1965
Sierra Designs Founded
Founders George Marks & Bob Swanso, Point Richmond, CA
Sierra Designs Innovations
Five decades — that’s a lot of time to spend together. Sierra Designs has been a trusted companion in the backcountry since sewing our first tents, sleeping bags and clothing back in 1965. We started the journey with just a few pieces of gear — our 60/40 Mountain Parka, an early generation of tents and the debut mummy bags. Having grown up with the Sierras as our backyard playground, we learned by backpacking, climbing, kayaking and skiing, all the time testing our products and designs.
Through the decades we continuously perfected the gear we liked and when we needed something, we simply created or invented. The number of tried designs, patents and innovations grows, and our loyal backcountry companions keep coming back for more. We look forward to our next 50 years and promise to continue innovating and refining what are already among the best tents, sleeping bags and technical clothing available today.
From the founders
We began Sierra Designs with the simple idea that backpacking and camping gear should be durable, functional, trouble-free, practical, efficient and attractive. We know our gear achieves much of this because many of our original designs are still in the line and much of the gear we sold in the early days is now as much a part of city life as mountain life.
Our ongoing involvement with the backcountry scene has made new and innovative products our hallmark — and Sierra Designs products are not gimmicky showroom attractions; they are backcountry-tested, tough and reliable.
Timeline
1965
Double Sleeping Dag
The logical choice for maximum togetherness.
1968
60/50 moutain parka
One of the most phenomenal products of all time for mountaineering.
1979
Cloud Series down bag
First bag in the USA with 700 goose down, and attached contoured hood.
1979
Air Flex Tent
The toughest, most spacious, two person tent to utilize the combination of bend and streight poles.
1982
Swift Clips
First ever swift clips, for faster reliable set up in high winds.
1983
Flashlight Tent
The first two person“ultra light” tent under four pounds.
1987
Meteor Light Tent
Light, fast, and often imitated, the meteor light debuts.
1994
Flashlight Tent
Sierra Designs moves to Emeryville, California, design lab and R&D facilitly.
1995
Women’s Specific Sleeping Bags
First bags tailored to fit a woman’s shape, movement and warmth needs.
1996
Clip Locks
Patented design locks poles improving tense strength by 60%.
1999
Flex Sleeping Bags
A comprehensive sleep study let to a design that allows unrestricted movement in all directions.
2001
Jakes Corner
Patent design eliminates pole rotation increasing tent strength by 40%.
2002
Hercules Tent
Wind tunnel tested & expedition proven, built for the most extreme conditions.
2003
Sierra Designs Relocates to The Rocky Mountains
2012
Dridown
DriDown is natural down insulation improved with a hydrophobic finish that keeps rain, sweat or melting snow from soaking in while allowing internal moisture to easily escape. This means DriDownTM stays dry longer and dries faster.
2014
Backcountry Bed
A zipperless bag that fells just like home. With an oversized, integrated quilt sealing the opening, you can sleep comfortably and naturally on your back, side, or stomach.
2014
FLASH 2 FL
A TENT WITH VIEWS
Defying all preconceptions, the Flash 2 FL is the fusion of lightweight, functionality and luxury.
“Best tent ever made.”
- Michael Glavin
2016
Flex Capacitor
Patented gusset system allows the pack to quickly and easily expand from 40-60 liters with the adjustment of a few straps. Instead of expanding up like other packs, the circumference of the Flex expands to provide a more stable and comfortable load.