The past four decades of designs have added up for . Beyond creating an impressive collection of high-quality, purpose-built winter gear, the California-based accessories brand has maintained an unwavering commitment over the past 40 years to getting people from all backgrounds outside. To learn more about how Seirus has evolved and impacted the industry, we talked to Mike Carey, co-founder and owner of Seirus. In addition to his distinguished career as an NFL official, Carey is known for empowering outdoor adventurers to push boundaries, explore more, play in comfort, and go further in the world of winter play.

șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű: What role did Cat Tracks play in establishing the Seirus brand?

Mike Carey: were the spark that launched us into the snow sports industry, establishing the brand’s dedication to enhancing outdoor experiences with innovative gear. At the time, damaged boot-binding systems were contributing to the growing number of ski-related lower leg injuries. Cat Tracks—designed to protect ski boot soles off the slopes—were the solution. The product laid the foundation for what Seirus would become: a brand driven to tackle challenges.

What innovations followed as Seirus continued to make a name for itself with purpose-driven warmwear?
Following the release of Cat Tracks, here’s a timeline of Seirus’s ground-breaking new products and technologies.

1993: Combo Scarf

revolutionized cold-weather face protection. This exclusive, proprietary design was thoughtfully crafted to pair with goggles, ensuring a snug fit without compromising visibility. Large central breathing holes enhance airflow, while closed-cell Neofleece keeps you dry and warm. And thanks to the plush fleece scarf, Combos provide an additional layer of reliable protection against the elements.

1996: All Weather Collection

The release of the set a new standard for lightweight warmth and versatility. Designed with a sleek, fitted structure, the gloves offer dexterity by removing excess bulk. All models in the collection feature our exclusive Weathershield tri-laminate technology, which ensures a four-way-stretch outer, a windproof/waterproof-breathable membrane, and a moisture-wicking inner lining.

2007: Xtreme All Weather Gloves

The All Weather collection expanded to include, a fusion of Weathershield strength and flat-seam stitching for 100 percent waterproof protection with the best dexterity available.

2012: HeatTouch Gloves

introduced new innovations in personalized warmth, with three adjustable heat settings. Fueled by a slim battery and a Flexible Fusion heat panel, warmth is distributed evenly across the back of your hand and wraps around your fingertips, providing hours of targeted heat without compromising comfort.

2013: Heatwave Technology

Our exclusive hit the market. It works like this: The kinetic phase transforms energy into extra warmth, while the reflective stage bounces back radiating heat. This marked a significant advancement from our original Thermalux reflective technology introduced in the ’90s. This breakthrough continued to redefine the industry standard for glove liners, offering reliable warmth that truly sets us apart. Since then, we’ve integrated this Heatwave technology into all our products.

2015: Magne Series

Designed for effortless convenience, each piece in the collection integrates magnets for easy adjustments with gloved hands. Starting with the Magnemask, the magnetic seams allow you to perform tasks without totally removing the garment—simply unsnap the front part of your face mask to chat on the lift or eat a snack.

2019: Heatwave Base Layers

These keep you super warm, super dry, and incredibly comfortable in the cold. The three different weights are tailored for every unique adventure: Performance weight for high-energy activities, Winter weight for those frigid days, and All Season weight for superior versatility in changing temperatures.

2021: Magne Mitt

We expanded the Magne functionality to our mitts, granting fast finger access for when dexterity calls. Then, simply tuck your hand into and snap the seam back into place to ensure warmth, performance, and protection from the elements.

2024: HeatTouch Hellfire Magne Mitt

In 2024, we combined two of our innovations: HeatTouch and Magne Mitt. The brings together the best of both worlds—glove versatility and mitt warmth—making it your go-to for extreme comfort and functionality. With advanced heated technology and rechargeable battery packs, this mitt offers up to 12 hours button-activated heat.

Where does Seirus find inspiration for its products?

We draw inspiration from our team’s diverse backgrounds and outdoor experiences. Our company culture fosters collaboration, allowing us to tackle a variety of challenges head-on. By tapping into our team’s collective knowledge, we uncover innovative solutions that address specific problems faced by the outdoor community.

What kind of outdoor community are you creating with Seirus? 

Our mission is to ensure that everyone sees themselves represented in the outdoors, creating a vibrant community where unique expressions of our shared values can thrive. Every initiative we undertake is guided by our core principles: inclusivity, empowerment, and explorations. By providing high-quality gear, we aim to break down barriers in outdoor accessibility. We’re working to make the great outdoors a place where every voice is heard and every individual can embark on adventure.

With so many accomplishments over its 40 years, how is Seirus celebrating?

By reflecting on our journey and the incredible community that has supported us along the way. We’re planning a few collaborations with industry friends to honor our legacy and highlight the innovative spirit that drives us all. We’re thrilled to support our partners through shared initiatives and by offering opportunities for the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and entrepreneurs.

We also remain committed to our , which gives back through outdoor accessibility and inclusivity initiatives. We’re not just celebrating our past and how far we’ve come; we’re also looking forward to the future and continuing to empower outdoor enthusiasts of all backgrounds to explore, enjoy, and benefit from getting outside.

For four decades, has redefined warmth and comfort, crafting gear through hands-on research and development. Our commitment to inclusivity and enjoyment in outdoor recreation extends to our entire community, from co-creators to customers. Whether worn on mountain peaks or city streets, every piece of Seirus gear embodies innovation and collaboration.

The post Seirus Celebrates 40 Years of Purpose-Driven Gear Innovation appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

The ski industry is having a glow-up: an abundance of change-makers on a mission to diversify snow sports. From brands and nonprofits to athletes and artists, these visionaries are paving the way toward improved  inclusivity, representation, and accessibility in skiing and outdoor culture. , a brand with 40 years of history in the cold-weather apparel space, is one of the many leaders in this pursuit. Since its establishment, Seirus has been passionately committed to fostering representation within its operations and beyond. To learn more about those who are making a difference on and off the slopes, we talked to three snow sports enthusiasts addressing the imbalance in different ways.

Improving Access and Inclusivity

șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű: Why is the National Brotherhood of Skiers important?

Henri Rivers, president of the : In 1973, 13 Black ski clubs joined together in Aspen, Colorado,Ìę to form the (NBS). More than 350  skiers from all over the country attended the event in support. The goal was to ski and have a great time together.

Today, the organization promotes winter sports among Black Americans and people of color. Its mission is to identify, develop, and support athletes of color who will win international and Olympic winter sports competitions while representing the United States and to increase participation in winter sports. But the relevance and importance of the NBS goes much deeper.

Who can get involved in NBS?

Anyone can become a member of NBS and join its fellowship, camaraderie, and mission. Our goal is to make the organization accessible to all who want to connect with a diverse group of people and get outdoors. We want to see people of all colors and backgrounds enjoying what nature has to offer. Prospective members can easily . There are nearly 60 clubs across the United States and the United Kingdom to choose from.

The NBS has partnered with many snow sports organizations to reach a wider network of snow sport athletes who will represent  the United States. Additionally, the organization has successfully connected thousands of underrepresented Americans to the outdoors—all while inspiring a healthy outdoor lifestyle.

How do you hope to see ski culture evolve in the next ten years?

The NBS foresees an African American on the U.S. Winter Olympic team at the opening ceremonies in 2026. That’s the organization’s two-year goal. 

In the long term, we want to see many more people of color enjoying the outdoors, participating in winter sports, and becoming integral parts of the snow sports industry. For example, we want more people of color in management positions within mountain resorts, with upper management and CEOs of color directing operations. Additionally, we’re working to inspire  more  people of color to become ski instructors and leading clients of color. These teachers will help retain new skiers and exponentially increase representation from communities that are, at best, minimally represented. We also want more athletes of color attending specialized ski academies and filling the U.S. Ski and Snowboard team pipelines. 

We see inclusion and equity from the parking attendants to the boardroom. We see human equality and excellence in the snow sports Industry.

Creating a Space for Representation

What inspires your artwork?

Lamont Joseph White, : Countless influences and experiences inspire my work—culture, social issues, humans, and seeing art itself are amongst them. I suppose I’m a seeker of sorts. Wherever I go, I’m naturally driven to explore and indulge my senses as much as time allows. Artistically, a fun practice for me is to intersect cultures, issues, and activities that I relate to on some level. For my , I had been contemplating the underrepresentation of Black and brown people on the slopes. My own personal experience of living and recreating in a major ski town prompted me to want this conversation.

Why is representation important in ski culture?

Broadly speaking, representation is important in the culture of any activity or experience. And snow sports, in my mind, are not exempt from this truth. The power of representation is the power of belief. Belief occurs when we see and experience something. Then our minds know it to be true or possible. And involvement follows. When we are involved, we share, learn, grow, and excel. As in many aspects of life, this process opens up even more opportunities on our journeys. Likewise, I believe in the importance of cultural exchanges in our shared spaces. I’ve discovered along the way that unless we remain persistent in pursuing representation, it won’t occur.

Where can people find your work?

Some of my paintings hang at resorts such as Park City Mountain, Deer Valley, Town of Vail, Copper Mountain, and Solitude Mountain. My clients include Vail Resorts, Alterra Mountain Company, Seirus, National Brotherhood of Snowsports, Smith Optics, Teton Gravity Research, Krimson Klover, Icelantic Skis, and, gratefully, many others. Also, giclée and canvas prints are available .

Setting a New Standard

How is Seirus working to establish diversity in ski culture?

Mike Carey, president and CEO at : Seirus fosters a work environment where unique minds come together to create exceptional outdoor gear. Our team continues to represent diversity throughout leadership and every department, with 38 percent of management positions held by women and 47 percent of team members from underrepresented ethnicities.

The outdoors offer transformative experiences that should be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Seirus actively supports this mission through various means, including our active involvement in outdoor-focused community impact programs and our internal development initiatives, such as our artist collaborations.Currently, we’re partnering with two remarkable artists. Alberto Lemus, who has an exciting collaboration with and , and Lamont Joseph White.

As an industry, we’ve made strides toward inclusivity, but we’re not done yet. Seirus is contributing to continued improvement in the same way it approaches innovation: identify a problem and find a solution. Seirus’s history and ethos exemplify this commitment to positive change, and we remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of inclusivity and access in the outdoors.

What gear is Seirus best known for, and how does the lineup help skiers break boundaries?

Seirus is renowned for its commitment to innovation—in our products and beyond. Yes, we make winter feel less cold and more exhilarating. But for us, innovation is also about empowering individuals to break boundaries and enjoy the outdoors. 

are the origin of Seirus, embodying its deep-seated passion for devising solutions that elevate comfort, safety, and durability. This innovative product offers a portable and convenient solution—a ski boot protector that not only safeguards against excessive wear and tear but also provides traction on pavement and gravel.

In 1996, the was the industry’s first glove featuring a bonded four-way stretch fabric, windproof and waterproof breathable membrane, and moisture-wicking inner lining, all in a fitted profile. These gloves are lightweight, warm, and versatile, making them ideal for on or off the mountain.

When it comes to high-tech development, Seirus set a high standard. The rechargeable heated gloves feature a flexible heat panel that wraps around the back of your hands, fingertips, and thumb. With the push of a button, your hands will be warm all day long, so you can focus on your swivel hips.

What are some other standout organizations working to diversify ski culture?

There’s a large community dedicating their time and resources to a stronger collective culture shift, recognizing that we can accomplish more together than any one of us alone. Together, we believe that we can achieve far more as a united group than any of us can accomplish alone. We’re proud to highlight some of the impactful partners we collaborate with, who include , , , , , , ,Ìę , , , , , , , , and . Our attempts are not without faults, but we continue to learn ways to progress together.

Entrepreneurs have also introduced purpose-driven retailers and brands, like , , , , , , , , , , , , , and the list continues to grow. These leaders contribute to ski culture by creating gear, spaces, and experiences that make access and resources attainable.

From industry veterans like  and to the recent accomplishments of the team, there are so many incredible individuals and organizations dedicated to promoting outdoor experiences and inspiring a love for nature. Although there are many other remarkable individuals and organizations beyond those we have highlighted here, Seirus is deeply grateful for the awareness all have brought to breaking down the barriers imposed by systemic constraints and society. It is our sincere hope that anyone inspired by this list will find ways to join or support these groups, thereby contributing to the lasting transformation of our nation’s relationship with nature and its profound impact on our collective well-being.

For four decades, has redefined warmth and comfort, crafting gear through hands-on research and development. Our commitment to inclusivity and enjoyment in outdoor recreation extends to our entire community—from co-creators to customers. Whether worn on mountain peaks or city streets, every piece of Seirus gear embodies innovation and collaboration.

The post The Visionaries Diversifying Ski Culture appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Winter sports isn’t so much an industry as a community. To drive innovation and economic sustainability, friends share insights as they collaborate. Inclusivity and the free flow of ideas fuel the outdoor business.

Perhaps no outfit encapsulates that spirit more than , an indie, family-run company that’s thrived since 1979 with a clear mission: to make us more comfortable in winter while doing the right thing by its customers, employees, and partners. 

It all started in 1977. That’s when newlyweds Wendy and Mike Carey decided their honeymoon would be an entire winter of skiing Tahoe. Wendy bought Mike his first pair of ski boots for Christmas. He loved them, but he was bummed how quickly the soles wore down from walking in parking lots and base lodges. He did some research and discovered the damage wasn’t just cosmetic, it was a safety concern—worn boots don’t behave properly in the tight tolerances of releasable bindings. Mike used his inventive streak to cobble together detachable treads for his new boots. Two winters later the couple launched Cat Tracks, a simple accessory that added grip and protection to plastic-soled ski boots.

The pair invested in production, distribution, and marketing and then tapped the winter-sports world for endorsements. Binding companies wanted their company names on the boxes. Ski racers and instructors became early adopters and pushed the product to friends. A family-run business with community ties was born. Today, Seirus makes all manner of innovative products—mostly in the head-, hand-, and foot-warmth departments—for the winter crowd. “It takes a lot to pull off a multigenerational family business,” says 686 Apparel CEO and Seirus colleague Mike West. “Wendy and Mike have a yin and a yang thing going. Mike is the crazy idea guy. Wendy is calm, realistic, and methodical. They complement each other.”

A biracial couple, the Careys broke into what was in 1979, and still is, a predominantly white business. They did this through the strength of their personalities. If you watched Mike in his other career—he was perhaps the most respected NFL official of his generation—you already get it. If not, know that he has a presence. “Mike is a charismatic and confident individual,” says Wendy. “He found his way through the world using those skills. He’s also not the type of person to let bigotry or preconceptions get in his way. But when we couldn’t ignore the prejudice, we always thought that it was the other person’s issue. To change this culture we have to be intentional. It’s rewarding to watch people like our daughter Danica—now Seirus’s director of marketing—grow winter outdoors for more people. There are a lot of BIPOC people in the space already, but too many have been undervalued and this needs to be addressed. We need to listen to their voices.”

That community theme drives Seirus. Innovation is a great example. When he crafted those original Cat Tracks for himself, Mike had the advantage of a fresh perspective on winter sports. But he didn’t know it was a viable product until the binding manufacturers and racers supported it. That’s been the story of Seirus ever since. Internally, it relies on a creative and design team. Externally, it taps into a collaborative steering committee to generate ideas. But the goal is always the same: identify problems and find solutions. Perhaps the best example of that is Seirus’s . Base layers as a category hasn’t seen much innovation in 30 years beyond merino wool, polypropylene, and polyester. Mike and the team have incorporated Heatwave, a lightweight foil on top of hollow fiber polyester, which they’d co-created with a supplier years prior, into many different products. Heatwave produces heat kinetically (through movement) but also reflects that heat back to the body. In the Base Layer, wicking materials keep you dry. Mapped areas of Polygiene, an odor-controlling treatment, keep the stink down.

Seirus has a wellspring of forward-thinking products. Among its offerings in are the MagneMasks, employing magnets to keep the material snapped in place when you need it and to open quickly for venting when you want it. This technology can also be found in the MagneMitts. With Heat Touch handwear—such as the Heat Touch Hellfire Glove and Mitt and the Heat Touch Atlas Glove and Mitt—a flexible panel wraps around the backs of your hands and fingertips. Push a button and your hands are warm. Seemingly simple innovations make a world of difference on the slopes. 

It’s a world that, for Seirus, is always expanding. Take its nearly 20-year partnership with the Vail Veterans Program. When Cheryl Jensen founded it in 2004, she assumed the wars in the Middle East would be short. She forecast that the need to get injured veterans on snow would soon taper. In the first year, though, the program sent an athlete to the Paralympics. Someone went again the next year, and in came testimonials about how important adaptive skiing and snowboarding were to this community. The Vail Veterans Program was changing lives. “It was in year three when I realized that we’d be doing this forever,” says Cheryl. “But because so many of our veterans were new not just to skiing but to winter sports, we needed gear to keep them comfortable. Wendy Carey was the first person I called. She was like, ‘Whatever you need is yours.’ But the biggest thing they’ve given us over the years is their time. Mike has been an inspirational speaker to our group. The fact that he’s Black and has NFL credentials carries a lot of weight with the soldiers and marines we host. I recently got an email from one of the veterans that came through 12 years ago. He was getting tattoos on his legs above the amputation points to remind himself of the strength he’d rediscovered in himself on snow.”

Next up for ? Whatever strengthens the brand’s commitment to the winter-sports community. Seirus now pledges 10 percent of the profits from all online sales of Shield products to . Seirus also amplifies the voices of affinity groups and artists. For example, artist ’s “Represent” pattern can be found on head and neck protectors. 

“As an industry,” says Mike, “we’ve made strides, but we’re nowhere near where we should be in terms of inclusivity. And it’s not just about skin color. There are too many folks that simply can’t afford to drive an hour to the mountains. Moving forward it has to be about access. Now we have this opportunity to ask ourselves how we can contribute. It’s the same way we approach innovation: identify a problem and find a solution.”

is an outdoor gear company keeping your whole body warm. Our mission: enable outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy any cold weather activity in the greatest comfort possible, while innovating for a more inclusive and sustainable outdoors. CEO Mike Carey wanted to create a business culture in which collaborative beings flourish.

The post The Spirit Behind Seirus appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

A years-long patent dispute between Seirus Innovation and Columbia reached another milestone this month, when a San Diego jury ruled that Seirus, the California-based accessories brand, did not infringe a design patent held by Columbia Sportswear Co., the Portland, Oregon-based parent company of Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, Sorel, and prAna.

This was the second jury verdict in Seirus’ favor since 2013, when Columbia first sued Seirus, alleging that Seirus’ HeatWave product line infringed a Columbia design patent for its Omni-Heat technology.

According to a Seirus press release earlier this month, “Columbia added two utility patents relating to its Omni-Heat technology in 2014—U.S. Patent Nos. 8,424,119 and 8,453,270. Columbia dropped all allegations against Seirus relating to the ’119 patent on the eve of the first trial. The jury found the Columbia ’270 patent invalid both as anticipated and obvious based on prior art references submitted by Seirus during trial.”

The decision was a huge win for Seirus and another example of how the tide has turned in this legal matter since Columbia first claimed that Seirus’ HeatWave lining—a “kinetic heat return system” that provides warmth for many of the brand’s products—infringed its patented technology. Four years ago, Columbia won a $3.4 million verdict against Seirus because of a “striking visual similarity” between the two technologies—but that verdict was later thrown out.

This latest case—Columbia Sportswear North America Inc. v. Seirus Innovative Accessories, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California—again made it to trial, where a seven-person jury in August said Seirus didn’t infringe Columbia’s claims in the design patent.

“We are very pleased with the jury’s decision in this case, and we thank the jury for its hard work,” said Mike Carey, Seirus founder and CEO. “We have asserted all along that our HeatWave design represented our own unique work, and the jury’s finding vindicates our belief that we did nothing wrong. This decision is a culmination of years of work and resolve to oppose Columbia’s efforts to claim Seirus’ development as its own. This means a lot to our employees who have worked hard over the years on our HeatWave products. Seirus’ decision to stand up to a powerful company is also a victory for small companies and consumers everywhere. The jury’s decision prevented the suppression of fair competition allowing more choices in the marketplace for consumers.”

In a filing last month, Seirus said that “Columbia has used its unlimited resources to try and bully a smaller company out of the market as part of its strategy,” adding that “many larger companies” such as Nike, Harley-Davidson, and Under Armour manufacture and sell products “that use nearly identical fabric technology.”

We reached out to Columbia for comment and received the following statement.

“Columbia Sportswear believes a defendant should not be able to avoid design patent infringement by just slapping their logo all over an otherwise identical product. In 2016, Seirus was found to infringe the same Columbia design but that ruling was later reversed and remanded on a technicality. We are disappointed with the San Diego jury’s verdict and believe it results from this fundamental misunderstanding of design patent law and confusion of its legal standards with those for trademark infringement.”

In its press release announcing the decision, Seirus said, “Although Columbia can appeal this verdict, it is unlikely to prevail. In the prior appeal, the appeals court said that the decision of whether Seirus’ HeatWave products infringe Columbia’s patent could not be decided in Columbia’s favor as a matter of law and that it was a decision for the jury. Now that the jury has decided, it is unlikely the appeals court will do anything to disturb the jury’s finding.”

Seirus said this latest decision “effectively puts to an end Columbia’s claims against Seirus,” but the Portland-based outdoor apparel and footwear giant said it isn’t done with the matter.

“Accordingly, we plan to appeal,” a Columbia spokesperson said. “Columbia also has a pending lawsuit alleging that Seirus and its fabric supplier committed RICO violations based on a conspiracy to defraud Columbia Sportswear, a federal court, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This dispute and related disputes between Columbia and Seirus have been going on for almost eight years and, unfortunately, they will continue.”

The post Seirus Wins Patent Battle Against Columbia, but Columbia Says Fight Will Continue appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.