High Sierra Sport Company
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sports and outdoor gear manufacturing |
| Founded | 1978 in Vernon Hills, Illinois, United States |
| Founder | Harry Bernbaum, Hank Bernbaum |
| Headquarters | Gurnee, Illinois , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Harry Bernbaum, Hank Bernbaum |
| Products | Backpacks, wheeled luggage, duffel bags, leather travel cases, daypacks, camping and hiking equipment |
Number of employees | 51–200 |
| Parent | Samsonite |
| Website | www |
High Sierra Sport Company is a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in sports and outdoor gear, particularly known for its range of soft backpacks, wheeled luggage, duffel bags, leather travel cases, and daypacks. Established in 1978 in Vernon Hills, Illinois under the name H. Bernbaum Import & Export Company by Harry Bernbaum along with his son Hank, the company was purchased by Samsonite on July 31, 2012, for $110 million in cash. The firm operates as a subsidiary with a workforce ranging from 51 to 200 employees and is headquartered in Gurnee, Illinois.
History
The inception of High Sierra Sport Company dates back to 1978 when Harry Bernbaum founded it, drawing inspiration for the brand name from the 1941 movie High Sierra and the Sierra Nevada mountain range, symbolizing its outdoor-oriented identity. Bernbaum’s vision was to create luggage and bags that catered to both outdoor enthusiasts and everyday travelers. Notably, High Sierra was among the pioneering American companies to outsource the production of soft leather bags to manufacturers in Korea and China through Hank Bernbaum’s initiatives.
During the 1980s and 1990s, the company broadened its product line to include camping and hiking equipment such as tents, coolers, and weatherproof sleeping bags, positioning itself alongside competitors like Patagonia and The North Face. Their canvas bags accented with leather became particularly popular among college demographics. Despite this diversification, High Sierra’s primary strength remained its innovative backpack designs tailored for various sports and outdoor activities including hiking, cycling, wheeled soft-sided luggage, and daypacks.
Acquisition
Samsonite completed the acquisition of High Sierra on July 31, 2012, purchasing the company for a total of $110 million in cash.
Sponsorship
High Sierra has served as an official sponsor and equipment provider for both the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding Team, supplying specialized bags and related gear for these sports disciplines.
External links
- Articles with short description
- Samsonite
- Camping equipment manufacturers
- Clothing companies of the United States
- Hiking equipment
- Luggage brands
- American companies established in 1978
- Clothing companies established in 1978
- Manufacturing companies established in 1978
- 1978 establishments in Illinois
- 2012 mergers and acquisitions
- American brands
- 1990s fashion
- 2000s fashion