Columbia Sportswear Will Release PDX Carpet Fleece

The limited-edition fleece featuring the iconic Portland airport pattern launches in mid-October.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Air Travel

Columbia Sportswear Will Release PDX Carpet Fleece

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Columbia Sportswear will debut a special edition fleece featuring the classic Portland International Airport carpet pattern on October 15, 2026. The release commemorates the 35th anniversary of the company's Helvetia fleece line.

Why it matters

The collaboration highlights a nostalgic local design that became a cultural staple of Portland International Airport after its 1988 debut. It serves as a celebration of both the airport's iconic flooring and the longevity of Columbia's signature apparel series.

The new PDX fleece is priced at $100 per unit. It launches as part of the ongoing Helvetia Series, which first debuted in 1991 and is scheduled to continue through 2027.

The players

Columbia Sportswear

Founded in 1938, this Portland-based apparel company specializes in outdoor gear and clothing.

Portland International Airport

This airport serves as the primary gateway for the city of Portland and is known for its distinct geometric carpet design.

The details

The Portland International Airport originally installed its geometric wool carpet in 1988, eventually removing it in 2015 before reintroducing the design in specific areas in 2024. Columbia Sportswear, which maintains a store at the airport, will offer the item to Greater Rewards members online on October 14, followed by a public launch the next day.

1938: Columbia Sportswear was founded.
1988: Portland International Airport installed the original geometric carpet.
1991: The Helvetia fleece style debuted.
2024: Portland International Airport reinstalled the carpet design.
October 15, 2026: Public sales and the store launch event occur.

Travel Outlook

This product launch follows the established legacy of the Helvetia fleece, which has remained a core component of the company's catalog for over three decades. It reflects the ongoing trend of leveraging localized regional iconography to drive consumer engagement in the apparel sector.

Columbia Greater Rewards members gain exclusive online access to the fleece beginning at 7 a.m. on October 14. Public online and in-store sales begin at 7 a.m. the following day for all other customers.

The takeaway

The return of the iconic carpet pattern to consumer products highlights the enduring status of Portland airport aesthetics. Fans of the design should prepare for the morning launch windows to ensure availability during the limited-edition sale.