Our Beginnings

Few regions of the world make a better home for the outdoor-inclined than the Pacific Northwest. Here, on the edge of a continent, glacier-clad mountains yield to lush, old growth forests that stretch down to emerald-green rivers whose salmon run through saltwater estuaries, out beyond the sentinel sea stacks of the wild and mystic Olympic coast. Ours is a stunning and varied landscape with world class opportunities for just about every type of adventure imaginable and inspiration to spare.

It was just this inspiration John Burroughs, Neil Anderson and Jim Lea drew on when they invented the first Therm-a-Rest® self-inflating camping pad fifty years ago, searching for a better night’s rest under the stars. Cascade Designs, Inc. would become the company they sold that first product under–a name that paid tribute to the place they loved and, as a crew of engineers, their passion for crafting smart solutions to real world problems.

Our Brands Today

Since that first air pad, the Therm-a-Rest brand has gone on to define an entire category, introducing a string of ground-breaking innovations along the way, and remaining the number one name in outdoor comfort worldwide.

Over five decades later, Cascade Designs has grown to be not just Therm-a-Rest, but a parent to some of the most respected brands in the outdoor industry and beyond.

  • EST. 1969

    Since 1969, MSR® products have stood the test of time like few others. To call out just a few of their legendary innovations would be to dismiss the entirety of the impact that this single brand has had on generations of outdoor enthusiasts. From iconic camp stoves and water treatment solutions to snowshoes, tents and more, MSR has churned out a consistent flow of ground-breaking innovations with unbeatable reliability that have changed the definition of what’s possible in the outdoors while making them more accessible and safer for all.

    Visit MSR 

  • EST. 1972

    Therm-a-Rest® changed the way people experience the outdoors forever in 1972 with the invention of the world’s first self-inflating camping mattress. Since our beginning, we have been committed to idea of improving the quality of your time outdoors. We believe that the better you rest, the better you play and are focused solely on creating the finest potable outdoor comfort solutions for every kind of adventure. Our legacy of innovative firsts spans sleeping bags, camping mattresses, cots, pillows, seating and more, with the majority of it still proudly made in the USA.

    Visit Therm-a-Rest 

  • EST. 1996

    For over 20 years, Platypus® has made water bottles, treatment and delivery solutions for everyday hydration needs, from city to trail. We pride ourselves on quality, taste-free materials, emphasizing collapsible, packable solutions for an on-the-go lifestyle. We draw on a deep well of in-house water science and knowledge to deliver products that maximize fun by keeping hydration easy.

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  • EST. 1986

    To paddlers, adventure travelers and commuters around the world, SealLine® bags, packs and accessories mean unfailing gear protection in harsh environments. SealLine products are made of the highest-quality waterproof fabrics and their proprietary RF-welding skills are unmatched in the industry. The result is unquestionable gear protection to help their customers survive the world’s most challenging environments.

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  • EST. 2000

    PackTowl® is the original light, packable, hyper-absorbent and fast-drying travel towel. You can simply use it, wring it and re-use it, over and over for big towel performance at a fraction of the size and dry time. Originally developed for backpackers, paddlers and world travelers, PackTowl has found a home anywhere saving space and drying off are essential parts of the adventure.

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  • EST. 2005

    VariLite™ designs effective, innovative postural support solutions that help people who use wheelchairs for mobility lead more empowered, independent and connected lives. Our comprehensive family of seating and positioning systems includes cushions, back supports, hip belts, chest harnesses, ankle supports and seating accessories, bringing stability and comfort to customers around the world.

Committed to USA & Ireland Made

To accommodate growth and our commitment to build what we sell in-market, we opened manufacturing and distribution hubs in Midleton, Ireland, serving the European market, and Reno, Nevada, serving the US market, where added space and improved logistics help us better serve a rapidly growing US market.

Our Values

High Quality & Innovations

As John Burroughs emphasizes, the hands-on aspect of this business philosophy is essential to being a leader in innovation and service: “We believe manufacturing the majority of our gear in our U.S. and European facilities is an essential element in maintaining quality and innovation at pace. This also helps us keep a smaller carbon footprint overall and to exceed our customers’ expectations of service.”

Our Innovations

Our Future

Evident in our portfolio of award-winning products and legendary brands, we have always held fast to our commitment to quality and meaningful solutions that make life better, safer and more enjoyable. As we look into the next fifty years, President Paul Connolly said this:

“As a vertically integrated company, we have lots of headroom to grow – not only as a company, but for our people to grow along with us. We have a commitment to them, and we have a commitment to remain cognizant that, from a sustainability perspective, what we make is just as important as how we make it. I’m a firm believer in the triple bottom line; people, planet and profit¬, with the latter coming from our continued commitment to quality and meaningful innovation. These are the critical elements to a sustainable business for the next fifty years.”

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