with
respect to colors, sizes, allotments or assortments before delivery. The Company
uses these orders and its experience to estimate production requirements to
secure necessary fabrics and manufacturing capacity.
 
    The Company's independent manufacturers sell finished products to the
Company on an FOB basis and are at risk for the quality and timely delivery of
the products. To date, substantially all of the Company's international
production requirements have been financed with letters of credit rather than
purchased under open credit terms. The suppliers are able to obtain payment
under the letter of credit upon delivery of the merchandise to the freight
consolidator chosen by the Company, together with a certificate from a Columbia
quality control inspector, purchase order identification and, if necessary for
the goods in question, a quota "visa." The Company believes payment to its
suppliers under this arrangement, while increasing the Company's need for
inventory financing, enhances its attractiveness to suppliers and improves its
ability to negotiate more favorable terms in other areas. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
    The Company transacts business on an order-by-order basis and does not
maintain any long-term or exclusive commitments or arrangements to purchase from
any vendor. The Company competes with other companies for the production
capacity of independent manufacturers and import quota capacity. The Company
believes it has good relationships with its vendors and there will be adequate
sources to produce a sufficient supply of goods in a timely manner and on
satisfactory economic terms in the future. Manufacturers' delivery dates are
generally specified to ensure that products will be available in the Company's
warehouses in a timely manner assuming shipment by ocean freight. Manufacturers
are generally given a grace period after their scheduled delivery date to make
goods available for shipment; they are often obligated to pay any increased
costs resulting from the need to ship products by air as a result of delivery
after this period. The Company has from time to time experienced difficulty in
satisfying its raw material and finished goods requirements, and any such future
difficulties could adversely affect the Company. See "Risk Factors--Dependence
on Independent Manufacturers" and "--Dependence on Key Suppliers."
 
    SALES AND DISTRIBUTION
 
    The Company's products are sold to approximately 10,000 specialty and
department store retailers in the United States, Canada, Asia, Europe, South
America, Australia and New Zealand. The Company believes continued growth will
result from its focus on enhancing the productivity of existing retailers,
expanding distribution in international markets and developing merchandise
categories.
 
    The Company plans to improve the productivity of its existing customers by
expanding its concept shops worldwide and installing brand enhancement systems.
Concept shops create an environment that is consistent with the Company's image
and enables the retailer to display and stock a greater volume of the Company's
products per square foot of retail space. Each concept shop requires an
investment by the Company in display fixtures and other materials of about
$15,000 and, typically, an increased inventory commitment by the retailer. These
concept shops also encourage longer term commitment by the retailer to the
Company's products and enhance consumer brand awareness. As of December 31,
1997, the Company had 164 concept shops worldwide and plans to double this
number by the end of 1998. Smaller-scale brand enhancement systems, which
include signage and fixtures that prominently display consolidated groupings of
Columbia merchandise, offer benefits similar to concept
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
shops. By the end of 1998, the Company expects to have installed 1,000 in-store
brand enhancement systems.
 
    The Company intends to continue to capitalize on its strong U.S. brand
position and its worldwide brand recognition by targeting certain high
opportunity markets for development or expansion. Having already achieved a
significant share of the North American outerwear market, Columbia's strategy
for its existing and new North American customer base is to develop further
sales of its sportswear and rugged footwear. In new markets in Europe and Asia,
Columbia's strategy is to replicate its success in its core North American
market by establishing relationships with retailers through its highly visible
outerwear line. As Columbia's brand image and reputation strengthens through
acceptance of its outerwear, it introduces its sportswear and rugged footwear
lines into these new markets.
 
    The Company believes that over the longer term significant opportunities
exist to increase sales of its products to department stores and footwear
specialty shops. The Company expects to expand its sales to these retailers, in
part by attracting new customers and in part by expanding sales in existing
retailers. In 1997 approximately 82% of the Company's U.S. net sales were to
specialty stores and 18% were to department store retailers.
 
                              NET SALES BY REGION
 
                                      1993
 
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
 
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>
International        4.7%
Canada               6.8%
United States       88.5%
</TABLE>
 
                                      1997
 
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
 
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>
Canada               8.8%
International       10.0%
United States       81.2%
</TABLE>
 
    NORTH AMERICA
 
    The Company sells its products to approximately 3,900 U.S. retailers and
1,100 Canadian retailers. Of these, J.C. Penney is the Company's largest
customer, representing just over nine percent of the Company's net sales in
1997. Not all of the Company's product lines are sold to each of its North
American retailers.
 
    The Company uses 25 independent sales agencies, which employ a total of
approximately 80 sales representatives, to distribute its products in North
America. Columbia operates nine outlet stores in North America: one each in
Portland, Lake Oswego and Lincoln City, Oregon; Gilroy, California; Birch Run,
Michigan; Medford, Minnesota; Kenosha, Wisconsin; Lancaster, Pennsylvania and
Windsor, Ontario. The Company's outlet stores sell excess inventory in a manner
that does not adversely affect its retailers. Columbia also operates a
free-standing flagship store in Portland, Oregon. This retail store is designed
to create a distinctive "Columbia" environment and reinforces the active and
outdoor image of the Columbia brand. In addition, the retail store provides the
Company with the ability to test new marketing and merchandising techniques. The
Company has also established 83 concept shops in retail stores in North America
and plans to more than double this number in 1998.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
    The Company distributes most of its products to U.S. retailers from its
300,000 square foot Rivergate Distribution Center, which is located in Portland,
Oregon. At this distribution facility, the Company's products are inspected,
sorted, packed and shipped. The Company is planning to enlarge its Rivergate
Distribution Center by at least 240,000 square feet within the next two years.
The Company also distributes a small portion of its products in the United
States from a smaller facility adjacent to its Chaffee, Missouri manufacturing
facility. The Company distributes its products in Canada from a 66,000 square
foot warehouse in Strathroy, Ontario.
 
    EUROPEAN COMMON MARKET
 
    The Company sells its products to approximately 3,800 European retailers.
The Company maintains a European sales and marketing office in Strasbourg,
France and, with the exception of the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Greece,
distributes its products in Europe from an independent logistics company based
in The Netherlands. In the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Greece, the Company
sells through independent distributors. The Company has approximately 22 concept
shops in European retailers. Although the Company's marketing and sales efforts
to date have been most successful in France, Spain, The Netherlands and Sweden,
Columbia believes substantial opportunities exist in other countries such as
Germany. Net direct sales of the Company's products in Europe have increased at
a compound annual growth rate of 83% from 1994 to 1997.
 
    ASIA
 
    The Company has distributed its products in Japan since the mid-1970s and
sells its merchandise to approximately 1,000 Japanese retailers. In the fall of
1998, the Company will begin distributing its products directly in Japan, which
the Company believes will create the opportunity for significant acceleration of
sales in Japan. Based on its experience in Japan, the Company also believes the
South Korean market represents another significant growth opportunity in Asia.
In 1997 the Company began selling its products in South Korea through 15 retail
locations. Sales and marketing efforts in Asia are directed from Tokyo and
Seoul. The Company's products will be warehoused and shipped in Japan by an
independent company based in Tokyo, and in South Korea from a warehouse near
Seoul.
 
    OTHER COUNTRIES
 
    The Company sells its products to independent exclusive distributors,
representing approximately 350 retailers, in Argentina, Australia, Chile, Czech
Republic, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Poland, Russia,
Sweden (hunting and fishing products only), Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
The Company expects to begin selling its products in 1998 to distributors
representing retailers in Mexico, Norway and Turkey.
 
    The Company plans to improve the productivity of its existing international
distributors and, except for the anticipated expansion in 1998, does not intend
to expand sales to additional countries. Over the longer term, the Company
believes international sales to some of its existing countries could be made
directly.
 
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
 
    The Company owns trademarks for many of its products, including "Columbia,"
"Columbia Sportswear Company," "Convert," "Bugaboo," "Bugabootoo," "Silent Rain"
and "Interchange." The Company's trademarks, many of which are registered or
subject to pending applications in the United States and other nations, are for
use on a variety of items of apparel. The Company believes that its reputation,
built through years of providing high quality apparel at a good value for
consumers and through its distinctive advertising, are linked in the minds of
consumers with the Company's trademarks. The Company believes its trademarks are
of great value and are instrumental to its ability to create and sustain demand
for its products. The Company also places significant value on the overall
appearance and image of its products. The Company's trade dress (the overall
appearance and image of its
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
products), as much as its trademarks, distinguishes Columbia's products in the
marketplace. As the Company expands its markets it attempts to establish and
protect its proprietary rights. From time to time the Company discovers products
in the marketplace that are counterfeit reproductions, and the Company attempts
to prevent or terminate such infringing activity. In the past the Company has
successfully resolved conflicts over proprietary rights through legal action and
negotiated settlements. Although the Company has not been materially inhibited
from selling its products in connection with trademark or trade dress disputes,
there is no assurance that significant obstacles will not arise as it expands
its product line and geographic scope. See "Risk Factors--Dependence on
Proprietary Rights."
 
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM
 
    The Company is committed to maintaining technically advanced systems that
will help it achieve its overall growth strategy. The Company is replacing its
current management information system with an enterprise system that integrates
EDI and inventory management capabilities. This system, some aspects of which
are already operational, is expected to be fully operational by late 1998. The
new system updates current and historical net sales, inventory and merchandise
planning on a daily basis. It also provides a stronger and more timely link
between the Company and its customers, enhancing the Company's ability to
monitor its performance against historical and budgetary benchmarks, to manage
inventory and labor costs as well as to make more informed purchasing decisions.
The Company believes this system will also help to improve customer service and
operating efficiency. The system is expected to serve the Company for at least
the next five years.
 
BACKLOG
 
    The Company generally receives the bulk of the orders for each of the fall
and spring seasons a minimum of three months prior to the date the products are
shipped to customers. The orders are cancelable by the customer up to 45 days
prior to the date of shipment. At December 31, 1997, the Company's backlog was
$200.3 million, compared to $158.5 million at December 31, 1996. To manage
inventory risk, the Company estimates its production requirements conservatively
and engages in certain other inventory management techniques. See "--Business
Process." For a variety of reasons, including the timing of shipments, product
mix of customer orders and the amount of in-season orders, backlog may not be a
reliable measure of future sales for any succeeding period.
 
COMPETITION
 
    The active outerwear, sportswear and rugged footwear segments of the apparel
industry are highly competitive. The Company encounters substantial competition
in the active outerwear and sportswear business from, among others, The North
Face, Inc., Marmot Mountain Ltd., Woolrich Woolen Mills, Inc., The Timberland
Company ("Timberland"), Patagonia Corporation ("Patagonia") and Helly-Hansen
A/S. In addition, the Company competes with major sport companies, such as Nike,
Inc. ("Nike"), Adidas AG and Reebok International Ltd., and with
fashion-oriented competitors, such as Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, Nautica
Enterprises, Inc. and Tommy Hilfiger Corporation. The Company's rugged footwear
line competes with, among others, Timberland, Kaufman Footwear (a division of
William H. Kaufman, Inc.), Nike ACG, Salomon S.A. and The Rockport Company. Many
of these companies have global operations and compete with the Company in Europe
and Asia. In Europe the Company also faces competition from such brands as
Berghaus, Jack Wolfskin and Craft of Sweden, and in Asia the Company faces
competition from such brands as Mont-Bell and Patagonia. In addition to name
brand competitors, the Company also faces competition from its own retailer
customers that manufacture and market clothing and footwear under their own
labels. Some of the Company's competitors are substantially larger and have
substantially greater financial, distribution, marketing and other resources
than the Company. The Company believes the primary competitive factors in the
market for activewear are functionality, durability, style, price and brand
name, and that its product offerings are well positioned within the market. See
"Risk Factors--Competition."
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
 
    Many of the Company's imports are subject to existing or potential duties,
tariffs or quotas that may limit the quantity of certain types of goods which
may be imported into the United States and other countries, including
constraints imposed by bilateral textile agreements between the United States
and a number of foreign countries. These agreements, which have been negotiated
bilaterally either under the framework established by the Arrangement Regarding
International Trade in Textiles, known as the Multifiber Agreement, or other
applicable statutes, impose quotas on the amounts and types of merchandise that
may be imported into the United States from these countries. These agreements
also allow the signatories to adjust the quantity of imports for categories of
merchandise that, under the terms of the agreements, are not now subject to
specific limits. The Company's imported products are also subject to United
States customs duties, which are a material portion of the cost of the
merchandise. The United States and the countries in which the Company's products
are produced or sold may impose new quotas, duties, tariffs or other
restrictions, or may adversely adjust prevailing quota, duty or tariff levels,
any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company. See "Risk
Factors-- International Operations."
 
EMPLOYEES
 
    At December 31, 1997 the Company had 1,234 full-time employees. Of these
employees, 863 were based in the United States, 62 in Canada, 23 in Europe and
286 in Asia. None of the Company's employees is represented by a labor union.
The Company believes it maintains good employee relations.
 
PROPERTIES
 
    The principal executive and administrative offices of the Company are
located at 6600 North Baltimore, Portland, Oregon. The general location, use and
approximate size of the Company's principal owned and leased properties are set
forth below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               APPROXIMATE
LOCATION              OWNED/LEASED                     USE                     SQUARE FEET
- --------------------  ------------   ----------------------------------------  -----------
<S>                   <C>            <C>                                       <C>
Portland, Oregon          owned      distribution facility                       300,000
Portland, Oregon         leased      headquarters offices                        172,000
Chaffee, Missouri        leased      manufacturing and distribution facility      75,000
</TABLE>
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES
 
    The following table sets forth the executive officers, directors and certain
key employees of the Company.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                            AGE                       POSITION
- ------------------------------  ---   -------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>   <C>
Gertrude Boyle                  73    Chairman of the Board
 
Timothy P. Boyle                48    President, Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer,
                                        Secretary and Director
 
Don Richard Santorufo           51    Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
                                        Officer
 
Patrick D. Anderson             40    Chief Financial Officer
 
Carl K. Davis                   49    Vice President and General Counsel
 
Terry J. Brown                  55    Executive Planner and International Distributor
                                        Planner
 
Robert G. Masin                 49    National Sales Manager
 
Grant D. Prentice               43    General Manager--Outerwear Merchandising
 
Michael R. Egeck                39    General Manager--Sportswear Merchandising
 
Rodney R. Gumringer             36    General Manager--Footwear Merchandising
 
Douglas R. Hamilton             45    Director of Operations--Canada and Europe;
                                        President and Chief Operating Officer--
                                        Columbia Sportswear Canada Limited
 
Sarah Bany                      39    Director of Retail Stores, Director and Assistant
                                        Secretary
 
Murrey R. Albers(1)(2)          56    Director
 
Edward S. George(1)(2)          60    Director
 
John Stanton(1)(2)              42    Director
</TABLE>
 
- --------------
 
(1) Member of the Audit Committee.
 
(2) Member of the Compensation Committee.
 
    GERTRUDE BOYLE has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors since 1983.
The Company was founded by her parents in 1938 and managed by her husband, Neal
Boyle, from 1964 until his death in 1970. Ms. Boyle also served as the Company's
President from 1970 to 1988.
 
    TIMOTHY P. BOYLE joined the Company in 1971 as General Manager and has
served as President and Chief Executive Officer since 1988. He has been a member
of the Board of Directors since 1978. Mr. Boyle is also a member of the board of
directors of Triad Machinery, a heavy equipment retailer. Mr. Boyle is Gertrude
Boyle's son.
 
    DON RICHARD SANTORUFO joined the Company in 1979 as Purchasing and
Production Manager, and in 1984 he was promoted to Vice President, Manufacturing
and oversaw the development of the Company's Asian manufacturing operations. He
has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the
Company since January 1995. From 1975 to 1977 Mr. Santorufo was Production and
Purchasing Manager for Alpine Designs, a skiwear manufacturer, and from 1977 to
1979 he was Production Manager for Jen-Cel-Lite Corporation, a sleeping bag and
insulation manufacturer.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
    PATRICK D. ANDERSON joined the Company in June 1992 as Manager of Financial
Reporting, became Corporate Controller in August 1993 and was appointed Chief
Financial Officer of the Company in December 1996. From 1985 to 1992, Mr.
Anderson was an accountant with Deloitte & Touche LLP.
 
    CARL K. DAVIS joined the Company in October 1997 as Vice President and
General Counsel. He was employed by Nike from 1981 to October 1997 where he
served in a variety of capacities, most recently as Director of International
Trade.
 
    TERRY J. BROWN joined the Company in January 1983 as Planner and served as
Executive Planner and International Distributor Manager since November 1995.
Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Brown was Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of Agoil, Inc., an oil and gas exploration and development company, from
1978 to 1981, and Planner for Jantzen Incorporated, an apparel company, from
1968 to 1978.
 
    ROBERT G. MASIN joined the Company in May 1989 as National Sales Manager.
From 1976 to 1989 he worked for W.L. Gore and Associates, a polymer technology
and manufacturing and service company. From 1982 to 1989 he was National Sales
Manager of Gore's Fabric Division.
 
    GRANT D. PRENTICE joined the Company in May 1984 as General Manager of
Outerwear Merchandising. From 1977 to 1984, Mr. Prentice worked as a sales
representative for Gerry Outdoor Products, a skiwear company based in Colorado.
 
    MICHAEL R. EGECK has been General Manager--Sportswear Merchandising for the
Company since August 1992. From 1983 to 1992, Mr. Egeck was with Seattle Pacific
Industries, a sportswear apparel company, where his most recent position was
Director of Merchandising, Design and Sales Operations.
 
    RODNEY R. GUMRINGER joined the Company in December 1993 as General
Manager--Footwear. From 1988 to 1993, Mr. Gumringer was Product Development
Manager for the casual shoe division of Nike.
 
    DOUGLAS R. HAMILTON became President and Chief Operating Officer of the
Company's Canadian subsidiary in August 1992. In August 1995 he also became
Director of Operations--Canada and Europe. From 1987 to 1992, Mr. Hamilton was a
principal shareholder and President of Canada-Trans Limited, a clothing
distributor and silk screening company, which was acquired by the Company in
1992.
 
    SARAH BANY joined the Company in 1979 and has held various positions since
that time, most recently (since December 1988) as Director of Retail Stores. She
became a director in December 1988. Ms. Bany is Gertrude Boyle's daughter.
 
    MURREY R. ALBERS became a director of the Company in July 1993. Mr. Albers
is President and Chief Executive Officer of United States Bakery, a bakery with
operations in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and California. Mr. Albers, who
has been in his current position since June 1985, joined United States Bakery as
general manager of Franz Bakery in 1975.
 
    EDWARD S. GEORGE became a director of the Company in April 1989. For 30
years, until his retirement, Mr. George worked in the banking industry and,
since January 1991, has served as a financial consultant to Bell Enterprises.
 
    JOHN STANTON became a director of the Company in July 1997. Since 1994, Mr.
Stanton has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Western Wireless
Corporation, a publicly held company that operates cellular communications
systems in 23 western states. Mr. Stanton was Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of General Cellular Corporation, a predecessor and now subsidiary of
Western Wireless Corporation, in 1992. He previously co-founded McCaw Cellular
Communications, where he served as Chief Operating Officer from 1985 to 1988 and
as Vice Chairman from 1988 to 1991. Mr. Stanton also serves as a director of
other corporations, including Advanced Digital Information Corporation and
SmarTone.
 
    Directors are elected at the annual shareholders meeting and hold office
until the next annual shareholders meeting and until their successors are
elected and qualified. Non-employee directors
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
receive an annual retainer of $15,000, $1,000 for each meeting of the Company's
Board of Directors or a committee of the Board of Directors attended and
reimbursement of travel expenses. Non-employee directors also receive an annual
merchandise allowance of $2,000 to acquire the Company's products, and annual
stock option grants to acquire 3,500 shares of Common Stock. Officers are
appointed by the Board of Directors and serve at its discretion.
 
    The Company maintains an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee. The
Audit Committee oversees actions taken by the Company's independent auditors.
The Compensation Committee reviews the compensation levels of the Company's
executive officers and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding
compensation. The Compensation Committee also administers the Stock Incentive
Plan. See "--Stock Incentive Plan."
 
    In May 1993, Mr. Santorufo pled guilty to one count of falsely understating
to the U.S. Customs Service the prices of certain merchandise imported by the
Company. Mr. Santorufo paid the imposed fine and completed probation.
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
    In the last fiscal year there was no compensation committee of the Company's
Board of Directors. Compensation decisions with respect to executive officers of
the Company were made by Gertrude Boyle, Chairman of the Board, and Timothy P.
Boyle, President and Chief Executive Officer.
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
    COMPENSATION SUMMARY.  The following table sets forth compensation
information for the Chief Executive Officer and the four most highly compensated
executive officers of the Company other than the Chief Executive Officer whose
total annual compensation exceeded $100,000 in 1997 (collectively, the "Named
Executive Officers").
 
                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  LONG TERM
                                                                                COMPENSATION
                                                                             -------------------
                                             ANNUAL COMPENSATION                   AWARDS
                                   ---------------------------------------   -------------------
                                                              OTHER ANNUAL       SECURITIES
                                     SALARY         BONUS     COMPENSATION   UNDERLYING OPTIONS
                                   ----------     ---------   ------------   -------------------
<S>                                <C>            <C>         <C>            <C>
Gertrude Boyle ..................   $153,920       $460,000      $4,750(1)        --
  Chairman of the Board
 
Timothy P. Boyle ................    323,733       805,000       4,750(1)         --
  President and Chief Executive
  Officer
 
Don Richard Santorufo ...........    286,946       690,000       4,750(1)         --
  Executive Vice President and
  Chief Operating Officer
 
Grant D. Prentice ...............    227,199        90,919       4,750(1)           59,000
  General Manager-- Outerwear
  Merchandising
 
Robert G. Masin .................    213,370        85,385       4,750(1)           29,500
  National Sales Manager
</TABLE>
 
- --------------
 
(1) Represents amounts paid as a matching contribution to the Company's 401(k)
    Plan. Excludes a profit sharing contribution, which will be determined in
    early 1998.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
    OPTIONS GRANTED IN LAST FISCAL YEAR.  The following table summarizes option
grants to Named Executive Officers during the year ended December 31, 1997.
 
                             OPTION GRANTS IN 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
                                                  INDIVIDUAL GRANTS                          VALUE AT ASSUMED ANNUAL
                             ------------------------------------------------------------
                               NUMBER OF      % OF TOTAL                                      RATES OF STOCK PRICE
                              SECURITIES       OPTIONS                                       APPRECIATION FOR OPTION
                              UNDERLYING      GRANTED TO    EXERCISE OR                               TERM
                                OPTIONS      EMPLOYEES IN   BASE PRICE                      -------------------------
NAME                          GRANTED (#)    FISCAL YEAR      ($/SH)      EXPIRATION DATE     5% ($)        10% ($)
- ---------------------------  -------------   ------------   -----------   ---------------   -----------   -----------
<S>                          <C>             <C>            <C>           <C>               <C>           <C>
Gertrude Boyle.............      --             --             --              --               --            --
 
Timothy P. Boyle...........      --             --             --              --               --            --
 
Don Richard Santorufo......      --             --             --              --               --            --
 
Grant D. Prentice..........      35,400           4.8%        $ 9.68           3/12/07      $   215,459   $   546,016
                                 23,600           3.2          15.20          11/14/07          225,645       571,830
 
Robert G. Masin............      29,500           4.0           9.68           3/12/07          179,549       455,013
</TABLE>
 
    AGGREGATE OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION
VALUES.  No Named Executive Officer exercised stock options during the year
ended December 31, 1997. The following table summarizes information with respect
to option exercises and option values for the year ended December 31, 1997 for
Named Executive Officers.
 
                      AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN 1997
                           AND YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                NUMBER OF SECURITIES UNDERLYING      VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                                UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT YEAR-END         IN-THE-MONEY(1)
                                                                              (#)                   OPTIONS AT YEAR-END ($)
                           SHARES ACQUIRED    VALUE REALIZED    -------------------------------  -----------------------------
NAME                       ON EXERCISE (#)          ($)           EXERCISABLE    UNEXERCISABLE    EXERCISABLE   UNEXERCISABLE
- ------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ---------------  --------------  -------------  --------------
<S>                       <C>                <C>                <C>              <C>             <C>            <C>
Gertrude Boyle..........         --                 --                --               --             --              --
Timothy P. Boyle........         --                 --                --               --             --              --
Don Richard Santorufo...         --                 --                --               --             --              --
Grant D. Prentice.......         --                 --                     0           59,000      $       0     $    242,608
Robert G. Masin.........         --                 --                     0           29,500              0          186,440
</TABLE>
 
- --------------
 
(1) Options are "in-the-money" at the year-end if the fair market value of the
    underlying securities on such date exceeds the exercise price of the
    options. The amounts set forth represent the difference between an assumed
    price to the public in the Offerings of $16.00 per share and the exercise
    price of the options, multiplied by the applicable number of option shares.
 
    The Company has not executed employment contracts with any Named Executive
Officer. Pursuant to a Deferred Compensation Conversion Agreement between the
Company and Mr. Santorufo, the Company issued Common Stock to Mr. Santorufo
which vests over time. If Mr. Santorufo's service to the Company is terminated,
all of Mr. Santorufo's unvested shares will vest automatically if not
repurchased by the Company. See "Certain Transactions."
 
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
 
    The Company's Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (the
"Articles") eliminate, to the fullest extent permitted by Oregon law, liability
of a director to the Company or its shareholders for
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
monetary damages for conduct as a director. Although liability for monetary
damages has been eliminated, equitable remedies such as injunctive relief or
rescission remain available. In addition, a director is not relieved of his or
her responsibilities under any other law, including the federal securities laws.
 
    The Company's Articles require the Company to indemnify its directors to the
fullest extent not prohibited by law. The Company has also entered into
indemnification agreements with each of the Company's directors. The Company
believes that the limitation of liability provisions in its Articles and
indemnification agreements may enhance the Company's ability to attract and
retain qualified individuals to serve as directors.
 
STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
 
    1997 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN.  On March 12, 1997, the Board of Directors
adopted, and the shareholders of the Company approved, the Stock Incentive Plan.
The Stock Incentive Plan provides for the award of incentive stock options to
employees and the award of nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation
rights, bonus rights and other incentive grants to directors, employees,
independent contractors, advisors and consultants. The Company has reserved
2,500,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the Stock Incentive Plan. At
December 31, 1997, options to purchase 736,774 shares at a weighted average
exercise price of $10.40 per share were outstanding under the Stock Incentive
Plan.
 
    The Stock Incentive Plan is administered by the Board of Directors, which
has the authority, subject to the terms of the Stock Incentive Plan, to
determine the persons to whom options or rights may be granted, the exercise
price and number of shares subject to each option or right, the character of the
grant, the time or times at which all or a portion of each option or right may
be exercised and certain other provisions of each option or right. The Board of
Directors may delegate administration of the Stock Incentive Plan to a
committee.
 
    The exercise price of incentive stock options must not be less than the fair
market value of the Common Stock at the date of the grant or, in the case of
incentive stock options issued to holders of more than 10% of the outstanding
Common Stock, 110% of the fair market value. The maximum term of incentive stock
options is 10 years, or five years in the case of 10% shareholders. The
aggregate fair market value, on the date of the grant, of the Common Stock for
which incentive stock options are exercisable for the first time by an employee
during any calendar year may not exceed $100,000. Options are exercisable over a
period of time in accordance with the terms of option agreements entered into at
the time of grant. Generally, options become exercisable over a five-year
period. Annual stock option awards to non-employee directors will generally
become exercisable over a three-year period. Options granted under the Stock
Incentive Plan are generally nontransferable by the optionee and, unless
otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, must be exercised by the
optionee during the period of the optionee's employment or service with the
Company or within a specified period following termination thereof.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
    In December 1997 the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock
of GTS, Inc. ("GTS") from Gertrude Boyle, Timothy P. Boyle and Sarah Bany. GTS
held a 21 percent interest in each of the Company's Canadian, French and German
subsidiaries and a less than one percent interest in the Company's Korean
subsidiary. GTS was formed because the Company, as an S corporation, was
prohibited from owning 80 percent or more of the stock of another corporation.
As a result of the transaction, all of the Company's subsidiaries are now wholly
owned. The Company issued 45,657, 129,240 and 41,736 shares of Common Stock to
Ms. Boyle, Mr. Boyle and Ms. Bany, respectively, in connection with this
transaction.
 
   
    The Company leases its corporate headquarters in Portland, Oregon from Ms.
Boyle and leases a warehouse from Ms. Boyle and Mr. Boyle. Pursuant to written
leases dated January 1, 1998 with terms of five years, the Company will pay
$156,096, as adjusted annually for inflation, to Ms. Boyle for use of the
headquarters building and $52,848, as adjusted annually for inflation, to Ms.
Boyle and Mr. Boyle for use of the warehouse. In each of 1995, 1996 and 1997,
the lease payments totaled $132,900.
    
 
   
    In December 1996 the Company entered into a Deferred Compensation Conversion
Agreement with Don Richard Santorufo, Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer of the Company, providing for the conversion of deferred
compensation units granted under a prior agreement into an aggregate of
1,800,435 shares of the Company's Common Stock. Of those shares, 1,075,321
shares vested immediately, 333,725 shares vest ratably over three years
commencing December 31, 1997, and 391,389 shares vest ratably over five years
commencing December 31, 2000. The agreement provides the Company with a right to
repurchase unvested shares if Mr. Santorufo's employment is terminated. Shares
not repurchased after termination vest automatically. In connection with the
transaction, the Company loaned Mr. Santorufo approximately $5.7 million for
payment of related income taxes, of which Mr. Santorufo is obligated to repay
$3,818,316 on December 31, 2001 and $1,906,466 on April 15, 2002. These amounts
bear interest at the rates of 6.31% and 6.49%, respectively. Mr. Santorufo has
agreed to repay these amounts at the completion of the Offerings. In addition,
the Company agreed to make a loan for up to 50 percent of any additional tax
liability that may be imposed on Mr. Santorufo with respect to the compensation
received under the agreement as well as to pay a cash bonus to cover 50 percent
of any such tax liability. The amount of this cash bonus will be increased to
offset taxes owed by Mr. Santorufo as a result of such bonus. The agreement also
provided for a cash bonus of $2,750,000 in consideration of past services and
future bonuses in amounts equal to the accrued interest due and owing on Mr.
Santorufo's loan from the Company, increased to offset taxes owed by Mr.
Santorufo as the result of such bonuses. The bonuses are subject to Mr.
Santorufo's agreement to assign certain proceeds and distributions on his shares
to the Company as security for repayment of the loans. Mr. Santorufo pledged and
granted a security interest in his shares to the Company to secure the
performance of his obligations under the agreement.
    
 
    In connection with the Offerings and the termination of the Company's S
corporation tax status, the Company entered into a tax indemnification agreement
with each of its shareholders, including Gertrude Boyle, Timothy P. Boyle, Sarah
Bany, Don Richard Santorufo and certain trusts. The agreements provide that the
Company will indemnify and hold harmless each of these shareholders for federal,
state, local or foreign income tax liabilities, and costs relating thereto,
resulting from any adjustment to the Company's income that is the result of an
increase or change in character of the Company's income during the period it was
treated as an S corporation. The agreements also provide that if there is a
determination that the Company was not an S corporation prior to the Offerings,
the shareholders will pay to the Company certain refunds actually received by
them as a result of that determination.
 
    In February 1996 the Company acquired its Rivergate facility from Mr. Boyle
and Mr. Santorufo for $4,500,000 (including the assumption of an outstanding
loan). Mr. Boyle and Mr. Santorufo had acquired the property from the Company in
June 1994 for $4,225,000 (including the assumption of the associated loan) and
subsequently leased it back to the Company.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
    Since January 1994 the Company's Canadian subsidiary has leased office and
warehouse space from B.A.R.K. Holdings, Inc., a company owned by Douglas R.
Hamilton, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company's Canadian
subsidiary and Director of Operations--Canada and Europe, and his wife. The
Company pays basic rent (as defined in the lease) in the amount of C$83,400 per
year under the lease, which terminates in December 2003.
 
    Mr. Hamilton, individually and as trustee for his wife, was a shareholder in
the Canadian company acquired by Columbia in 1992. In the acquisition the
Hamiltons received common stock in the new Columbia Canadian subsidiary, which
was repurchased by the subsidiary in April 1996 for an aggregate of C$724,516.
In March 1998 the Company acquired the assets of a retail store in Bend, Oregon
that specializes in the Company's products and is owned by Gertrude Boyle's
daughter and son-in-law (the sister and brother-in-law of Timothy P. Boyle and
Sarah Bany). The acquisition price, approximately $1,426,500, was based on the
Company's determination of the fair market value of the tangible assets and
goodwill associated with the business.
 
   
    In connection with the Offerings, the shareholders of the Company entered
into an agreement regarding a plan of recapitalization, which provides for an
issuance of voting Common Stock to the Company's shareholders followed by a
one-for-one conversion of the Company's nonvoting Common Stock into voting
Common Stock. Pursuant to the agreement, Gertrude Boyle will be issued 635,777
shares of voting Common Stock, Timothy P. Boyle will be issued 34,076 shares of
voting Common Stock, Sarah Bany will be issued 5,332 shares of voting Common
Stock and Don Richard Santorufo will be issued 11,319 shares of voting Common
Stock.
    
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
                             PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
 
    The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership, as of December 31, 1997 and as adjusted to reflect the sale of the
Common Stock in the Offerings, of the Common Stock by (i) each person known by
the Company to own beneficially more than five percent of the Common Stock, (ii)
each director of the Company, (iii) each Named Executive Officer and (iv) all
directors and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise noted, the
Company believes the persons listed below have sole investment and voting power
with respect to the Common Stock owned by them.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           PERCENTAGE OF
                                                                                            COMMON STOCK
                                                                     SHARES          --------------------------
                                                                  BENEFICIALLY         BEFORE          AFTER
NAME                                                                OWNED(1)          OFFERING        OFFERING
- ------------------------------------------------------------    ----------------     -----------     ----------
<S>                                                             <C>                  <C>             <C>
Gertrude Boyle .............................................       4,033,343(2)           21.5%        16.5%
  6600 North Baltimore
  Portland, Oregon 97203
 
Timothy P. Boyle ...........................................      10,545,058(3)           56.1%        43.2%
  6600 North Baltimore
  Portland, Oregon 97203
 
Don Richard Santorufo ......................................         800,435(4)            4.3%         3.3%
  6600 North Baltimore
  Portland, Oregon 97203
 
Grant D. Prentice...........................................          11,603(5)         *              *
 
Robert G. Masin.............................................           7,375(6)         *              *
 
Sarah Bany .................................................       3,342,890(7)           17.8%        13.7%
  6600 North Baltimore
  Portland, Oregon 97203
 
Murrey R. Albers............................................           1,106(8)         *              *
 
Edward S. George............................................           9,813(9)         *              *
 
John Stanton................................................          36,661(10)        *              *
 
All directors and executive officers as a group
  (15 persons)..............................................      19,055,475(11)         100%          77.9%
</TABLE>
    
 
- --------------
 
   * Less than 1.0%
 
 (1) Shares that the person has the right to acquire within 60 days after March
     31, 1998 are deemed to be outstanding in calculating the percentage
     ownership of the person or group but are not deemed to be outstanding as to
     any other person or group.
 
 (2) Includes 874,074 shares held in two grantor retained annuity trusts for
     which Ms. Boyle is the income beneficiary and Ms. Bany is the beneficiary
     of the remainder.
 
   
 (3) Includes 123,900 shares held in trust, of which Mr. Boyle's wife is
     trustee, for the benefit of Mr. Boyle's children. Also includes 759,550
     shares that Mr. Boyle has agreed to purchase from Don Richard Santorufo in
     a private sale upon completion of the Offerings.
    
 
 (4) Excludes 1,000,000 shares that Mr. Santorufo has agreed to sell to certain
     persons in a private sale upon completion of the Offerings.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
 (5) Includes options to purchase 11,603 shares of Common Stock exercisable
     within 60 days after March 31, 1998. Excludes options to purchase 47,397
     shares of Common Stock not exercisable within 60 days after March 31, 1998.
 
 (6) Includes options to purchase 7,375 shares of Common Stock exercisable
     within 60 days after March 31, 1998. Excludes options to purchase 22,125
     shares of Common Stock not exercisable within 60 days after March 31, 1998.
 
 (7) Includes 118,000 shares held in trust, of which Ms. Bany's husband is
     trustee, for the benefit of Ms. Bany's children. Also includes 657,750
     shares held in two grantor retained annuity trusts for which Ms. Bany is
     the income beneficiary and Ms. Bany's husband and children are the
     beneficiaries of the remainder, and 170,000 shares that Ms. Bany has agreed
     to purchase from Don Richard Santorufo in a private sale upon completion of
     the Offerings.
 
 (8) Includes options to purchase 1,106 shares of Common Stock exercisable
     within 60 days after March 31, 1998. Excludes options to purchase 3,319
     shares of Common Stock not exercisable within 60 days after March 31, 1998.
 
 (9) Includes options to purchase 2,213 shares of Common Stock exercisable
     within 60 days after March 31, 1998. Excludes options to purchase 6,637
     shares of Common Stock not exercisable within 60 days after March 31, 1998.
     Also includes 7,600 shares that a revocable trust of which Mr. George is
     both grantor and trustee has agreed to purchase from Don Richard Santorufo
     in a private sale upon completion of the Offerings.
 
 (10) Includes options to purchase 811 shares of Common Stock exercisable within
      60 days after March 31, 1998. Excludes options to purchase 3,614 shares of
      Common Stock not exercisable within 60 days after March 31, 1998. Also
      includes 35,850 shares that Mr. Stanton has agreed to purchase from Don
      Richard Santorufo in a private sale upon completion of the Offerings.
 
   
 (11) Includes options to purchase 56,776 shares of Common Stock exercisable
      within 60 days after March 31, 1998. Also includes 993,000 shares that
      certain directors and executive officers have agreed to purchase from Don
      Richard Santorufo in a private sale upon completion of the Offerings.
      Excludes options to purchase 206,523 shares of Common Stock not
      exercisable within 60 days after March 31, 1998.
    
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
   
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
    
 
   
    In March 1998, pursuant to an agreement regarding a plan of
recapitalization, (i) each share of the Company's voting Common Stock held by
Gertrude Boyle was exchanged for and converted into 1.705 shares of the
Company's voting Common Stock, and each share of the Company's voting Common
Stock held by shareholders other than Gertrude Boyle was exchanged for and
converted into 1.0695 shares of the Company's voting Common Stock, (ii) each
share of the Company's nonvoting Common Stock held by shareholders was exchanged
for and converted into one share of the Company's voting Common Stock, and (iii)
each share of the Company's voting Common Stock was converted into 0.59 shares
of Common Stock pursuant to a reverse stock split. The following description of
rights, as well as all other information presented in this Prospectus, assumes
the completion of these conversions and reverse split.
    
 
    The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 50,000,000 shares of
Common Stock and 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
    As of December 31, 1997, 18,792,176 shares of Common Stock were outstanding,
held of record by eleven shareholders. After the Offerings, 24,392,176 shares
will be outstanding.
 
    Holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends as may from time
to time be declared by the Board of Directors of the Company out of funds
legally available therefor. See "Dividend Policy and S Corporation Status."
Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters on
which the holders of Common Stock are entitled to vote and do not have any
cumulative voting rights. Holders of Common Stock have no preemptive,
conversion, redemption or sinking fund rights. In the event of a liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company, holders of Common Stock are entitled
to share equally and ratably in the assets of the Company, if any, remaining
after the payment of all liabilities of the Company and the liquidation
preference of any outstanding class or series of Preferred Stock. The
outstanding shares of Common Stock are, and the shares of Common Stock offered
by the Company in the Offerings when issued will be, fully paid and
nonassessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of Common Stock
are subject to any series of Preferred Stock that the Company may issue in the
future, as described below.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
    The Board of Directors has the authority to issue Preferred Stock in one or
more series and to fix the number of shares constituting any such series and the
preferences, limitations and relative rights, including dividend rights,
dividend rate, voting rights, terms of redemption, redemption price or prices,
conversion rights and liquidation preferences of the shares constituting any
series, without any further vote or action by the shareholders of the Company.
The issuance of Preferred Stock by the Board of Directors could adversely affect
the rights of holders of Common Stock.
 
    The potential issuance of Preferred Stock may have the effect of delaying or
preventing a change in control of the Company, may discourage bids for the
Common Stock at a premium over the market price of the Common Stock and may
adversely affect the market price of, and the voting and other rights of the
holders of, Common Stock. The Company has no plans to issue shares of Preferred
Stock.
 
OREGON CONTROL SHARE AND BUSINESS COMBINATION STATUTES
 
    Upon completion of the Offerings, the Company will become subject to the
Oregon Control Share Act (the "Control Share Act"). The Control Share Act
generally provides that a person (the "Acquiror") who acquires voting stock of
an Oregon corporation in a transaction (other than a transaction in which voting
shares are acquired from the issuing public corporation) that results in the
Acquiror holding more than 20%, 33 1/3% or 50% of the total voting power of the
corporation (a "Control Share Acquisition") cannot vote the shares it acquires
in the Control Share Acquisition ("control shares") unless voting rights
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
are accorded to the control shares by (i) a majority of each voting group
entitled to vote and (ii) the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting
shares, excluding the control shares held by the Acquiror and shares held by the
Company's officers and inside directors. The term "Acquiror" is broadly defined
to include persons acting as a group.
 
    The Acquiror may, but is not required to, submit to the Company a statement
setting forth certain information about the Acquiror and its plans with respect
to the Company. The statement may also request that the Company call a special
meeting of shareholders to determine whether voting rights will be accorded to
the control shares. If the Acquiror does not request a special meeting of
shareholders, the issue of voting rights of control shares will be considered at
the next annual or special meeting of shareholders. If the Acquiror's control
shares are accorded voting rights and represent a majority or more of all voting
power, shareholders who do not vote in favor of voting rights for the control
shares will have the right to receive the appraised "fair value" of their
shares, which may not be less than the highest price paid per share by the
Acquiror for the control shares.
 
    Upon completion of the Offerings, the Company will become subject to certain
provisions of the Oregon Business Corporation Act that govern business
combinations between corporations and interested shareholders (the "Business
Combination Act"). The Business Combination Act generally provides that if a
person or entity acquires 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of an
Oregon corporation (an "Interested Shareholder"), the corporation and the
Interested Shareholder, or any affiliated entity of the Interested Shareholder,
may not engage in certain business combination transactions for three years
following the date the person became an Interested Shareholder. Business
combination transactions for this purpose include (a) a merger or plan of share
exchange, (b) any sale, lease, mortgage or other disposition of 10% or more of
the assets of the corporation and (c) certain transactions that result in the
issuance or transfer of capital stock of the corporation to the Interested
Shareholder. These restrictions do not apply if (i) the Interested Shareholder,
as a result of the transaction in which such person became an Interested
Shareholder, owns at least 85% of the outstanding voting stock of the
corporation (disregarding shares owned by directors who are also officers and
certain employee benefit plans), (ii) the board of directors approves the
business combination or the transaction that resulted in the shareholder
becoming an Interested Shareholder before the Interested Shareholder acquires
15% or more of the corporation's voting stock or (iii) the board of directors
and the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock of the
corporation (disregarding shares owned by the Interested Shareholder) approve
the business combination after the Interested Shareholder acquires 15% or more
of the corporation's voting stock.
 
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
    Prior to the Offerings, there has not been any public market for the Common
Stock. Future sales of substantial amounts of Common Stock in the public market,
or the prospect of such sales, could adversely affect prevailing market prices.
 
    Upon completion of the Offerings, 24,392,176 shares of Common Stock will be
outstanding. Of these shares, the 5,600,000 shares sold in the Offerings will be
freely tradeable without restriction under the Securities Act, unless purchased
by an "affiliate" of the Company, as that term is defined in Rule 144. The
remaining 18,792,176 shares outstanding after completion of the Offerings are
"restricted securities" as defined in Rule 144 and may be sold in the public
market only if registered under the Securities Act or if they qualify for an
exemption from registration, including an exemption pursuant to Rule 144.
 
    The Company, its directors and officers and the holders of all of the
Company's outstanding Common Stock as of the date hereof have agreed that,
during the period beginning from the date of this Prospectus, and continuing to
and including the date 180 days after the date of this Prospectus (or earlier
with the consent of the representatives of the Underwriters), they will not
offer, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of Common Stock
(other than (i) pursuant to employee stock option plans existing, or on the
conversion or exchange of convertible or exchangeable securities outstanding, on
the date of this Prospectus, (ii) bona fide gifts to transferees who agree to be
bound by a like
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
   
restriction or (iii) private sales to persons who were shareholders prior to the
closing of the Offerings) or any securities of the Company that are
substantially similar to the shares of the Common Stock or which are convertible
into or exchangeable for securities that are substantially similar to the shares
of the Common Stock without the prior written consent of the representatives of
the Underwriters, except for the shares of Common Stock offered in connection
with the concurrent U.S. and international offerings. Upon expiration of these
agreements, 17,575,543 of these shares will be eligible for immediate resale in
the public market subject to the limitations of Rule 144.
    
 
    In general under Rule 144, a person, including an "affiliate" of the
Company, who has beneficially owned restricted shares for at least one year is
entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of shares that does not
exceed the greater of 1% of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock
(approximately 244,000 shares immediately following the Offerings) or the
average weekly trading volume of the Common Stock during the four calendar weeks
preceding such sale. Sales under Rule 144 are subject to certain manner of sale
limitations, notice requirements and the availability of current public
information about the Company. Rule 144(k) provides that a person who is not an
"affiliate" of the issuer at any time during the three months preceding a sale
and who has beneficially owned shares for at least two years is entitled to sell
those shares at any time without compliance with the public information, volume
limitation, manner of sale and notice provisions of Rule 144.
 
    As of December 31, 1997, options to purchase 736,774 shares of Common Stock
were outstanding under the Stock Incentive Plan. The Company intends to file as
soon as practicable following completion of the Offerings a registration
statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act covering shares of Common Stock
reserved for issuance under the Stock Incentive Plan. Based on the number of
options expected to be outstanding upon completion of the Offerings and shares
reserved for issuance under the Stock Incentive Plan, the registration statement
would cover 2,500,000 shares. See "Management-- Stock Incentive Plan." The
registration statement will become effective immediately upon filing, whereupon,
subject to the satisfaction of applicable exercisability periods, Rule 144
volume limitations applicable to affiliates and, in certain cases, the
agreements with the representatives of the Underwriters referred to above,
shares of Common Stock to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options granted
pursuant to the Stock Incentive Plan will be available for immediate resale in
the open market.
 
                  VALIDITY OF THE ISSUANCE OF THE COMMON STOCK
 
    The validity of the issuance of the Common Stock offered in the Offerings
will be passed upon for the Company by Stoel Rives LLP, Portland, Oregon and for
the Underwriters by Sullivan & Cromwell, Los Angeles, California.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
    The Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Prospectus have been
audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their
report appearing herein, and are included in reliance upon the report of such
firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
    The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission"), Washington, D.C. 20549, a Registration Statement on Form S-1
under the Securities Act with respect to the Common Stock offered in the
Offerings. This Prospectus omits certain information set forth in the
Registration Statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto. For further
information with respect to the Company and the Common Stock offered in the
Offerings, reference is made to such Registration Statement, exhibits and
schedules. Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of any
contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete, and in each
instance reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed
as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement being qualified
in all respects by such reference. The Registration Statement, including the
exhibits and schedules filed therewith, may be inspected without charge at the
public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the regional offices of the
Commission located at Seven World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York
10048 and Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60661. Copies of such materials may be obtained from the Public
Reference Section of the Commission, Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates and from the Commission's Internet
Web site at http://www.sec.gov.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          PAGE
                                                                                          -----
<S>                                                                                    <C>
Independent Auditors' Report.........................................................         F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1997............................         F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996
  and 1997...........................................................................         F-4
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31,
  1995, 1996 and 1997................................................................         F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996
  and 1997...........................................................................         F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...........................................         F-7
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
   
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
    
 
The Shareholders of Columbia Sportswear Company:
 
    We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Columbia
Sportswear Company as of December 31, 1996 and 1997, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
 
    We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the consolidated financial position of Columbia Sportswear Company and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1997, and the consolidated results of
their operations and their consolidated cash flows for each of the three years
in the period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
   
Portland, Oregon
February 6, 1998
(March 24, 1998 as to Notes 1, 2, and 9)
    
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                          COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                                                        --------------------
                                                                          1996       1997
                                                                        ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                     <C>        <C>
                                           ASSETS
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and cash equivalents...........................................  $   3,283  $   4,001
  Short-term investments..............................................        848     --
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $2,440 and 2,461,
    respectively......................................................     60,423     76,086
  Inventories (Note 3)................................................     34,638     48,300
  Prepaid expenses and other..........................................      1,673      2,430
                                                                        ---------  ---------
      Total current assets............................................    100,865    130,817
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Note 4)................................     28,197     35,277
INTANGIBLES AND OTHER ASSETS (Note 5).................................      6,905      8,383
                                                                        ---------  ---------
TOTAL ASSETS..........................................................  $ 135,967  $ 174,477
                                                                        ---------  ---------
                                                                        ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31,       DECEMBER 31,
                                                         --------------------       1997
                                                           1996       1997       PRO FORMA
                                                         ---------  ---------  --------------
                                                                                  (NOTE 1)
<S>                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>
                            LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Notes payable to bank (Note 7).......................  $  11,520  $  20,427    $   20,427
  Accounts payable.....................................     18,090     21,765        21,765
  Accrued expenses (Note 6)............................     11,166     12,899        12,899
  Current portion of long-term debt (Note 8)...........        160        154           154
  Distribution payable to shareholders.................        132      5,866       100,866
                                                         ---------  ---------  --------------
      Total current liabilities........................     41,068     61,111       156,111
LONG-TERM DEBT (Note 8)................................      2,963      2,831         2,831
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
  (Notes 7, 14, and 15)................................     --         --            --
 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  Preferred shares; 10,000 shares authorized; none
    issued and outstanding.............................     --         --            --
  Common shares; 50,000 shares authorized; issued and
    outstanding 18,792.................................     17,886     17,886        17,886
  Retained earnings....................................     81,034    101,805         6,805
  Foreign currency adjustments.........................       (664)    (3,806)       (3,806)
  Unearned portion of restricted stock issued for
    future services....................................     (6,320)    (5,350)       (5,350)
                                                         ---------  ---------  --------------
      Total shareholders' equity.......................     91,936    110,535        15,535
                                                         ---------  ---------  --------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY.............  $ 135,967  $ 174,477    $  174,477
                                                         ---------  ---------  --------------
                                                         ---------  ---------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                          COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -------------------------------
                                                                1995       1996       1997
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>        <C>
NET SALES...................................................  $ 303,797  $ 298,988  $ 353,452
COST OF SALES...............................................    182,971    176,859    198,946
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
  Gross profit..............................................    120,826    122,129    154,506
SELLING, GENERAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE (Note 13)..............     84,583     95,431    110,204
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS......................................     36,243     26,698     44,302
OTHER EXPENSE--Interest expense, net........................      5,767      4,220      3,593
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES....................     30,476     22,478     40,709
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES..................................      1,750      1,468      1,413
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
NET INCOME..................................................  $  28,726  $  21,010  $  39,296
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
EARNINGS PER SHARE:
  Basic.....................................................  $    1.69  $    1.24  $    2.09
  Diluted...................................................  $    1.69  $    1.24  $    2.06
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES:
  Basic.....................................................     16,986     16,997     18,792
  Diluted...................................................     16,986     16,997     19,050
PRO FORMA NET INCOME DATA:
  Income before provision for income taxes, as reported.....  $  30,476  $  22,478  $  40,709
  Pro forma provision for income taxes (Note 1).............     12,190      8,991     16,284
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
PRO FORMA NET INCOME........................................  $  18,286  $  13,487  $  24,425
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
PRO FORMA NET INCOME PER SHARE (Note 1):
  Basic.....................................................                        $    1.00
  Diluted...................................................                        $    0.99
PRO FORMA WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES:
  Basic.....................................................                           24,392
  Diluted...................................................                           24,650
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                          COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   UNEARNED
                                                                                                  PORTION OF
                                                   COMMON STOCK                       FOREIGN     RESTRICTED
                                             ------------------------                CURRENCY    STOCK ISSUED
                                                SHARES                  RETAINED    TRANSLATION   FOR FUTURE
                                              OUTSTANDING    AMOUNT     EARNINGS    ADJUSTMENT     SERVICES        TOTAL
                                             -------------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------
 
<S>                                          <C>            <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 1995...................       16,973    $   2,082  $    60,230   $    (320)   $   --        $    61,992
Stock bonus................................           19           81      --           --            --                 81
Distribution to shareholders...............       --           --          (20,389)     --            --            (20,389)
Net income.................................       --           --           28,726      --            --             28,726
Foreign currency translation adjustment....       --           --          --               48        --                 48
                                             -------------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------
 
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995.................       16,992        2,163       68,567        (272)       --             70,458
Capital contribution.......................       --               30      --           --            --                 30
Issuance of common stock...................        1,800       15,693      --           --             (6,320)        9,373
Distribution to shareholders...............       --           --           (8,543)     --            --             (8,543)
Net income.................................       --           --           21,010      --            --             21,010
Foreign currency translation adjustment....       --           --          --             (392)       --               (392)
                                             -------------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------
 
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996.................       18,792       17,886       81,034        (664)        (6,320)       91,936
Distribution to shareholders...............       --           --          (18,525)     --            --            (18,525)
Net income.................................       --           --           39,296      --            --             39,296
Foreign currency translation adjustment....       --           --          --           (3,142)       --             (3,142)
Amortization of unearned compensation......       --           --          --           --                970           970
                                             -------------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------
 
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997.................       18,792    $  17,886  $   101,805   $  (3,806)   $    (5,350)  $   110,535
                                             -------------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------
                                             -------------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                          COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                               -------------------------------
                                                                 1995       1996       1997
                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                            <C>        <C>        <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income.................................................  $  28,726  $  21,010  $  39,296
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
    operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization............................      5,048      6,419      7,518
    Noncash compensation.....................................         81      5,655        970
    Loss on disposal of equipment............................         36        155          4
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
      Accounts receivable....................................    (16,852)    26,340    (17,674)
      Inventories............................................     (4,912)    13,749    (14,745)
      Prepaid expenses and other.............................     (1,007)      (709)      (963)
      Other assets...........................................        215     (5,585)    (2,577)
      Accounts payable.......................................     (1,458)    (3,605)     5,199
      Accrued expenses.......................................      1,970      3,385      1,875
                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
        Net cash provided by operating activities............     11,847     66,814     18,903
                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Additions to property, plant, and equipment................    (13,074)   (10,103)   (14,816)
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment.......         87         33         49
  Purchase of short-term certificates of deposit.............     --           (855)    --
  Maturity of short-term investments.........................     --         --            813
                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
        Net cash used in investing activities................    (12,987)   (10,925)   (13,954)
                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Net borrowings (repayments) on notes payable to bank.......     27,615    (39,876)     9,284
  Repayments on long-term debt...............................     (2,500)    (1,250)      (137)
  Distributions to shareholders..............................    (24,527)   (12,562)   (12,791)
  Capital contribution from shareholders.....................     --             30     --
                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
        Net cash provided by (used in) financing
          activities.........................................        588    (53,658)    (3,644)
                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
NET EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH..................        (40)      (236)      (587)
                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS.........       (592)     1,995        718
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR.................      1,880      1,288      3,283
                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR.......................  $   1,288  $   3,283  $   4,001
                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
  Cash paid during the year for interest, net of capitalized
    interest.................................................  $   5,725  $   4,419  $   4,055
  State and foreign income taxes.............................      1,887      2,765      1,510
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING
  ACTIVITIES:
  Property, plant, and equipment acquired through assumption
    of debt..................................................  $  --      $   3,123  $  --
  Note receivable from sale of fixed assets..................     --         --            152
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                          COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ORGANIZATION
 
    NATURE OF THE BUSINESS--Columbia Sportswear Company (the "Company") is a
global leader in the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of active
outdoor apparel. Pursuant to a plan of share exchange, on December 18, 1997 the
Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of GTS, Inc. ("GTS"), a holding
company with substantially the same shareholders as the Company. GTS held a 21%
interest in Columbia Sportswear Holdings Limited ("CSHL"), a Canadian holding
company with one subsidiary, Columbia Sportswear Canada Limited ("CSCL"), a
Canadian outerwear distributor. The Company held the remaining 79% interest in
CSHL. As a result of this acquisition, CSHL is now a wholly owned subsidiary of
the Company. The plan of share exchange has been accounted for in a manner
similar to a pooling-of-interest and, accordingly, the combined financial
statements contained herein are presented as if GTS had always been a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Company.
 
    PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS--Upon completion of the contemplated initial public
offering of Common Stock, the Company will be subject to federal and state
income taxes from the date of termination of the Company's S corporation status
(the "Termination Date"). The pro forma consolidated statements of operations
data for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997 reflect
adjustments for income taxes based upon income before provision for income taxes
as if the Company had been subject to additional federal and state income taxes
based upon a pro forma effective tax rate of 40%. In addition, the Company will
be required to provide a deferred tax asset for cumulative temporary differences
between financial statement and income tax bases of the Company's assets and
liabilities by recording a benefit for such deferred tax assets in its
consolidated statement of operations for the period following the effective date
of the offerings. Such deferred tax assets will be based on the cumulative
temporary difference upon the conversion from an S corporation to a C
corporation on the Termination Date. The net difference between the financial
statement and income tax bases of the Company's assets and liabilities was
approximately $7,400,000 at December 31, 1997.
 
    The pro forma balances of liabilities and shareholders' equity at December
31, 1997 reflect the liability and reduction in shareholders' equity for the
dividend of $95,000,000 related to the termination of the S corporation status.
 
    PRO FORMA NET INCOME PER SHARE--Pro forma net income per share is based on
the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding and dilutive
common equivalent shares from stock options (using the treasury stock method).
In addition, the average shares outstanding reflect the conversion of voting and
nonvoting shares into shares of voting Common Stock and the subsequent
conversion of each share of voting Common Stock into 0.59 shares of Common Stock
pursuant to a reverse stock split which occurred at consummation of the offering
of Common Stock by the Company (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                YEAR ENDED
                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   1997
                                                              ---------------
<S>                                                           <C>
Weighted average shares.....................................        18,792
Shares issued to pay shareholder dividend...................         5,600
                                                                   -------
Pro forma weighted average shares--basic....................        24,392
Common Stock equivalent--stock options......................           258
                                                                   -------
Pro forma weighted average shares--diluted..................        24,650
                                                                   -------
                                                                   -------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                          COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ORGANIZATION (CONTINUED)
    Common equivalent shares issued during the 12-month period prior to the
proposed offering have been included in the calculation of diluted earnings per
share using the treasury stock method as if they were outstanding for all
periods presented with an offering price equivalent to $16 per share.
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
    PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION--The consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant
intercompany accounts have been eliminated.
 
    SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS--Amounts consist of monies invested in certificates
of deposit with original maturities greater than three months.
 
    INVENTORIES are carried at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined
using the first-in, first-out method.
 
    DERIVATIVES--The Company enters into foreign currency contracts to reduce
the impact of certain foreign currency fluctuations. Firmly committed
transactions and the related receivables and payables may be hedged with forward
exchange contracts or purchased options. Anticipated, but not yet firmly
committed, transactions may be hedged through the use of purchased options.
Premiums paid on purchased options are included in prepaid expenses and are
amortized over the life of the option. Gains and losses arising from foreign
currency forward and option contracts are recognized in income or expense as
offsets of gains and losses resulting from the underlying hedged transactions.
 
    PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT are stated at cost. Depreciation of equipment
and amortization of leasehold improvements is provided using the straight-line
method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from 3 to 10
years. Buildings are depreciated using the straight-line method over 30 years.
The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment using undiscounted
cash flows to estimate fair value.
 
    INTANGIBLES--Goodwill is being amortized on a straight-line basis over eight
years.
 
    COMMON STOCK--In 1996 the Company's Board of Directors declared a 400-for-1
stock split of its Common Stock. All per share information in the accompanying
consolidated financial statements has been retroactively adjusted to reflect
this stock split. In addition, the shares outstanding for all periods reflect
the conversion of voting and nonvoting shares of Common Stock into shares of
voting Common Stock of the Company and the subsequent conversion of each share
of voting Common Stock into 0.59 shares of Common Stock pursuant to a reverse
stock split which occurred at the consummation of the offering of Common Stock
by the Company.
 
    ADVERTISING COSTS are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was
$12,700,000, $12,006,000, and $16,649,000 for the years ended December 31, 1995,
1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
    PRODUCT WARRANTY--Substantially all of the Company's products carry lifetime
warranty provisions for defects in quality and workmanship. The Company's
estimated liability for future warranty claims related to past sales at December
31, 1996 and 1997 is approximately $2,699,000 and $3,400,000, respectively, and
is recorded in accrued expenses. Warranty expense was approximately $2,738,000,
$2,800,000, and $2,848,000 for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997,
respectively.
 
    TAXES ON INCOME--Shareholders of the Company have elected to have the
Company be treated as an S corporation under provisions of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986. Accordingly, payment of federal and state taxes on income is the
responsibility of the shareholders rather than the Company. The
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                          COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Company and its Board of Directors have declared distributions to shareholders
in amounts approximately equal to the shareholders' federal and state tax
liability on the earnings of the Company. In the states of California and New
York, the Company has elected C corporation status and is subject to those
states' income taxes. CSCL is subject to federal and provincial income tax in
Canada. The provision for income taxes differs from the amounts computed by
applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes
since the Company's income is not subject to federal and certain state income
taxes.
 
    FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION--The assets and liabilities of the Company's
foreign subsidiaries have been translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange
rates in effect at period end, and the net sales and expenses have been
translated into U.S. dollars using the average exchange rates in effect during
the period. Adjustments resulting from translation adjustments are included as a
separate component of shareholders' equity.
 
    STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS--For purposes of the statement of cash flows, cash
and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, amounts in demand deposit accounts
and pooled investment funds with original maturities of three months or less.
 
    RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS--In February 1997, the Financial
Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, EARNINGS PER SHARE, which was adopted by the Company
effective December 31, 1997. This statement establishes standards for computing
and presenting earnings per share ("EPS") and applies to entities with publicly
held Common Stock or potential Common Stock. It replaces the presentation of
primary EPS with a presentation of basic EPS and requires the dual presentation
of basic and diluted EPS on the face of the income statement. This statement
requires restatement of all prior period EPS data presented. The Company had a
simple capital structure in 1995 and 1996. Diluted EPS for 1997 includes the
incremental effect of stock options granted.
 
    ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS--In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS
No. 131, DISCLOSURES ABOUT SEGMENTS OF AN ENTERPRISE AND RELATED INFORMATION,
which will be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 1998. SFAS No. 131
redefines how operating segments are determined and requires qualitative
disclosure of certain financial and descriptive information about a company's
operating segments. The Company believes the segment information required to be
disclosed under SFAS No. 131 will be more comprehensive than previously
provided, including expanded disclosure of income statement and balance sheet
items for each of its reportable operating segments. The Company has not yet
completed its analysis of which operating segments on which it may report.
 
    USE OF ESTIMATES--The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                          COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
3. INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 consist of the following (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1996       1997
                                                           ---------  ---------
<S>                                                        <C>        <C>
Raw materials............................................  $   4,020  $   4,565
Work-in-process..........................................      5,936      7,637
Finished goods...........................................     24,682     36,098
                                                           ---------  ---------
  Total..................................................  $  34,638  $  48,300
                                                           ---------  ---------
                                                           ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
4. PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property, plant, and equipment as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 consist of
the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1996       1997
                                                           ---------  ---------
<S>                                                        <C>        <C>
Land.....................................................  $   1,359  $   1,359
Buildings................................................     12,330     12,337
Machinery and equipment..................................     20,488     23,786
Furniture and fixtures...................................      4,432      5,326
Leasehold improvements...................................      5,062      6,428
Automobiles..............................................        438        551
Construction in progress.................................     --          7,704
                                                           ---------  ---------
  Subtotal...............................................     44,109     57,491
Less accumulated depreciation............................     15,912     22,214
                                                           ---------  ---------
  Total..................................................  $  28,197  $  35,277
                                                           ---------  ---------
                                                           ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
5. INTANGIBLES AND OTHER ASSETS
 
    Intangibles and other assets as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 consist of the
following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1996       1997
                                                             ---------  ---------
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>
Notes receivable from shareholder (see Note 13)............  $   3,818  $   5,723
Goodwill...................................................      1,099        767
Other......................................................      1,988      1,893
                                                             ---------  ---------
  Total....................................................  $   6,905  $   8,383
                                                             ---------  ---------
                                                             ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The balance due from shareholder consists of a note receivable of $3,818,000
maturing on December 31, 2002 and a note receivable of $1,905,000 maturing on
April 15, 2002. These notes bear interest at 6.31% and 6.49%, respectively.
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
                          COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
6. ACCRUED EXPENSES
 
    Accrued expenses as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 consist of the following
(in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1996       1997
                                                           ---------  ---------
<S>                                                        <C>        <C>
Accrued bonuses..........................................  $   4,460  $   4,703
Accrued warranty reserve.................................      2,698      3,400
Other....................................................      4,008      4,796
                                                           ---------  ---------
  Total..................................................  $  11,166  $  12,899
                                                           ---------  ---------
                                                           ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
7. NOTES PAYABLE TO BANK
 
    The Company has available an unsecured operating line of credit providing
for borrowings to a maximum of $70,000,000 during the period from August 1 to
December 15 and $50,000,000 at all other times. The maturity date is June 30,
1998 at which time either party can elect to extend the financing agreements.
Interest payable monthly is computed at the bank's prime rate minus up to 2.1%
per annum, which was 6.35% and 6.50% at December 31, 1996 and 1997,
respectively. If the Company defaults on its payments, it is prohibited, subject
to certain exceptions, from making dividend payments or other distributions. The
balance outstanding was $6,250,000 and $13,992,000 at December 31, 1996 and
1997, respectively. The agreement also includes a fixed rate option based on the
Eurodollar rate plus up to 75 basis points.
 
    The Company also has available an unsecured revolving line of credit of
$25,000,000 with a $45,000,000 import line of credit to issue documentary
letters of credit on a sight basis. The combined limit under this agreement is
$60,000,000. The revolving line accrues interest at the bank's prime rate minus
2% per annum. The revolving line also has a fixed rate option based on the
bank's cost of funds plus 35 basis points. There was no balance outstanding on
this line as of December 31, 1996 and 1997.
 
    The Company is party to a Buying Agency Agreement with Nissho Iwai American
Corporation and its Canadian affiliate ("Nissho") pursuant to which Nissho
provides the Company an unsecured line of credit. This line of credit is used to
finance the purchase of goods outside the U.S. which are produced by the
Company's independent manufacturers worldwide. The available funds are limited
to $120,000,000 with a sublimit of $70,000,000 on the import line of credit.
Borrowings bear interest at a rate of .5% above the three month LIBOR rate. In
addition, the Company is obligated to pay Nissho a commission of 1.5% of the FOB
price of the goods purchased by Nissho in its capacity as buying agent. The
agreement expires September 30, 1998 but will automatically renew for a five
year term unless either party elects otherwise. The balance outstanding on the
import line of credit was $11,664,000 and $13,397,000 at December 31, 1996 and
1997, respectively, and is included in accounts payable. At December 31, 1997,
the Company had $34,307,000 of firm purchase orders placed under these financing
arrangements.
 
    CSCL has available a line of credit providing for borrowing to a maximum of
C$18,000,000 (US$13,138,000 at December 31, 1997). Borrowings against this line
of credit bear interest at either the B/A option rate, which is the bank's prime
acceptance fee minus 50 basis points or at the prime rate. B/A's are issued in
multiples of C$100,000 with a maturity of not less than 30 days and not more
than 360 days. The facility is guaranteed by the Company. At December 31, 1996,
the balance outstanding was C$720,000 and C$6,500,000 (US$525,000 and
US$4,745,000) under the prime and B/A options, respectively, and the B/A's
average rate of interest was 3.06%. At December 31, 1997, the entire balance
outstanding of C$7,000,000 (US$4,894,000) was borrowed under the B/A option
rate, at an average
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                          COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
7. NOTES PAYABLE TO BANK (CONTINUED)
interest rate of 4.06%. The Canadian prime lending rate was 4.75% and 6.0% at
December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
    At December 31, 1997, the Company's Japanese subsidiary had bank borrowings
outstanding of $1,541,000 at an interest rate of 1.625%.
 
8. LONG-TERM DEBT
 
    Long-term debt as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 consists of the following
(in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1996       1997
                                                             ---------  ---------
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>
Mortgage note payable......................................  $   3,123  $   2,985
Less current portion.......................................        160        154
                                                             ---------  ---------
  Total long-term debt.....................................  $   2,963  $   2,831
                                                             ---------  ---------
                                                             ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The Company assumed a mortgage in connection with the acquisition of a
distribution center (see Note 14). The loan matures in June 2009 and bears
interest at 8.76%. Principal payments due on the mortgage note payable as of
December 31, 1997 were as follows: $154,000 in 1998; $169,000 in 1999; $183,000
in 2000; $201,000 in 2001; $219,000 in 2002; and $2,059,000 thereafter.
 
9. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
    The Company is authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of Common Stock. At
December 31, 1996 and 1997, 18,792,176 shares of Common Stock were issued and
outstanding. Shares for all periods are restated to reflect a 400-for-1 split in
1996. Additionally, all shares and per share amounts for all periods are
restated to reflect the conversion of voting and nonvoting shares into voting
shares of Common Stock and the subsequent conversion of each share of voting
Common Stock into 0.59 shares of Common Stock pursuant to a reverse stock split
which occurred at consummation of the offering of Common Stock by the Company.
 
10. STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
 
    On March 12, 1997, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the 1997
Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). The Company reserved 2,000,000 shares of
Common Stock for issuance pursuant to the Plan. At that date, 595,900 incentive
stock options and 13,275 nonqualified options were granted under the Plan, each
at an exercise price of $9.68 per share, the estimated fair value at the date of
grant.
 
    On July 21, 1997, the Board of Directors of the Company granted an
additional 26,550 incentive stock options and 4,425 nonqualified options under
the Plan, each at an exercise price of $9.68 per share, the estimated fair value
at the date of grant.
 
    On November 14, 1997, the Board of Directors of the Company granted an
additional 28,773 incentive stock options and 67,851 nonqualified options under
the Plan, each at an exercise price of $15.20 a share, the estimated fair value
at the date of grant.
 
    In January 1998, the Board of Directors increased the number of shares
authorized for issuance under the Plan from 2,000,000 to 2,500,000 shares.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                          COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
10. STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN (CONTINUED)
 
    The options become exercisable ratably over a five-year period beginning
from the date of grant if the Company completes a final underwritten public
offering of Common Stock registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
and expire ten years from the date of grant. If an offering is not completed,
the options become fully exercisable nine years from the date of the grant.
 
    In October 1995 the FASB issued SFAS No. 123, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED
COMPENSATION, which defines a fair value based method of accounting for employee
stock options and similar equity instruments and encourages all entities to
adopt that method of accounting for all of their employee stock compensation
plans. However, it also allows an entity to continue to measure compensation
cost for those plans using the method of accounting prescribed by Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25 ("APB 25"). Entities electing to remain with the
accounting in APB 25 must make pro forma disclosures of net income and, if
presented, earnings per share, as if the fair value based method of accounting
defined in SFAS No. 123 had been adopted.
 
    The Company has elected to account for the Plan under APB 25; however, the
Company has computed, for pro forma disclosure purposes, the value of all stock
options granted during 1997 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model as
prescribed by SFAS No. 123 using the following weighted average assumptions:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Risk-free interest rate.....................................   6.69 - 5.77%
Expected dividend yield.....................................        0%
Expected lives..............................................   4 to 8 years
Expected volatility.........................................  Minimum value
</TABLE>
 
    Using the Black-Scholes methodology, the total value of stock options
granted during 1997 was $2,431,000 which would be amortized on a pro forma basis
over the vesting period of the options. The weighted average fair value of
options granted during 1997 was $3.30 per share.
 
    If the Company had accounted for the Plan in accordance with SFAS No. 123,
the Company's net income and earnings per share would approximate the pro forma
disclosures below:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          YEAR ENDED
                                                      DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                  --------------------------
                                                   AS REPORTED    PRO FORMA
                                                  -------------  -----------
<S>                                               <C>            <C>
Net income......................................    $  39,296     $  38,970
Earnings per share--basic.......................    $    2.09     $    2.07
Earnings per share--diluted.....................    $    2.06     $    2.05
</TABLE>
    
 
    The effects of applying SFAS No. 123 in this pro forma disclosure are not
indicative of future amounts.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                          COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
10. STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN (CONTINUED)
    The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding
at December 31, 1997:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        OPTIONS OUTSTANDING              OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
               --------------------------------------   ----------------------
                             WEIGHTED AVG.   WEIGHTED                 WEIGHTED
  RANGE OF                     REMAINING     AVERAGE      NUMBER      AVERAGE
  EXERCISE       NUMBER       CONTRACTUAL    EXERCISE    OF SHARES    EXERCISE
   PRICES      OUTSTANDING    LIFE (YRS)      PRICE     EXERCISABLE    PRICE
- -------------  -----------   -------------   --------   -----------   --------
<S>            <C>           <C>             <C>        <C>           <C>
    $9.68        640,150         8.23         $ 9.68       --          $ 9.68
   $15.20         96,624         8.88          15.20       --           15.20
               -----------        ---        --------   -----------   --------
$9.68 - 15.20    736,774         8.31          10.40       --           10.40
</TABLE>
 
11. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    FASB Statement No. 107, DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL
INSTRUMENTS, requires disclosure of fair value information about financial
instruments when it is practicable to estimate that value. The carrying value of
cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, notes
payable, and long-term debt reflect their approximate fair value at December 31,
1996 and 1997 based on their stated terms and conditions.
 
12. PROFIT-SHARING PLAN
 
    The Company has a 401(k) profit-sharing plan, which covers substantially all
employees with more than one year of service.
 
    The Company may elect to make discretionary matching and/or non-matching
contributions. All contributions to the plan are determined by the Board of
Directors and totaled $1,269,000, $1,465,000, and $1,681,000 for the years ended
December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
13. PARTICIPATION SHARE AGREEMENT
 
    Effective December 1990, the Company adopted a Participation Share Agreement
(the "Participation Plan") with a key employee. The Participation Plan provided
for the grant of participation shares equivalent to 10% of the Company, which
were to be awarded at various dates through January 2000. Shares awarded were
subjected to vesting at a rate of 20% per year. The original Participation Plan
granted the employee deferred compensation in the appreciation of a defined
per-share book value of the Company since January 1987 and contained an
anti-dilutive provision.
 
    Effective December 31, 1996, the original Participation Plan was terminated
and a Deferred Compensation Conversion Agreement (the "Agreement") was entered
into. Under the Agreement, the participation shares, whether or not vested or
awarded under the Participation Plan, were converted to 1,800,435 shares of
Common Stock. Of the converted shares, 725,114 shares of Common Stock awarded
are subject to vesting through December 2004.
 
    The total value of the share conversion is $15,693,000 ($8.72 per share of
Common Stock), of which $6,320,000 was unvested. The unvested portion is
recorded as a reduction in shareholders' equity and will be amortized to
compensation expense through December 2004 as shares are earned. Compensation
expense related to the Participation Plan and the 1996 conversion totaled
$922,000, $5,742,000, and $970,000 for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996
and 1997, respectively. Additionally, the
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                          COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
13. PARTICIPATION SHARE AGREEMENT (CONTINUED)
Agreement also provided for a cash bonus of $2,750,000 in consideration for past
services and for future bonuses to be paid in amounts equal to the accrued
interest due and owing on the note receivable from shareholder (see Note 5).
 
14. LEASE OBLIGATIONS
 
    The Company has a long-term lease agreement for a manufacturing facility
constructed to the Company's specifications. The initial lease term is for ten
years with three five-year renewal options. The lease also contains purchase
options at the end of five and ten years.
 
    In December 1995, the Company acquired a long-term operating lease on a
commercial building to operate a retail outlet. The remaining lease term is 33
years. The agreement contains a payment escalation clause which increases the
payment amount every four years with the minimum increase the greater of the
Consumer Price Index or 4% per annum. Rent expense is recognized on a
straight-line basis over the life of the lease. The minimum lease payments are
included in the schedule below.
 
    Additionally, the Company leases certain operating facilities from
shareholders/directors of the Company. Total rent expense, including
month-to-month rentals, for these leases amounted to $626,000, $277,000, and
$198,000 for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
    In March 1996 the Company acquired the distribution center for approximately
$4.5 million from a shareholder and an officer of the Company from whom the
Company had previously leased the facility on a long-term basis.
 
    Rent expense was $1,998,000, $2,408,000 and $2,941,000 for non-related party
leases during the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
    Future minimum payments on all lease obligations greater than one year are
as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                YEAR ENDING                   NON-RELATED     RELATED
               DECEMBER 31,                     PARTIES       PARTIES      TOTAL
- -------------------------------------------  -------------  -----------  ---------
<S>                                          <C>            <C>          <C>
1998.......................................    $   3,068     $     209   $   3,277
1999.......................................        2,578           219       2,797
2000.......................................        1,412           230       1,642
2001.......................................          644           242         886
2002.......................................          490           254         744
Thereafter.................................        7,964        --           7,964
                                             -------------  -----------  ---------
                                               $  16,156     $   1,154   $  17,310
                                             -------------  -----------  ---------
                                             -------------  -----------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
    CONTINGENCIES--The Company is a party to various legal claims, actions and
complaints. Although the ultimate resolution of legal proceedings cannot be
predicted with certainty, management believes that disposition of these matters
will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial
statements.
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                          COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
16. HEDGING AND DERIVATIVES
 
    The Company utilizes options and forward contracts related to certain of its
business activities. Gains and losses on these contracts are recognized or
accrued as a component of the related transactions. The Company is exposed to
certain losses in the event of nonperformance by the other parties to these
agreements, but the Company does not anticipate nonperformance by the other
parties, which are major financial institutions.
 
    The Company manages a portion of its exposure to fluctuations in currencies
related to foreign sales and accounts receivable with short-term strategies
after giving consideration to market conditions, contractual agreements,
anticipated sale and purchase transactions, and other factors affecting the
Company's risk profile. At December 31, 1997, the Company had approximately
$7,050,000 (notional) in foreign currency option contracts and approximately
$2,000,000 (notional) in forward exchange contracts. The carrying value and
unrealized gains and losses related to these contracts were not material at
December 31, 1997. No derivative financial instruments were held at December 31,
1996.
 
17. GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
 
    The majority of the Company's net sales are derived from its North American
operations. These net sales amounted to 95%, 91% and 90% of net sales for the
years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. The remaining net
sales are derived from throughout the world, with the majority occurring in
Europe for each of the past three years.
 
                                  * * * * * *
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
    Subject to the terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement, the
Company has agreed to sell to each of the U.S. Underwriters named below, and
each of such U.S. Underwriters, for whom Goldman, Sachs & Co, NationsBanc
Montgomery Securities LLC and PaineWebber Incorporated are acting as
representatives, has severally agreed to purchase from the Company, the
respective number of shares of Common Stock set forth opposite its name below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           NUMBER OF SHARES
                    U.S. UNDERWRITER                       OF COMMON STOCK
- --------------------------------------------------------  ------------------
<S>                                                       <C>
Goldman, Sachs & Co.....................................
NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC...................
PaineWebber Incorporated................................
 
                                                              ----------
  Total.................................................       4,480,000
                                                              ----------
                                                              ----------
</TABLE>
 
    Under the terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement, the U.S.
Underwriters are committed to take and pay for all of the shares offered hereby,
if any are taken.
 
    The U.S. Underwriters propose to offer the shares of Common Stock in part
directly to the public at the initial public offering price set forth on the
cover page of this Prospectus and in part to certain securities dealers at such
price less a concession of $         per share. The U.S. Underwriters may allow,
and such dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess of $         per share
to certain brokers and dealers. After the shares of Common Stock are released
for sale to the public, the offering price and other selling terms may from time
to time be varied by the representatives.
 
    The Company has entered into an underwriting agreement (the "International
Underwriting Agreement") with the underwriters of the International Offering
(the "International Underwriters") providing for the concurrent offer and sale
of 1,120,000 shares of Common Stock in an international offering outside the
United States. The offering price and aggregate underwriting discounts and
commissions per share for the two Offerings are identical. The closing of the
offering made hereby is a condition to the closing of the International
Offering, and VICE VERSA. The representatives of the International Underwriters
are Goldman Sachs International, NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC and
PaineWebber International (U.K.) Ltd.
 
    Pursuant to an Agreement between the U.S. and International Underwriting
Syndicates (the "Agreement Between") relating to the two Offerings, each of the
U.S. Underwriters named herein has agreed that, as a part of the distribution of
the shares offered hereby and subject to certain exceptions, it will offer, sell
or deliver the shares of Common Stock, directly or indirectly, only in the
United States of America (including the States and the District of Columbia),
its territories, its possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction
(the "United States") and to U.S. persons, which term shall mean, for purposes
of this paragraph: (a) any individual who is a resident of the United States or
(b) any corporation, partnership or other entity organized in or under the laws
of the United States or any political subdivision thereof and whose office most
directly involved with the purchase is located in the United States. Each of the
International Underwriters has agreed pursuant to the Agreement Between that, as
a part of the distribution of the shares offered as a part of the International
Offering, and subject to certain exceptions, it will (i) not, directly or
indirectly, offer, sell or deliver shares of Common Stock (a) in the United
States or to any U.S. persons or (b) to any person who it believes intends to
reoffer, resell or
 
                                      U-1
<PAGE>
deliver the shares in the United States or to any U.S. persons, and (ii) cause
any dealer to whom it may sell such shares at any concession to agree to observe
a similar restriction.
 
    Pursuant to the Agreement Between, sales may be made between the U.S.
Underwriters and the International Underwriters of such number of shares of
Common Stock as may be mutually agreed. The price of any shares so sold shall be
the initial public offering price, less an amount not greater than the selling
concession.
 
    The Company has granted the U.S. Underwriters an option exercisable for 30
days after the date of this Prospectus to purchase up to an aggregate of 672,000
additional shares of Common Stock solely to cover over-allotments, if any. If
the U.S. Underwriters exercise their over-allotment option, the U.S.
Underwriters have severally agreed, subject to certain conditions, to purchase
approximately the same percentage thereof that the number of shares to be
purchased by each of them, as shown in the foregoing table, bears to the
4,480,000 shares of Common Stock offered. The Company has granted the
International Underwriters a similar option to purchase up to an aggregate of
168,000 additional shares of Common Stock.
 
    The Company, its directors and officers and the holders of all of the
Company's outstanding Common Stock as of the date hereof have agreed that,
during the period beginning from the date of this Prospectus and continuing to
and including the date 180 days after the date of the Prospectus, they will not
offer, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of Common Stock
(other than (i) pursuant to employee stock option plans existing, or on the
conversion or exchange of convertible or exchangeable securities outstanding, on
the date of this Prospectus, (ii) bona fide gifts to transferees who agree to be
bound by a like restriction or (iii) private sales to persons who were
shareholders prior to the closing of the Offerings) or any securities of the
Company that are substantially similar to the shares of the Common Stock or
which are convertible into or exchangeable for securities that are substantially
similar to the shares of the Common Stock without the prior written consent of
the representatives, except for the shares of Common Stock offered in connection
with the concurrent U.S. and international offerings.
 
    The representatives of the Underwriters have informed the Company that they
do not expect sales to accounts over which the Underwriters exercise
discretionary authority to exceed five percent of the total number of shares of
Common Stock offered by them.
 
    Prior to the Offerings, there has been no public market for the shares. The
initial public offering price will be negotiated among the Company and the
representatives of the U.S. Underwriters and the International Underwriters.
Among the factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering
price of the Common Stock, in addition to prevailing market conditions, will be
the Company's historical performance, estimates of the business potential and
earnings prospects of the Company, an assessment of the Company's management and
the consideration of the above factors in relation to market valuation of
companies in related businesses.
 
    The Common Stock will be quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the
symbol "COLM."
 
    In connection with the Offerings, the Underwriters may purchase and sell the
Common Stock in the open market. These transactions may include over-allotment
and stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover syndicate short positions
created in connection with the Offerings. Stabilizing transactions consist of
certain bids or purchases for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline
in the market price of the Common Stock; and syndicate short positions involve
the sale by the Underwriters of a greater number of shares of Common Stock than
they are required to purchase from the Company in the Offerings. The
Underwriters also may impose a penalty bid, whereby selling concessions allowed
to syndicate members or other broker-dealers in respect of the Common Stock sold
in the Offerings for their account may be reclaimed by the syndicate if such
securities are repurchased by the syndicate in stabilizing or covering
transactions. These activities may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the
market price of the Common Stock, which may be higher than the price that might
otherwise prevail in
 
                                      U-2
<PAGE>
the open market; and these activities, if commenced, may be discontinued at any
time. These transactions may be effected on the Nasdaq National Market, in the
over-the-counter market or otherwise.
 
    The Underwriters may reserve, for sale at the initial public offering price,
up to 425,000 shares of Common Stock which may be sold to directors, employees
and persons having business relationships with the Company. The number of shares
of Common Stock available for sale to the general public will be reduced to the
extent such persons purchase such reserved shares. Any reserved shares of Common
Stock not so purchased will be offered by the Underwriters on the same basis as
the other shares of Common Stock offered in the Offerings.
 
    The Company has agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
 
    This Prospectus may be used by underwriters and dealers in connection with
offers and sales of the Common Stock, including shares initially sold in the
International Offering, to persons located in the United States.
 
    [Pictures of (i) model cycling in Company sportswear, (ii) model in Company
sportswear with bonefish, (iii) model in downpour in Company jacket, (iv) model
crossing river in Company sportswear, (v) model snowboarding in Company Convert
jacket and (vi) child model in Company youth jacket and accessories in snow.]
 
                                      U-3
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR
MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE SECURITIES TO
WHICH IT RELATES OR AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY SUCH
SECURITIES IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS UNLAWFUL.
NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER
ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE
AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
 
                                 --------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          PAGE
                                          -----
<S>                                    <C>
Prospectus Summary...................           3
Risk Factors.........................           8
Use of Proceeds......................          14
Dividend Policy and S Corporation
  Status.............................          14
Dilution.............................          15
Capitalization.......................          16
Selected Consolidated Financial
  Data...............................          17
Management's Discussion and Analysis
  of Financial Condition and Results
  of Operations......................          19
Business.............................          26
Management...........................          40
Certain Transactions.................          45
Principal Shareholders...............          47
Description of Capital Stock.........          49
Shares Eligible for Future Sale......          50
Validity of the Issuance of the
  Common Stock.......................          51
Experts..............................          51
Additional Information...............          52
Index to Consolidated Financial
  Statements.........................         F-1
Underwriting.........................         U-1
</TABLE>
 
                                 --------------
 
    THROUGH AND INCLUDING              , 1998 (THE 25TH DAY AFTER THE DATE OF
THIS PROSPECTUS), ALL DEALERS EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE COMMON STOCK,
WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING IN THIS DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A
PROSPECTUS. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A
PROSPECTUS WHEN ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD
ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
 
                                5,600,000 SHARES
 
                          COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
                                  -----------
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
                                  -----------
 
                              GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
 
                             NATIONSBANC MONTGOMERY
                                 SECURITIES LLC
 
                            PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED
 
                      REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNDERWRITERS
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                                    PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
    The following table sets forth the costs and expenses, other than
underwriting discounts, payable by the Registrant in connection with the offer
and sale of the Common Stock being registered. All amounts are estimates except
the registration fee, the NASD filing fee and the Nasdaq National Market entry
fee.
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                <C>
Registration fee.................................................  $  36,187
NASD filing fee..................................................     12,767
Blue Sky fees and expenses (including legal fees)................      8,500
Nasdaq National Market entry fee.................................     50,000
Accounting fees and expenses.....................................    200,000
Other legal fees and expenses....................................    200,000
Transfer agent and registrar fee.................................     15,000
Printing and engraving...........................................    100,000
Miscellaneous....................................................    117,546
                                                                   ---------
    Total........................................................  $ 740,000
                                                                   ---------
                                                                   ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
    Article IV of the Registrant's Second Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation (the "Articles"), to be effective upon completion of the
Offerings, requires indemnification of current or former directors of the
Registrant to the fullest extent not prohibited by the Oregon Business
Corporation Act (the "Act"). The Act permits or requires indemnification of
directors and officers in certain circumstances. The effects of the Articles and
the Act (the "Indemnification Provisions") are summarized as follows:
 
        (a) The Indemnification Provisions grant a right of indemnification in
    respect of any proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of the
    Company), if the person concerned acted in good faith and in a manner the
    person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of
    the Company, was not adjudged liable on the basis of receipt of an improper
    personal benefit and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had
    no reasonable cause to believe the conduct was unlawful. The termination of
    a proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or plea of nolo
    contendere, or its equivalent, is not, of itself, determinative that the
    person did not meet the required standards of conduct.
 
        (b) The Indemnification Provisions grant a right of indemnification in
    respect of any proceeding by or in the right of the Company against the
    expenses (including attorney fees) actually and reasonably incurred if the
    person concerned acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably
    believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company,
    except that no right of indemnification will be granted if the person is
    adjudged to be liable to the Company.
 
        (c) Every person who has been wholly successful, on the merits or
    otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which the person was a party
    because of the person's status as a director or officer of a controversy
    described in (a) or (b) above is entitled to indemnification as a matter of
    right.
 
        (d) Because the limits of permissible indemnification under Oregon law
    are not clearly defined, the Indemnification Provisions may provide
    indemnification broader than that described in (a) and (b).
 
        (e) The Registrant may advance to a director or officer the expenses
    incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition if
    the director or officer affirms in writing in good faith
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
    that he or she has met the standard of conduct to be entitled to
    indemnification as described in (a) or (b) above and undertakes to repay any
    amount advanced if it is determined that the person did not meet the
    required standard of conduct.
 
    The Company has entered into indemnification agreements with each of the
Company's directors, a form of which is attached as an exhibit hereto and is
incorporated herein by reference.
 
    The Registrant may obtain insurance for the protection of its directors and
officers against any liability asserted against them in their official
capacities. The rights of indemnification described above are not exclusive of
any other rights of indemnification to which the persons indemnified may be
entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of shareholders or directors or
otherwise.
 
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
 
    (a) In December 1996 the Registrant entered into a Deferred Compensation
Conversion Agree-
ment with Don Richard Santorufo, the Registrant's Chief Operating Officer,
providing for the conversion of deferred compensation units granted under a
prior agreement into an aggregate of 1,800,435 shares of the Registrant's Common
Stock. The issuance to Mr. Santorufo was made pursuant to Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") as a transaction not involving a
public offering. The Registrant reasonably believed that the purchaser had such
knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of
evaluating the merits and risks of the investment. Mr. Santorufo represented his
intention to acquire the securities for investment and not with a view to
distribution thereof.
 
    (b) In December 1997 the Registrant issued an aggregate of 216,633 shares of
Common Stock to Gertrude Boyle, Timothy P. Boyle and Sarah Bany in exchange for
the capital stock of GTS, Inc., a minority shareholder in certain of the
Registrant's subsidiaries. The issuance was made pursuant to Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act as a transaction not involving a public offering. The Registrant
reasonably believed that each purchaser had such knowledge and experience in
financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and
risks of the investment. Each represented an intention to acquire the securities
for investment and not with a view to distribution thereof.
 
    (c) Prior to completion of the Offerings, the Company intends to issue
635,777 shares of Common Stock to Gertrude Boyle, 34,076 shares of Common Stock
to Timothy P. Boyle, 5,332 shares of Common Stock to Sarah Bany and 11,319
shares of Common Stock to Don Santorufo, each in connection with an agreement
regarding a plan of recapitalization. The issuance is to be made pursuant to
Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act.
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
    (a) Exhibits
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<C>  <C>    <S>
  *    1.1  Form of U.S. Underwriting Agreement
 
  *    1.2  Form of International Underwriting Agreement
 
  *    2.1  Plan of Share Exchange Exchanging Shares of Columbia Sportswear
              Company for all of the Shares of GTS, Inc.
 
       3.1  Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
 
       3.2  1998 Restated Bylaws
 
       4.1  See Article II of Exhibit 3.1 and Article I of Exhibit 3.2
 
       5.1  Opinion of Stoel Rives LLP
 
  *   10.1  1997 Stock Incentive Plan
 
  *   10.2  Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  *   10.3  Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement
<C>  <C>    <S>
 
  *   10.4  Credit Agreement between the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking
              Corporation Limited and the Registrant dated September 17, 1991, as
              amended
 
  *   10.5  Buying Agency Agreement between Nissho Iwai American Corporation and
              the Registrant dated January 1, 1992, as amended
 
      10.5(a) Amendment No. 2 to the Buying Agency Agreement between Nissho Iwai
              American Corporation and the Registrant dated February 19, 1998
 
  *   10.6  Credit Agreement between the Registrant and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
              dated July 31, 1997
 
      10.6(a) Form of First Amendment to Credit Agreement between the Registrant and
              Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. dated March 23, 1998
 
      10.7  Assumption Agreement by and between the Registrant, Timothy P. Boyle
              and Don Santorufo and First Interstate Bank of Oregon, N.A., dated
              March 8, 1996; and form of First Amendment thereto dated March 23,
              1998
 
  *   10.8  Lease between Penzel & Company and the Registrant dated February 23,
              1988, as amended
 
  *   10.9  Form of Lease between Timothy P. Boyle and Gertrude Boyle and the
              Registrant
 
  *   10.10 Form of Lease between Gertrude Boyle and the Registrant
 
  *   10.11 Lease between BB&S Development Company and the Registrant, dated
              February 12, 1996
 
  *   10.12 Lease between B.A.R.K. Holdings, Inc. and Columbia Sportswear Canada
              Limited, dated January 3, 1994
 
  *   10.13 Form of Stock Purchase Agreement between Columbia Sportswear Holdings
              Limited, Columbia Sportswear Canada Limited and Douglas Hamilton and
              Doug Hamilton in trust for Elizabeth K. Hamilton, dated August 24,
              1992
 
  *   10.14 Deferred Compensation Conversion Agreement between the Registrant and
              Don Santorufo, dated December 31, 1996
 
  *   10.15 Form of Tax Indemnification Agreement for existing shareholders
 
  *   10.16 Employment Agreement between Carl K. Davis and the Registrant dated as
              of December 5, 1997
 
  *   10.17 Form of Indemnity Agreement for Directors
 
      10.18 Form of Agreement Regarding Plan of Recapitalization Among the
              Registrant and Shareholders
 
      10.19 Amendment and Waiver, Deferred Compensation Conversion Agreement,
              between the Registrant and Don Santorufo
 
  *   10.20 Asset Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and Columbia
              Outfitters, Inc., dated March 4, 1998
 
  *   21.1  Subsidiaries of the Registrant
 
      23.1  Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
 
      23.2  Consent of Stoel Rives LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
 
  *   24.1  Power of Attorney (included on signature page)
 
  *   27.1  Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
    
 
- --------------
 
   
 *  Previously filed.
    
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
    (b) Financial Statement Schedules
 
    Schedules not listed above have been omitted because the information
required to be set forth therein is not applicable or is shown in the financial
statements or notes thereto.
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
 
    Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the provisions described in Item 14, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
    The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the Underwriters
at the closing specified in the Underwriting Agreements certificates in such
denominations and registered in such names as required by the Underwriters to
permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
 
    The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
        (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
    the information omitted from the form of Prospectus filed as part of this
    Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of
    Prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or
    497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
    Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
        (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
    Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall
    be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
    offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
    deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Registrant has duly caused this Amendment to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Portland, State of
Oregon, on March 25, 1998.
    
 
<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>  <C>
                                COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY
 
                                By:             /s/ TIMOTHY P. BOYLE
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                                  Timothy P. Boyle
                                                     PRESIDENT
</TABLE>
 
   
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this
Amendment has been signed below by the following persons in the following
capacities on March 25, 1998.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 SIGNATURE                                        TITLE
- --------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------
<C>                                           <S>
PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER:
 
           /s/ TIMOTHY P. BOYLE*
- -------------------------------------------   President, Secretary, Treasurer and Director
              Timothy P. Boyle
 
PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING OFFICER:
 
          /s/ PATRICK D. ANDERSON
- -------------------------------------------   Chief Financial Officer
            Patrick D. Anderson
 
            /s/ GERTRUDE BOYLE*
- -------------------------------------------   Chairman of the Board of Directors
               Gertrude Boyle
 
              /s/ SARAH BANY*
- -------------------------------------------   Director
                 Sarah Bany
 
           /s/ MURREY R. ALBERS*
- -------------------------------------------   Director
              Murrey R. Albers
 
           /s/ EDWARD S. GEORGE*
- -------------------------------------------   Director
              Edward S. George
 
             /s/ JOHN STANTON*
- -------------------------------------------   Director
                John Stanton
</TABLE>
 
*By:       /s/ PATRICK D.
              ANDERSON
      -------------------------
         Patrick D. Anderson
          Attorney-in-fact
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT                                                                          SEQUENTIAL
   NO.                                  DESCRIPTION                                PAGE NO.
- ---------  ---------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------
<C>        <S>                                                                    <C>
    *1.1   Form of U.S. Underwriting Agreement
    *1.2   Form of International Underwriting Agreement
    *2.1   Plan of Share Exchange Exchanging Shares of Columbia Sportswear
             Company for all of the Shares of GTS, Inc.
     3.1   Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
     3.2   1998 Restated Bylaws
     4.1   See Article II of Exhibit 3.1 and Article I of Exhibit 3.2
     5.1   Opinion of Stoel Rives LLP
   *10.1   1997 Stock Incentive Plan
   *10.2   Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement
   *10.3   Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement
   *10.4   Credit Agreement between the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking
             Corporation Limited and the Registrant dated September 17, 1991, as
             amended
   *10.5   Buying Agency Agreement between Nissho Iwai American Corporation and
             the Registrant dated January 1, 1992, as amended
  10.5(a)  Amendment No. 2 to the Buying Agency Agreement between Nissho Iwai
             American Corporation and the Registrant dated February 19, 1998
  *10.6    Credit Agreement between the Registrant and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
             dated July 31, 1997
   10.6(a) Form of First Amendment to Credit Agreement between the Registrant
             and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. dated March 23, 1998
   10.7    Assumption Agreement by and between the Registrant, Timothy P. Boyle
             and Don Santorufo and First Interstate Bank of Oregon, N.A., dated
             March 8, 1996; and form of First Amendment thereto dated March 23,
             1998
  *10.8    Lease between Penzel & Company and the Registrant dated February 23,
             1988, as amended
  *10.9    Form of Lease between Timothy P. Boyle and Gertrude Boyle and the
             Registrant
  *10.10   Form of Lease between Gertrude Boyle and the Registrant
  *10.11   Lease between BB&S Development Company and the Registrant, dated
             February 12, 1996
  *10.12   Lease between B.A.R.K. Holdings, Inc. and Columbia Sportswear Canada
             Limited, dated January 3, 1994
  *10.13   Form of Stock Purchase Agreement between Columbia Sportswear Holdings
             Limited, Columbia Sportswear Canada Limited and Douglas Hamilton
             and Doug Hamilton in trust for Elizabeth K. Hamilton, dated August
             24, 1992
  *10.14   Deferred Compensation Conversion Agreement between the Registrant and
             Don Santorufo, dated December 31, 1996
  *10.15   Form of Tax Indemnification Agreement for existing shareholders
  *10.16   Employment Agreement between Carl K. Davis and the Registrant dated
             as of December 5, 1997
  *10.17   Form of Indemnity Agreement for Directors
   10.18   Form of Agreement Regarding Plan of Recapitalization Among the
             Registrant and Shareholders
   10.19   Amendment and Waiver, Deferred Compensation Conversion Agreement,
             between the Registrant and Don Santorufo
  *10.20   Asset Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and Columbia
             Outfitters Inc., dated March 4, 1998
  *21.1    Subsidiaries of the Registrant
   23.1    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
   23.2    Consent of Stoel Rives LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
  *24.1    Power of Attorney (included on signature page)
  *27.1    Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
    
 
- ----------------
 
   
 *  Previously filed.
    
 
                                      II-6

<PAGE>

             SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

                                       OF

                          COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY


                                   ARTICLE I

       The name of the Corporation is Columbia Sportswear Company.

                                   ARTICLE II
  
     A.   The Corporation is authorized to issue shares of two classes of 
stock: 50,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 10,000,000 shares of Preferred 
Stock.     

     B.   Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on any 
matter submitted to the shareholders.  On dissolution of the Corporation, 
after any preferential amount with respect to the Preferred Stock has been 
paid or set aside, the holders of Common Stock and the holders of any series 
of Preferred Stock entitled to participate in the distribution of assets are 
entitled to receive the net assets of the Corporation.

     C.   The Board of Directors is authorized, subject to limitations 
prescribed by the Oregon Business Corporation Act, as amended from time to 
time (the "Act"), and by the provisions of this Article, to provide for the 
issuance of shares of Preferred Stock in series, to establish from time to 
time the number of shares to be included in each series and to determine the 
designations, relative rights, preferences and limitations of the shares of 
each series.  The authority of the Board of Directors with respect to each 
series includes determination of the following:

          (1)  The number of shares in and the distinguishing designation of 
that series;

          (2)  Whether shares of that series shall have full, special, 
conditional, limited or no voting rights, except to the extent otherwise 
provided by the Act;

          (3)  Whether shares of that series shall be convertible and the 
terms and conditions of the conversion, including provision for adjustment of 
the conversion rate in circumstances determined by the Board of Directors;

          (4)  Whether shares of that series shall be redeemable and the 
terms and conditions of redemption, including the date or dates upon or after 
which they shall be redeemable and the amount per share payable in case of 
redemption, which amount may vary under different conditions or at different 
redemption dates;

<PAGE>

          (5)  The dividend rate, if any, on shares of that series, the 
manner of calculating any dividends and the preferences of any dividends;

          (6)  The rights of shares of that series in the event of voluntary 
or involuntary dissolution of the Corporation and the rights of priority of 
that series relative to the Common Stock and any other series of Preferred 
Stock on the distribution of assets on dissolution; and

          (7)  Any other rights, preferences and limitations of that series 
that are permitted by law to vary.


                                  ARTICLE III

          No director of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the 
Corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for conduct as a 
director, provided that this Article shall not eliminate the liability of a 
director for any act or omission for which such elimination of liability is 
not permitted under the Oregon Business Corporation Act.  No amendment to the 
Oregon Business Corporation Act that further limits the acts or omissions for 
which elimination of liability is permitted shall affect the liability of a 
director for any act or omission which occurs prior to the effective date of 
the amendment.


                                   ARTICLE IV

          The Corporation shall indemnify to the fullest extent not 
prohibited by law any current or former director of the Corporation who is 
made, or threatened to be made, a party to an action, suit or proceeding, 
whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other (including an 
action, suit or proceeding by or in the right of the Corporation), by reason 
of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent 
of the Corporation or a fiduciary within the meaning of the Employee 
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 with respect to any employee benefit 
plan of the Corporation, or serves or served at the request of the 
Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent, or as a fiduciary of 
an employee benefit plan, of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, 
trust or other enterprise.  The Corporation shall pay for or reimburse the 
reasonable expenses incurred by any such current or former director in any 
such proceeding in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding if the 
person sets forth in writing (i) the person's good faith belief that the 
person is entitled to indemnification under this Article and (ii) the 
person's agreement to repay all advances if it is ultimately determined that 
the person is not entitled to indemnification under this Article.  No 
amendment to this Article that limits the Corporation's obligation to 
indemnify any person shall have any effect on such obligation for any act or 
omission that occurs prior to the later of the effective date of the 
amendment or the date notice of the amendment is given to the person. This 
Article shall not be deemed exclusive of any 


                                       2
<PAGE>

other provisions for indemnification or advancement of expenses of directors, 
officers, employees, agents and fiduciaries that may be included in any 
statute, bylaw, agreement, general or specific action of the Board of 
Directors, vote of shareholders or other document or arrangement.


                                   ARTICLE V

     These Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation ("Restated 
Articles") shall become effective immediately upon filing.  When these 
Restated Articles become effective the following events shall occur in the 
order presented:  (i) the Agreement regarding Plan of Recapitalization among 
the Corporation and the shareholders of the Corporation, dated March 23, 
1998, shall become effective, (ii) each outstanding share of nonvoting Common 
Stock shall be converted into 1.0 fully paid and non-assessable share of 
voting Common Stock and (iii) each outstanding share of Common Stock, 
including those shares of Common Stock resulting from the operation of 
clauses (i) and (ii) of this sentence, shall be converted into 0.59 fully 
paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock.  No fractional shares shall 
be issued on conversion of the Common Stock and nonvoting Common Stock, and 
the number of shares of Common Stock into which shares held by each holder of 
record are converted shall be rounded up to the nearest whole share.          


                                   ARTICLE VI

     If the Corporation does not close a sale of shares of its Common Stock, 
registered for sale to the public pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, 
(the "Public Offering") within 15 days of the registration statement (the 
"Registration Statement") under which the Public Offering is being made being 
declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission or, if the 
Registration Statement is not declared effective by the Securities and 
Exchange Commission on or before April 30, 1998, then Sections II.A and II.B 
of these Restated Articles shall become inoperative and of no further force 
or effect without any further action on the Corporation's behalf and shall be 
superseded by the following:

     A.   The Corporation is authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of voting 
Common Stock, 40,000,000 shares of nonvoting Common Stock and 10,000,000 
shares of Preferred Stock. 

     B.   Holders of voting Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share 
on any matter submitted to the shareholders.  Holders of nonvoting Common 
Stock have no voting rights with respect to shares of nonvoting Common Stock 
except as otherwise provided by law.  On dissolution of the Corporation, 
after any preferential amount with respect to the Preferred Stock has been 
paid or set aside, the holders of voting Common Stock, the holders of 
nonvoting Common Stock, and the holders of any series of Preferred Stock 
entitled to participate in the distribution of the assets are entitled to 
receive the net assets of the Corporation.


                                       3
<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE VII

     If Sections II.A and II.B as set forth in Article VI become effective 
pursuant to the terms of Article VI, the officers of the Corporation are 
authorized to cause these Restated Articles to be further restated, in 
accordance with the terms of Article V and Article VI of these Restated 
Articles, to delete Articles V, VI and VII and to revise Article II if 
required by operation of Article VI.



                                       4

<PAGE>

                                 1998 RESTATED BYLAWS

                                          OF

                             COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY
 
                                      ARTICLE I

                                SHAREHOLDERS MEETINGS

     1.1    ANNUAL MEETING.  The annual meeting of the shareholders shall be 
held on the second Tuesday in May of each year at 2 p.m., unless a different 
date or time is fixed by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of 
the meeting.

     1.2    SPECIAL MEETINGS.  Special meetings of the shareholders, for any 
purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute, may be called by the 
President or the Board of Directors.

     1.3    PLACE OF MEETINGS.  Meetings of the shareholders shall be held at 
any place in or out of Oregon designated by the Board of Directors.

     1.4    MEETING BY TELEPHONE CONFERENCE.  Shareholders may participate in 
an annual or special meeting by, or conduct the meeting through, use of any 
means of communications by which all shareholders participating may 
simultaneously hear each other during the meeting, except that no meeting for 
which a written notice is sent to shareholders may be conducted by this means 
unless the notice states that participation in this manner is permitted and 
describes how any shareholder desiring to participate in this manner may 
notify the Corporation.

     1.5    NOTICE OF SHAREHOLDER BUSINESS AND NOMINATIONS.

            (1)     ANNUAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS.

                    (a)    Nominations of persons for election to the Board 
of Directors of the Corporation and the proposal of business to be considered 
by the shareholders may be made at an annual meeting of shareholders (i) 
pursuant to the Corporation's notice of meeting, (b) by or at the direction 
of the Board of Directors or (ii) by any shareholder of the Corporation who 
was a shareholder of record both when notice is given as provided for in this 
Section 1.5 and on the date of the annual meeting, who is entitled to vote at 
the meeting and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this 
Section 1.5.

                    (b)    For nominations or other business to be properly 
brought before an annual meeting by a shareholder pursuant to this Section 
1.5, the shareholder 

<PAGE>

must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the 
Corporation and such other business must be a proper matter for shareholder 
action.  To be timely, a shareholder's notice must be delivered to the 
Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later 
than the close of business on the 60th day nor earlier than the close of 
business on the 90th day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding 
year's annual meeting; provided, however, that if the date of the annual 
meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after the 
anniversary date, notice by the shareholder to be timely must be so delivered 
not earlier than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the annual 
meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 60th day 
prior to such annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which 
public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the 
Corporation.  The public announcement of an adjournment of an annual meeting 
will not commence a new time period for the giving of a shareholder's notice 
as described above.  The shareholder's notice shall set forth (i) as to each 
person whom the shareholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection 
as a director all information relating to such person that is required to be 
disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors in an 
election contest or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to 
Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 
"Exchange Act") (including such person's written consent to being named in 
the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected); 
(ii) as to any other business that the shareholder proposes to bring before 
the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before 
the meeting, the reasons for conducting the business at the meeting and any 
material interest in the business of such shareholder and the beneficial 
owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; and (iii) as to the 
shareholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose 
behalf the nomination or proposal is made, (a) the name and address of such 
shareholder and of such beneficial owner, as they appear on the Corporation's 
books, and (b) the class and number of shares of the Corporation owned 
beneficially and of record by such shareholder and such beneficial owner.

                    (c)    Notwithstanding anything in this Section 1.5 to 
the contrary, if the number of directors to be elected to the Board of 
Directors of the Corporation is increased and there is no public announcement 
by the Corporation naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the 
size of the increased Board of Directors at least 70 days prior to the first 
anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting, a shareholder's notice 
required by this Section 1.5 shall also be considered timely (but only with 
respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase) if it is 
delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the 
Corporation not later than the close of business on the 10th day following 
the day on which the public announcement is first made by the Corporation.

            (2)     SPECIAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS. Only business that has 
been brought before a special meeting of shareholders pursuant to the 
Corporation's notice of meeting shall be conducted at a special meeting. 
Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors may be made at 
a special meeting of shareholders at which 


                                       2
<PAGE>

directors are to be elected pursuant to the Corporation's notice of meeting 
(a) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (b) if the Board of 
Directors has determined that directors shall be elected at the meeting, by 
any shareholder of the Corporation who is a shareholder of record at the time 
of giving of notice provided for in this Section 1.5, who is entitled to vote 
at the meeting and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this 
Section 1.5. If the Corporation calls a special meeting of shareholders for 
the purpose of electing one or more directors to the Board of Directors, any 
such shareholder may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be), for 
election to the position(s) specified in the Corporation's notice of meeting, 
if the shareholder's notice required by this Section 1.5 is delivered to the 
Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier 
than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the special meeting and 
not later than the close of business on the later of the 60th day prior to 
the special meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public 
announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the 
nominees proposed by the Board of Directors to be elected at the meeting. The 
public announcement of an adjournment of a special meeting shall not commence 
a new time period for the giving of a shareholder's notice as described above.

            (3)     GENERAL.

                    (a)    Only the persons nominated in accordance with this 
Section 1.5 shall be eligible to serve as directors, and only the business 
that has been brought before a meeting of shareholders in accordance with the 
procedures set forth in this Section 1.5 shall be conducted at the meeting. 
Except as otherwise provided by law, the articles of incorporation of the 
Corporation or these bylaws, the Chairman of the meeting shall have the power 
and duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be 
brought before the meeting was made or proposed in accordance with the 
procedures set forth in this Section 1.5 and, if any proposed nomination or 
business is not in compliance with this Section 1.5, to declare that such 
defective proposal or nomination be disregarded.

                    (b)    For the purposes of these bylaws, "public 
announcement" means disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones 
News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news service or in a 
document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission.

                    (c)    Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of 
Section 1.5, a shareholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements 
of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to 
the matters set forth in Section 1.5.  Nothing in Section 1.5 shall affect 
any rights of shareholders to request inclusion of proposals in the 
Corporation's proxy statement pursuant to rules under the Exchange Act.


                                       3
<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE II

                               BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     2.1    NUMBER AND TERM.  The number of directors of the Corporation 
shall be at least three and no more than nine. Within this range, the number 
of directors at the time of the adoption of these Restated Bylaws shall be 
six, and the number of directors shall otherwise be determined from time to 
time by the Board of Directors.

     2.2    REGULAR MEETINGS.  A regular meeting of the Board of Directors 
shall be held without notice other than this Bylaw immediately after, and at 
the same place as, the annual meeting of shareholders.

     2.3    SPECIAL MEETINGS.  Special meetings of the Board of Directors may 
be called by the President or any two directors.  The person or persons 
authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Directors may fix any 
place in or out of Oregon as the place for holding any special meeting of the 
Board of Directors called by them.

     2.4    NOTICE.  Notice of the date, time and place of any special 
meeting of the Board of Directors shall be given at least 24 hours prior to 
the meeting by notice communicated in person, by telephone, telegraph, 
teletype, other form of wire or wireless communication, mail or private 
carrier.  If written, notice shall be effective at the earliest of (a) when 
received, (b) three days after its deposit in the United States mail, as 
evidenced by the postmark, if mailed postpaid and correctly addressed, or (c) 
on the date shown on the return receipt, if sent by registered or certified 
mail, return receipt requested and the receipt is signed by or on behalf of 
the addressee.  Notice by all other means shall be deemed effective when 
received by or on behalf of the director.

                                  ARTICLE III

                                   OFFICERS

     3.1    APPOINTMENT.  The Board of Directors at its first meeting 
following its election each year shall appoint a President and a Secretary.  
The Board of Directors may appoint any other officers, assistant officers and 
agents. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person.

     3.2    COMPENSATION.  The Corporation may pay its officers reasonable 
compensation for their services as fixed from time to time by the Board of 
Directors.

     3.3    TERM.  The term of office of all officers commences upon their 
appointment and continues until their successors are appointed or until their 
resignation or removal.


                                       4
<PAGE>

     3.4    REMOVAL.  Any officer or agent appointed by the Board of 
Directors may be removed by the Board of Directors at any time with or 
without cause.

     3.5    PRESIDENT.  Unless otherwise determined by the Board of 
Directors, the President shall be the chief executive officer of the 
Corporation and, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, shall be 
responsible for the general operation of the Corporation.  The President 
shall have any other duties and responsibilities prescribed by the Board of 
Directors.  Unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, the 
President shall have authority to vote any shares of stock owned by the 
Corporation and to delegate this authority to any other officer.

     3.6    VICE PRESIDENTS.  Each Vice President shall perform duties and 
responsibilities prescribed by the Board of Directors or the President.  The 
Board of Directors or the President may confer a special title upon a Vice 
President.

     3.7  SECRETARY.  The Secretary shall record and keep the minutes of all 
meetings of the directors and shareholders in one or more books provided for 
that purpose and perform any duties prescribed by the Board of Directors or 
the President.

                                  ARTICLE IV

                              ISSUANCE OF SHARES

     4.1    ADEQUACY OF CONSIDERATION.  The authorization by the Board of 
Directors of the issuance of shares for stated consideration shall evidence a 
determination by the Board that such consideration is adequate.

     4.2    CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES.  Certificates representing shares of the 
Corporation shall be signed, either manually or in facsimile, by two officers 
of the Corporation, at least one of whom shall be the President or a Vice 
President.

                                   ARTICLE V

                                   AMENDMENTS

            These Bylaws may be amended or repealed and new Bylaws may be 
adopted by the Board of Directors or the shareholders of the Corporation.


                                       5


<PAGE>

                                 [LETTERHEAD]


                                March 25, 1998


Board of Directors
Columbia Sportswear Company
6600 North Baltimore
Portland, Oregon  97203


          We have acted as counsel for Columbia Sportswear Company, an Oregon 
corporation, (the "Company") in connection with the preparation and filing of 
a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the "Registration Statement") under the 
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, covering 6,440,000 shares (the "Shares") 
of Common Stock of the Company, consisting of 5,600,000 shares (the "Firm 
Shares") to be sold by the Company in all events and 840,000 shares (the 
"Optional Shares") that are subject to an option granted to the underwriters 
solely to cover overallotments, if any. We have reviewed the corporate action 
of the Company in connection with this matter and have examined the 
documents, corporate records and other instruments we deemed necessary for 
the purpose of this opinion.

          Based on the foregoing, it is our opinion that:

    (1)   The Company is a corporation existing under the laws of the state 
of Oregon; and

    (2)   The Firm Shares and the Optional Shares have been duly authorized 
and, when issued and sold in the manner described in the Registration 
Statement and in accordance with resolutions adopted by the Board of 
Directors of the Company, and when payment therefor shall have been received 
by the Company, will be legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

          We consent to the use of our name in the Registration Statement and 
in the Prospectus filed as a part thereof and to the filing of this opinion 
as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

                                            Very truly yours,


                                            /s/  STOEL RIVES LLP
                                            --------------------------------
                                            STOEL RIVES LLP



<PAGE>

                 AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE BUYING AGENCY AGREEMENT

     This amendment is made and entered into this 19th day of February, 1998, 
by and between NISSHO IWAI AMERICAN CORPORATION, a New York corporation with 
an office at 1211 S.W. Fifth Avenue, Suite 2200, Portland, Oregon 97204 
("NIAC") and COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY, Oregon corporation with an office 
at 6600 North Baltimore Street Portland, OR  97203 ("COLUMBIA").

                                  WITNESSETH:

     WHEREAS, COLUMBIA and NIAC entered into that Buying Agency Agreement 
dated January 1, 1992, as subsequently amended pursuant to that Amendment No. 
1 to the Buying Agency Agreement dated October 1, 1993 (collectively, the 
"Agreement");

     WHEREAS, COLUMBIA and NIAC, in contemplation of COLUMBIA'S scheduled 
primary stock offering, desire to amend the Agreement as hereafter described;

     NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as 
follows:

ARTICLE 1: DELETION OF ARTICLE IX, Section 9.1

     Article IX, Section 9.1 of the Agreement is deleted in its entirety and 
shall be of no further force and effect.

ARTICLE 2: MODIFICATION OF ARTICLE XII

     Article XII of the Agreement is modified to read in its entirety as 
follows:

                                     DISTRIBUTION

          At all times during the term of this Agreement, COLUMBIA will not make
     any distribution of cash or other assets to its shareholders in excess of:
     (i) fifty percent (50%) of income after provision for state and federal
     income taxes for such period; and (ii) one hundred percent (100%) of the
     proceeds of any secondary common stock offering.  Within ten (10) days of
     making any distribution permitted hereunder, COLUMBIA shall deliver to NIAC
     a statement showing the amount of the distribution and how it was
     calculated for each shareholder.

ARTICLE 3: GOVERNING LAW AND SEVERABILITY

     This Amendment shall be governed and construed in accordance with the 
laws of the State of Oregon.  If a court or tribunal of competent 
jurisdiction holds any provision of this Amendment to be unenforceable, the 
remaining portions of this Amendment shall remain in full force and effect.

ARTICLE 4: ENTIRE AGREEMENT

     This Amendment, together with the Agreement, constitutes the entire 
agreement between the parties to the Agreement pertaining to the subject 
matter of this Amendment, and any and all other written or oral agreements 
existing between the parties before the date of this Amendment with respect 
to the subject matter of this Amendment are expressly cancelled.

<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be 
duly executed in duplicate as of the date first above written.


COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY


- ------------------------------------         -----------------------------
Gertrude Boyle                               Tim Boyle
Chairman of the Board                        President



NISSHO IWAI AMERICAN CORPORATION



- ------------------------------------
Yusaka Kase
Senior Vice President & General Manager
Portland Office


<PAGE>

                       FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

     THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT is entered into as of March 23,
1998, by and between COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY, an Oregon corporation
("Borrower"), and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ("Bank").

                                    RECITALS

     Borrower is a party to that certain Credit Agreement with Bank entered 
into as of July 31, 1997 ("Agreement").  In connection with Borrower's 
contemplated stock sale, Borrower desires to amend the Agreement to permit 
Borrower to distribute $95,000,000 to its current shareholders.  Bank is 
willing to amend the Agreement subject to the terms and conditions herein.

     All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein will 
have the meaning attributed to them in the Agreement.

     NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises of 
the parties contained herein, Borrower and Bank hereby agree as follows:

     1.   AMENDMENT TO SECTION 5.17(a).  Section 5.17(a) is hereby amended in 
its entirety to read as follows:

          (a)    At all times, Borrower shall maintain (on a consolidated 
     basis) a Tangible Net Worth not less than $90,000,000.

     2.   AMENDMENT TO SECTION 6.2(c).  Section 6.2(c) is hereby amended in its
entirety to read as follows:

          (c)    Make any distribution in respect of Borrower's accumulated
     adjustment account, provided that Borrower may distribute to its existing
     shareholders at the time of termination of Borrower's S corporation status
     for federal income tax purposes a dividend equal to the greater of 
     $95,000,000 or the amount of the accumulated adjustment account if no 
     Default exists at the time of such distribution or would result from such 
     distribution being made.

                                                                          PAGE 1

<PAGE>

     3.   AMENDMENT OF SECTION 7.1(k).  Section 7.1(k) is hereby amended in its
entirety to read as follows:

          (k)    any change in ownership of the Stock of Borrower resulting in
     Permitted Transferees owning less than 51% of the Stock of Borrower.

     4.   EFFECTIVE DATE.  This First Amendment shall be effective on the date
first above written.

     5.   RATIFICATION.  Except as otherwise provided in this First Amendment,
all of the provisions of the Agreement are hereby ratified and confirmed and
shall remain in full force and effect.

     6.   ONE AGREEMENT.  The Agreement, as modified by the provisions of this
First Amendment, shall be construed as one agreement.

     7.   OREGON STATUTORY NOTICE.

     UNDER OREGON LAW, MOST AGREEMENTS, PROMISES AND COMMITMENTS MADE BY BANK
AFTER OCTOBER 3, 1989 CONCERNING LOANS AND OTHER CREDIT EXTENSIONS WHICH ARE NOT
FOR PERSONAL, FAMILY OR HOUSEHOLD PURPOSES OR SECURED SOLELY BY BORROWER'S
RESIDENCE MUST BE IN WRITING, EXPRESS CONSIDERATION AND BE SIGNED BY BANK TO BE
ENFORCEABLE.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this First Amendment to
be executed as of the date first written above.

COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR                     WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL 
COMPANY                                 ASSOCIATION


By:                                     By:
   -------------------------------         ---------------------------------

Title:                                  Title:
      ----------------------------            ------------------------------


                                                                          PAGE 2

<PAGE>

                       FIRST AMENDMENT TO ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

     WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, the successor in interest to 
First Interstate Bank of Oregon, N.A., ("Bank") and COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR 
COMPANY, an Oregon corporation ("Columbia Sportswear"), hereby amend their 
March 8, 1996 Assumption Agreement ("Agreement") as follows:

     1.   AMENDMENT TO SECTION 7.  The second paragraph of Section 7 of the 
Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

               "DSCR" means, as of a date, the ratio of Columbia
          Sportswear's EBITDA for the four most recently ended fiscal
          quarters to Columbia Sportswear's Fixed Charges for the four
          most recently ended fiscal quarters.  "EBITDA" means, for
          any period, net income for the period, after deducting all
          expenses other than interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion
          and amortization and after eliminating all extraordinary
          items (as determined in accordance with generally accepted
          accounting principles) and all charges characterized as
          unusual charges by Columbia Sportswear's independent
          certified public accountants.  "Fixed Charges" means, for
          any period, the total of: (i) scheduled or required
          principal payments of long term debt; (ii) scheduled or
          required payments of capitalized lease obligations; and
          (iii) interest expense.

     2.   EFFECTIVE DATE.  This First Amendment shall be effective on the 
termination of Columbia Sportswear's S corporation election for federal 
income tax purposes.

     3.   RATIFICATION.  Except as otherwise provided in this First Amendment,
all of the provisions of the Agreement are hereby ratified and confirmed, and
shall remain in full force and effect.

     4.   ONE AGREEMENT.  The Agreement, as modified by the provisions of this
First Amendment, shall be construed as one agreement.

                                                                         Page 1

<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this First Amendment has been duly executed by Columbia
Sportswear and Bank as of March 23, 1998.

                              COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY


                              By: 
                                  ---------------------------------
                              Title:
                                    -------------------------------

                              WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL 
                              ASSOCIATION


                              By:  
                                  ---------------------------------
                              Title:
                                    -------------------------------

                                                                         Page 2
<PAGE>

After Recording Return to:
First Interstate Bank of Oregon, N.A.
P.O. Box 3131
Portland, OR  97208


                                 ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

     THIS ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made this 8 day of March, 
1996 by and between COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY ("Columbia Sportswear") and 
FIRST INTERSTATE BANK OF OREGON, N.A. (the "Bank").

RECITALS:

     A.   Bank loaned Columbia Sportswear the principal sum of Three Million 
Four Hundred Sixteen Thousand and no/100 Dollars ($3,416,000.00) (the "Loan") 
pursuant to that certain loan agreement dated May 19, 1994 between Bank and 
Columbia Sportswear (with any amendments, the "Loan Agreement").  The Loan 
was further evidenced by that certain promissory note dated May 19, 1994 in 
the original principal sum of $3,416,000.00 made by Columbia Sportswear in 
favor of Bank and with an original maturity date of June 1, 2009 (with any 
amendments, extensions or renewals, the "Note").

     B.   The Loan is secured by a commercial deed of trust (with any 
amendments, the "Trust Deed") dated May 19, 1994 granted by Columbia 
Sportswear, naming Chicago Title Insurance Company as trustee in favor of 
Bank as beneficiary, which was subsequently amended by that certain 
modification agreement (the "Modification") dated the same date hereof and 
executed by Columbia Sportswear and Bank.  The Trust Deed was recorded May 
19, 1994, Recorder's Fee No. 94-079047, Multnomah County, Oregon, records.  
The Modification will be recorded in the Multnomah County, Oregon, real 
estate records.  The Trust Deed, as amended by the terms of the Modification, 
encumbers, among other things, the real property described in Exhibit A 
attached to this Agreement and by this reference made a part of it (the "Real 
Property").

     C.   The Loan is also secured by an assignment dated December 2, 1994 
executed by Columbia Sportswear and Timothy P. Boyle and Don Santorufo 
("Borrower"), collectively as assignor, in favor of Bank (with any 
amendments, the "Assignment").  The Assignment was recorded June 1, 1995 as 
Recorder's Fee No. 95 64429 in the Multnomah County, Oregon, real estate 
records.

     D.   Timothy P. Boyle and Don Santorufo ("Borrower") acquired the Real 
Property and assumed the obligations of Columbia Sportswear under the Loan 
Documents (as defined 

Page 1 - ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

<PAGE>

below) pursuant to that certain Assumption Agreement dated June 8, 1994 
between Columbia Sportswear, Bank and Borrower.

     E.   In connection with Columbia Sportswear's re-acquisition of the Real 
Property, Borrower and Columbia Sportswear desire for Columbia Sportswear to 
assume the obligations of Borrower to Bank under the Loan Documents (as 
defined below).  Bank is willing to permit such an assumption under the terms 
of this Agreement.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, which are 
expressly incorporated in and made a part of this Agreement, and of the 
mutual covenants, conditions and promises specified in this Agreement, and 
for other good and valuable consideration, Columbia Sportswear and Bank agree 
as follows:

     1.   DEFINITIONS.  The term "Loan Documents" shall mean all documents 
executed in connection with or contemplated by the Loan, together with all 
amendments to such documents.  Loan Documents include, without limitation, 
the Note, the Loan Agreement, and the Trust Deed.

     Capitalized terms which are defined in the foregoing recitals or other 
provisions of this Agreement shall have the meaning given those terms in such 
recitals or other provisions.  Capitalized terms which are not defined in 
this Agreement and are defined in the Loan Documents shall have the mean 
given those terms in the applicable Loan Documents.

     2.   AGREEMENT FEE.  As part of the consideration to induce Bank to 
enter into this Agreement, Columbia Sportswear, upon execution of this 
Agreement, shall pay to Bank a fee of One Thousand and No/100 Dollars 
($1,000.00).

     3.   AMOUNTS DUE ON LOAN DOCUMENTS.  As of the date hereto, there 
remains due and owing on the Note and other Loan Documents an unpaid 
principal balance of Three Million Two Hundred Eighteen Thousand Three 
Hundred Eleven and 84/100 Dollars ($3,218,311.84).

     4.   ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITY.  Columbia Sportswear assumes and agrees to 
pay and perform all the liabilities and obligations of borrower as evidence 
in the Loan Agreement, Note, Trust Deed, and other Loan Documents and to 
abide by all the warranties and terms thereof.  Columbia Sportswear agrees 
that payments due Bank under the Note and other Loan Documents shall be paid 
directly to Bank or through an escrow satisfactory to Bank. Notwithstanding 
anything contained in the Loan Agreement, Note, Trust Deed and other Loan 
Documents to the contrary, Bank shall now have full recourse to Columbia 
Sportswear and its assets to recover all amounts due and owing under the Loan 
Agreement, Note, Trust Deed and other Loan Documents.  Bank hereby consents 
to the transfer of the Real Property by Borrower to Columbia Sportswear.

Page 2 - ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

<PAGE>

     5.   BORROWER RELEASED.  Bank agrees that the Borrower is hereby 
discharged and released from liability accruing after the date hereof under 
the Loan Agreement, Note and other Loan Documents.

     6.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION.  Within one hundred twenty (120) days of 
fiscal year-end, Columbia Sportswear shall provide to Bank annually 
CPA-audited financial statements.  All financial statements shall be prepared 
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in form and 
substance acceptable to Bank and certified to be complete and accurate in all 
respects.

     7.   DEBT SERVICE COVERAGE RATIO.  During the term of the Loan, the debt 
service coverage ratio ("DSCR") shall not be less than 1.5:1.0.  If the DSCR 
falls below the 1.5:1.0 ratio, the Bank may, upon thirty (30) days' written 
notice specifying the amount of the required reduction, require Columbia 
Sportswear to reduce the then outstanding principal balance of the Note by 
such amount that the minimum 1.5:1.0 radio will be achieved.

     The DSCR shall mean the radio of (a) the sum of net profit after 
Subchapter-S tax distributions plus noncash charges (such as depreciation) 
plus interest expense divided by (b) the sum of scheduled maturities of long 
term debt and capitalized lease payments plus interest expense plus nontax 
Subchapter-S distributions.

     8.   DEFAULT.  Upon any default by Columbia Sportswear under the terms 
of this Agreement, the Loan Agreement, the Note, the Trust Deed or other Loan 
Documents or upon any default by Columbia Sportswear of any of its 
obligations to Bank, Bank shall have all rights and remedies available to it 
under this Agreement, the Loan Agreement, the Note, Trust Deed and other Loan 
Documents, and at law or in equity, and all rights and remedies shall be 
cumulative and not alternative.  The rights and remedies include, without 
limitation, declaring the entire outstanding balance of the Loan due and 
payable.

     9.   ATTORNEY FEES.  In consideration of this Agreement, Columbia 
Sportswear agrees to pay the indebtedness evidenced by the Note, to perform 
each and all of the conditions and covenants required to be performed by 
Columbia Sportswear under this Agreement, the Loan Agreement, the Note, Trust 
Deed and all other Loan Documents, and to pay all costs of Bank in connection 
with preparation and recording or breach of this Agreement, including, but 
not limited to, title insurance premiums, attorney fees, recording fees, 
escrow fees and taxes.

     As used in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, "attorney fees" shall
include attorney fees, if any, which shall be incurred whether or not legal
action is commenced and any such fees incurred at trial, arbitration,
interpleader, bankruptcy, hearing or any judicial proceeding, and on appeal.


Page 3 - ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT
<PAGE>

10.  ARBITRATION PROGRAM

     a.   BINDING ARBITRATION.  Upon the demand of any party 
("Party/Parties")m to a Document (as defined below), whether made before the 
institution of any judicial proceeding or not more than sixty (60) days after 
service of a complaint, third party complaint, cross-claim or counterclaim or 
any answer thereto or any amendments to any of the above, any Dispute (as 
defined below) shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with 
the terms of this Arbitration Program. A "Dispute" shall include any action, 
dispute, claim or controversy of any kind, whether founded in contract, tort, 
statutory or common law, equity, or otherwise, now existing or hereafter 
arising between any of the Parties arising out of, pertaining to or in 
connection with any agreement, document or instrument to which this 
Arbitration Program is attached or in which it appears or is referenced to 
any related agreements, documents, or instruments ("Documents").  Any Party 
who fails to submit to binding arbitration following a lawful demand by 
another Party shall bear all costs and expenses, including reasonable 
attorneys' fees, incurred by the other Party in obtaining a stay of any 
pending judicial proceeding or compelling arbitration of any Dispute.  The 
parties agree that any agreement, document or instrument which includes, 
attaches to or incorporates this Arbitration Program represents a transaction 
involving commerce as that term is used in the Federal Arbitration Act, 
("FAA") Title 9 United States Code.

     b.   GOVERNING RULES.  Arbitrations conducted pursuant to this 
Arbitration Program shall be administered by the American Arbitration 
Association ("AAA"), or other mutually agreeable administrator 
("Administrator") in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the 
AAA.  The FAA shall govern any judicial proceedings, resolve any issue of 
arbitrability, and procedurally govern any arbitration related to this 
Arbitration Program.  The arbitrators(s) shall resolve all Disputes in 
accordance with the applicable substantive law designated in the Documents.  
The Parties agree not to assert any claim for punitive damages or prejudgment 
interest except to the extent such awards are specifically authorized by 
statute.  Judgment upon any award rendered hereunder may be entered in any 
court having jurisdiction.

     c.   PRESERVATION OF REMEDIES.  No provision of, nor the exercise of any 
rights under, this arbitration clause shall limit the right of any Party to:  
(1) foreclose against any real or personal property collateral or other 
security, or obtain a personal or deficiency award; (2) exercise self-help 
remedies (including repossession and setoff rights); or (3) obtain 
provisional or ancillary remedies such as injunctive relief, sequestration, 
attachment, replevin, garnishment, or the appointment of a receiver from a 
court having jurisdiction.  Such rights can be exercised at any time except 
to the extent such action is contrary to a final award or decision in any 
arbitration proceeding.  The institution and maintenance of an action as 
described above shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any Party to 
submit the Dispute to arbitration, nor render inapplicable the compulsory 
arbitration provisions hereof.  Any claim or Dispute related to exercise of 
any self-help, auxiliary or other rights under this paragraph shall be a 
Dispute hereunder.


Page 4 - ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT
<PAGE>

     d.   ARBITRATOR POWERS AND QUALIFICATIONS; AWARDS.  The Parties agree to 
select a neutral "qualified" arbitrator or a panel of three "qualified" 
arbitrators to resolve any Dispute hereunder.  "Qualified" means a practicing 
attorney, with not less than ten (10) years practice in commercial law, 
licensed to practice in the state of the applicable substantive law 
designated in the Documents.  A Dispute in which the claims or amounts in 
controversy do not exceed One Million and No/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00), 
shall be decided by a single arbitrator.  A single arbitrator shall have 
authority to render an award up to but not to exceed One Million and No/100 
Dollars ($1,000,000.00) including all damages of any kind whatsoever, costs, 
fees, attorneys' fees and expenses.  Submission to a single arbitration shall 
be a waiver of all Parties' claims to recover more than One Million and 
No/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00).  A Dispute involving claims or amounts in 
controversy exceeding One Million and No/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00) shall be 
decided by a majority vote of a panel of three qualified arbitrators.  The 
Arbitrator(s) shall not have the power to award punitive or exemplary damages 
except where such damages are specifically provided for by statute upon which 
the award is based.  The arbitrator(s) shall be empowered to, at the written 
request of any Party in any Dispute, (1) to consolidate in a single 
proceeding any multiple party claims that are substantially identical; (2) to 
consolidate any claims and Disputes between other Parties which arise out of 
or relate to the subject matter hereof; and (3) to administer multiple 
arbitration claims as class actions in accordance with Rule 23 of the Federal 
Rules of Civil Procedure.  The arbitrator(s) shall be empowered to resolve 
any dispute regarding the terms of this arbitration clause but shall have no 
power to change or alter the terms of this Arbitration Program.  The 
Arbitrator(s) shall have the discretion to award reasonable attorneys' fees 
to the prevailing Party in any Dispute hereunder.

     e.   MISCELLANEOUS.  All statutes of limitation applicable to any 
Dispute shall apply to any proceeding in accordance with this arbitration 
clause.  The Parties agree, to the maximum extent practicable, to take any 
action necessary to conclude an arbitration hereunder within 180 days of the 
filing of a Dispute with the Administrator.  The arbitrator(s) shall be 
empowered to impose sanctions for any Party's failure to proceed within the 
times established herein.  Arbitrations shall be conducted in the state of 
the applicable substantive law designated in the Documents.  The provisions 
of this Arbitration Program shall survive any termination, amendment, or 
expiration hereof or of the Documents unless the Parties otherwise expressly 
agree in writing.  Each Party agrees to keep all Disputes and arbitration 
proceedings strictly confidential, except for disclosures of information 
required in the ordinary course of business of the Parties or as required by 
applicable law or regulation.  If any provision of this Arbitration Program 
is declared invalid by any court, the remaining provisions shall not be 
affected thereby and shall remain fully enforceable.  The Parties understand 
that they have decided that upon demand of any of them, their Disputes may be 
resolved by arbitration rather than in a court and once so decided cannot 
later be brought, filed, or pursued in court.


Page 5 - ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT
<PAGE>

     11.  RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS AND WAIVER OF ALL DEFENSES.  In order to 
induce Bank to enter into this Agreement, Borrower and Columbia Sportswear 
hereby unconditionally waive and release Bank from all claims, defense, 
demands, damages, costs and causes of action of any kind or nature, known or 
unknown, existing or contingent to date relating to or arising out of the 
Loan, excepting therefrom, however, Bank's compliance with all of the terms 
and conditions of this Agreement and future compliance by Bank with all he 
terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement, Note, Trust Deed and Loan 
Documents.

     12.  ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS.  Columbia Sportswear agrees to execute any 
additional documents requested by Bank to accomplish the assumption of the 
Loan by Columbia Sportswear.

     13.  ALL OTHER TERMS UNMODIFIED.  Except as specifically provided 
herein, the Loan Agreement, the Note, Trust Deed, and all other Loan 
Documents shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with their 
respective terms and conditions.  This Agreement is subject to all of the 
conditions and covenants expressed in the Loan Agreement, Note, the Trust 
Deed, or in any other Loan Documents.

     14.  UNDER OREGON LAW, MOST AGREEMENTS, PROMISES AND COMMITMENTS MADE BY 
BANK AFTER OCTOBER 3, 1989 CONCERNING LOANS AND OTHER CREDIT EXTENSIONS WHICH 
ARE NOT PERSONAL, FAMILY OR HOUSEHOLD PURPOSES OR SECURED SOLELY BY THE 
BORROWER'S RESIDENCE MUST BE IN WRITING, EXPRESS CONSIDERATION AND BE SIGNED 
BY BANK TO BEEN ENFORCEABLE.  BORROWER AND COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR ACKNOWLEDGE 
RECEIPT OF A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Agreement have executed this 
Agreement on the date first above written.


COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY   FIRST INTERSTATE BANK OF OREGON, N.A.


By  /s/ Timothy P. Boyle                By J. Kennedy                  
    --------------------------             ----------------------------
Title  Pres.                            Title  Vice President          
       -----------------------                 ------------------------


Page 6 - ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT
<PAGE>


TATE OF OREGON      )
                    : ss.
County of MULTNOMAH )

     The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this 8th day of 
March, 1996 by Timothy P. Boyle, the President of COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR 
COMPANY, on behalf of the corporation.

                              /s/ Mary F. Gordon                         
                              -------------------------------------------
                              Notary Public

STATE OF OREGON     )
                    : ss.
County of MULTNOMAH )

     The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this 11 day of March,
1996 by J. Kennedy, who is a Vice President of FIRST INTERSTATE BANK OF OREGON,
N.A., on behalf of the association.

                              /s/ Cheryl Stahel-Eastman                  
                              -------------------------------------------
                              Notary Public


Page 7 - ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT


<PAGE>

                  AGREEMENT REGARDING PLAN OF RECAPITALIZATION


     This Agreement Regarding Plan of Recapitalization (this "Agreement") is 
made this 23rd day of March, 1998, by and among Columbia Sportswear Company, 
an Oregon corporation (the "Company"), and the shareholders of the Company 
(collectively the "Shareholders" and each individually a "Shareholder") 
listed on SCHEDULE A attached hereto.

                                    RECITALS

     A.   The Shareholders constitute the holders of all of the issued and 
outstanding capital stock of the Company.  The Shareholders own the shares of 
Company voting common stock ("Voting Stock") and Company nonvoting common 
stock ("Nonvoting Stock") listed on SCHEDULE A.

     B.   The Company has filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and contemplates completion of 
its initial public offering (the "IPO").  The managing underwriter of the IPO 
has recommended, for marketing and pricing reasons, that the Company enter 
the public market with a single class voting structure.

     C.   The Company has received an opinion from Corporate Valuations, Inc. 
concluding that an equal dollar value of stock holdings of each Shareholder 
will be maintained, both before and after an exchange of existing Nonvoting 
Stock for newly issued Voting Stock, if (1) Gertrude Boyle receives in the 
exchange 1.0 share of Voting Stock for each 0.58643200 shares of Voting Stock 
held by her immediately before the exchange, (2) each other holder of Voting 
Stock receives in the exchange 1.0 share of Voting Stock for each 0.93500000 
shares of Voting Stock held by the shareholder immediately before the 
exchange, and (3) each holder of the Company's Nonvoting Stock receives in 
the exchange 1.0 share of Voting Stock for each 1.0 share of Nonvoting Stock 
held by the shareholder immediately before the exchange.

     D.   Gertrude Boyle, who currently owns 1,528,000 shares of Voting 
Stock, would receive 2,605,588 shares of Voting Stock upon an exchange in 
which she receives 1.0 share of Voting Stock for each 0.58643200 shares of 
Voting Stock held by her immediately before the exchange, which represents 
1,077,588 shares of Voting Stock more than she currently owns. 

     E.   Timothy P. Boyle, who currently owns 830,800 shares of Voting 
Stock, would receive 888,556 shares of Voting Stock upon an exchange in which 
he receives 1.0 share of Voting Stock for each 0.93500000 shares of Voting 
Stock held by him immediately before the exchange, which represents 57,756 
shares of Voting Stock more than he currently owns. 

<PAGE>

     F.   Sarah Bany, who currently owns 130,000 shares of Voting Stock, 
would receive 139,037 shares of Voting Stock upon an exchange in which she 
receives 1.0 share of Voting Stock for each 0.93500000 shares of Voting Stock 
held by her immediately before the exchange, which represents 9,037 shares of 
Voting Stock more than she currently owns. 

     G.   Don Richard Santorufo, who currently owns 275,948 shares of Voting 
Stock, would receive 295,132 shares of Voting Stock upon an exchange in which 
he receives 1.0 share of Voting Stock for each 0.93500000 shares of Voting 
Stock held by him immediately before the exchange, which represents 19,184 
shares of Voting Stock more than he currently owns. 

     H.   The board of directors of the Company (the "Board") has determined 
that the plan of recapitalization provided for herein (the "Plan") is fair 
to, and in the best interests of, the holders of the Company's capital stock. 
Resolutions of the Board are attached hereto as EXHIBIT A.

     I.   The Board and the Shareholders intend that the holdings of each 
Shareholder will revert to their respective holdings of Voting Stock and 
Nonvoting Stock that existed prior to the Effective Time (as defined below) 
if the registration statement for the IPO is not declared effective by the 
SEC on or before April 30, 1998, or if the IPO does not close within 15 days 
of the date the registration statement for the IPO is declared effective by 
the SEC.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained 
herein, the parties agree as follows:

     1.   RECAPITALIZATION.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this 
Agreement, and in accordance with the provisions of the Oregon Business 
Corporation Act (the "OBCA"), at the Effective Time (as defined below) the 
capital stock of the Company shall be recapitalized (the "Recapitalization") 
as follows: 

          (a)  The Company shall issue to Gertrude Boyle, without any action 
on her part, 1,077,588 shares of fully paid and nonassessable Voting Stock.

          (b)  The Company shall issue to Timothy P. Boyle, without any 
action on his part, 57,756 shares of fully paid and nonassessable Voting 
Stock.

          (c)  The Company shall issue to Sarah Bany, without any action on 
her part, 9,037 shares of fully paid and nonassessable Voting Stock.

          (d)  The Company shall issue to Don Richard Santorufo, without any 
action on his part, 19,184 shares of fully paid and nonassessable Voting 
Stock.


                                       2
<PAGE>

          (e)  Pursuant to an amendment to the Company's Restated Articles of 
Incorporation, each 1.0 share then outstanding of Nonvoting Stock shall, 
without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be recapitalized as, 
and converted into, 1.0 fully paid and nonassessable share of Voting Stock of 
the Company.

          (f)  All shares of Voting Stock issued and outstanding immediately 
before the Effective Time shall be unaffected and shall remain issued and 
outstanding at and after the Effective Time.

     2.   EFFECTIVE TIME.  The Recapitalization shall become effective in 
accordance with the Company's Second Amended and Restated Articles of 
Incorporation substantially in the form of EXHIBIT B attached hereto with the 
Secretary of State of the State of Oregon (the "Restated Articles").  The 
Restated Articles shall be filed prior to the time the registration statement 
registering the IPO (File No. 333-43199) (the "Registration Statement") is 
declared effective by the SEC.  The date and time when the Recapitalization 
shall become effective is referred to herein as the Effective Time.

     3.   EXCHANGE.  Upon surrender of a certificate or certificates formerly 
representing shares of Nonvoting Stock, the holder thereof shall be entitled 
to receive in exchange a new certificate evidencing the shares of Voting 
Stock into which such shares were recapitalized and converted.

     4.   RESTRICTED STOCK AND OPTIONS.  

          (a)  The Company shall take such actions as are necessary with 
respect to any restricted stock agreement between the Company and any 
employee of the Company to provide that the shares issued to any holder of 
restricted stock in the Recapitalization shall be issued with regard to, and 
shall remain subject to, the restrictions set forth in such restricted stock 
agreement.

          (b)  The Company shall take such actions as are necessary to cause 
each option to purchase Nonvoting Stock to be adjusted so that, subject to 
the terms and conditions of the Company's Stock Incentive Plan and the terms 
and conditions of such options, upon exercise the holder will be entitled to 
acquire 1.0 share of Voting Stock for each former right to purchase 1.0 share 
of Nonvoting Stock; provided, however, that options to acquire Nonvoting 
Stock shall not be adjusted to entitle holders to acquire Voting Stock if the 
Registration Statement is not declared effective by the SEC on or before 
April 30, 1998 or if the IPO does not close within 15 days of the date the 
Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC.

     5.   CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CONSUMMATION OF THE RECAPITALIZATION.  The 
consummation of the Recapitalization is subject to the satisfaction or waiver 
at or prior to the Effective Time of each of the following conditions:


                                       3
<PAGE>

          (a)  LITIGATION.  No action, proceeding, or investigation shall 
have been instituted or threatened prior to the Effective Time before any 
court or administrative body to restrain, enjoin, or otherwise prevent the 
consummation of the Plan or this Agreement or the transactions contemplated 
hereby or to recover any damages or obtain other relief as a result of the 
Plan or this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, and no 
restraining order or injunction issued by any court of competent jurisdiction 
shall be in effect prohibiting the consummation of the Plan or this Agreement 
or any of the transactions contemplated hereby.

          (b)  ACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS.  All actions, proceedings, 
instruments, and documents required to carry out the transactions 
contemplated by, or incidental to, the Plan or this Agreement and all other 
related legal matters, including the Consent of Shareholders attached hereto 
as EXHIBIT C, shall have been completed to the reasonable satisfaction of the 
Company, and such counsel shall have been furnished with certified copies of 
such corporate actions and proceedings and such other instruments and 
documents as such counsel shall have reasonably requested.

     6.   CONDITION SUBSEQUENT TO CONSUMMATION OF THE RECAPITALIZATION.  If 
the Registration Statement is not declared effective by the SEC on or before 
April 30, 1998, or if the closing of the IPO does not occur within 15 days of 
the Registration Statement being declared effective by the SEC, then (1) 
Gertrude Boyle will surrender for cancellation 1,077,588 shares of Voting 
Stock issued to her pursuant to this Agreement and will exchange shares of 
Voting Stock received by her pursuant to the Conversion set forth in the 
Restated Articles for an equal number of shares of Nonvoting Stock, (2) 
Timothy Boyle will surrender for cancellation 57,756 shares of Voting Stock 
issued to him pursuant to this Agreement and will exchange shares of Voting 
Stock received by him pursuant to the Conversion set forth in the Restated 
Articles for an equal number of shares of Nonvoting Stock, (3) Sarah Bany 
will surrender for cancellation 9,037 shares of Voting Stock issued to her 
pursuant to this Agreement and will exchange shares of Voting Stock received 
by her pursuant to the Conversion set forth in the Restated Articles for an 
equal number of shares of Nonvoting Stock, (4) Don Richard Santorufo will 
surrender for cancellation 19,184 shares of Voting Stock issued to him 
pursuant to this Agreement and will exchange shares of Voting Stock received 
by him pursuant to the Conversion set forth in the Restated Articles for an 
equal number of shares of Nonvoting Stock and (5) all other parties to this 
Agreement will exchange shares of Voting Stock received by them pursuant to 
the Conversion set forth in the Restated Articles for an equal number of 
shares of Nonvoting Stock (the "Reversion").  All share numbers set forth in 
the foregoing sentence shall be appropriately adjusted to reflect the reverse 
stock split set forth in the Restated Articles.  The parties to this 
Agreement agree to take any and all actions necessary or appropriate to cause 
the Reversion if the IPO does not close or become effective by the time 
specified above.

     7.   TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT.  This Plan and Agreement may be 
terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned by the 
Board at 


                                       4
<PAGE>

any time prior to the effectiveness of the Restated Articles in accordance 
with Section 2 hereof.

     8.   SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  The terms and conditions of this Agreement 
shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective successors 
and assigns of the parties.  

     9.   COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more 
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which 
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.


Company:                      COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY


                              By:
                              -----------------------------------------------
                              Timothy P. Boyle, President

 
                                       5
<PAGE>


SHAREHOLDERS:

                              /s/
                              -----------------------------------------------
                              Gertrude Boyle



                              /s/
                              -----------------------------------------------
                              Gertrude Boyle, Trustee, Gertrude Boyle Trust
                              #1 u/a dtd 12/15/97



                              /s/
                              -----------------------------------------------
                              Gertrude Boyle, Trustee, Gertrude Boyle Trust
                              #2 u/a dtd 12/15/97



                              /s/
                              -----------------------------------------------
                              Timothy P. Boyle



                              /s/
                              -----------------------------------------------
                              Mary R. Boyle, Trustee u/a/d September 18,
                              1997 f/b/o Molly E. Boyle



                              /s/
                              -----------------------------------------------
                              Mary R. Boyle, Trustee u/a/d September 18,
                              1997 f/b/o Joseph P. Boyle



                              /s/
                              -----------------------------------------------
                              Sarah A. Bany



                              /s/
                              -----------------------------------------------
                              David C. Bany, Trustee of the Bany Family
                              Trust u/a/d July 31, 1997



                              /s/
                              -----------------------------------------------
                              Sarah A. Bany, Trustee, Sarah A. Bany Trust
                              #1 u/a dtd 12/15/97


                                       6
<PAGE>

                              /s/
                              -----------------------------------------------
                              Sarah A. Bany, Trustee, Sarah A. Bany Trust
                              #2 u/a dtd 12/15/97



                              /s/
                              -----------------------------------------------
                              Don Richard Santorufo


                                       7
<PAGE>

                                  SCHEDULE A 

                             Company Shareholders

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  Voting           Non-Voting          Total  
                                  ------           ----------          -----  
<S>                              <C>               <C>              <C>       
Gertrude Boyle                   1,528,000          2,749,104        4,277,104
                                                                              
Tim Boyle                          830,800         15,487,050       16,317,850
                                                                              
Sarah Bany                         130,000          3,923,911        4,053,911
                                                                              
Don Santorufo                      275,948          2,756,452        3,032,400
                                                                              
David C. Bany,                          --            200,000          200,000
Trustee Bany                                                                  
Family Trust                                                                  
                                                                              
Mary R. Boyle,                          --            105,000          105,000
Trustee fbo                                                                   
Joseph Boyle                                                                  
                                                                              
Mary R. Boyle,                          --            105,000          105,000
Trustee fbo                                                                   
Molly Boyle                                                                   
                                                                              
Sarah A. Bany,                          --            557,414          557,414
Trustee Sarah A.                                                              
Bany Trust #1 u/a                                                             
dtd 12/15/97                                                                  
                                                                              
Sarah A. Bany,                          --            557,414          557,414
Trustee Sarah A.                                                              
Bany Trust #2 u/a                                                             
dtd 12/15/97                                                                  
                                                                              
Gertrude Boyle,                         --            740,740         740,740 
Trustee Gertrude Boyle                                                        
Trust #1 u/a dtd                                                              
12/15/97                                                                      
                                                                              
Gertrude Boyle,                         --            740,740          740,740
Trustee Gertrude Boyle
Trust #2 u/a dtd
12/15/97                                                                      

</TABLE>

                                       8


<PAGE>

                             AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

                  DEFERRED COMPENSATION CONVERSION AGREEMENT

     This Amendment and Waiver (the "Amendment") to the Deferred Compensation 
Conversion Agreement (the "Agreement"), dated as of December 31, 1996, 
between Columbia Sportswear Company (the "Company") and Don Santorufo 
("Santorufo"), is entered into as of March 23, 1998.

                                    RECITALS

     A.   Section 10 of the Agreement provides that the Company will register 
certain shares of Common Stock of the Company held by Santorufo with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with an underwritten public 
offering of the Company's Common Stock.

     B.   Santorufo wishes to sell 1,000,000 of his shares of Company Common 
Stock in connection with the Company's proposed initial public offering of 
Common Stock (the "Offering"), a number of shares that exceeds the number of 
shares that may be registered pursuant to Section 10 of the Agreement.

     C.   Certain shareholders of the Company are willing to purchase an 
aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock from Santorufo, for a price in 
excess of that which he would have received for his shares if they were sold 
in the Offering, in consideration of his execution of this Amendment.

                                   AGREEMENT


     1.   WAIVER AND AMENDMENT.  In consideration of certain shareholders of 
the Company purchasing 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company held 
by Santorufo, Santorufo agrees to waive any and all registration rights he 
may have under the Agreement in connection with the Offering.  Santorufo 
agrees that, effective upon the closing of the sale of 1,000,000 of his 
shares of Company Common Stock, the Agreement shall be amended to delete 
Section 10 and remove all references to registration rights that may apply to 
shares of Common Stock held by him.

     2.   TERMINATION.  This Amendment shall terminate, and be of no further 
force or effect, if (i) Santorufo is unable to complete the sale of 1,000,000 
shares of Common Stock within one month of the closing of the Offering 
(except where such failure is the result of a breach of Santorufo's 
obligations under any agreement relating to the sale of his shares) or (ii) 
the Offering does not close by June 30, 1998.

<PAGE>

     3.   RECAPITALIZATION AND REVERSE STOCK SPLIT.  The parties acknowledge 
that the share numbers set forth in this Amendment reflect the number of 
shares Santorufo will sell following implementation of a Plan of 
Recapitalization and a reverse stock split described in the Company's 
Registration Statement on Form S-1.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment as of the 
date first written above.


                                   COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

                              
DON SANTORUFO                      By:  CARL K. DAVIS
- ------------------------------          -------------------------------
Don Santorufo                      Name: Carl K. Davis
                                   Title: Vice President



<PAGE>

                                 [LETTERHEAD]


                                                                  EXHIBIT 23.1


INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S CONSENT


We consent to the use in this Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement No. 
333-43199 of Columbia Sportswear Company of our report dated February 6, 1998 
(March 24, 1998 as to Notes 1, 2, and 9) appearing in the Prospectus, which 
is part of such Registration Statement, and to the reference to us under 
the headings "Selected Financial Data" and "Experts" in such Prospectus.



/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
March 24, 1998




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