Coleman Company: Everything You Need to Know About the Iconic Outdoor Brand

by Joost Nusselder | Last Updated:  May 31, 2022

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Coleman Company, Inc., is an American company that specializes in outdoor recreation products. Historically, Coleman is known for camping gear.

It was founded by William Coffin Coleman, who began selling gasoline pressure lamps in 1900 in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. He moved to Wichita, Kansas, in 1902. Coleman is currently owned by Jarden Corporation.

In January 2005, Jarden acquired American Household, Inc, for approximately $845 million. The corporation owned the Coleman Company, and Sunbeam Products, Inc. Brands acquired as part of this acquisition included Coleman, First Alert, Sunbeam, Mr. Coffee, and Oster.

For background, in March 1998, Sunbeam Corporation acquired The Coleman Company, Inc. and Coleman Powermate. In December 2002, Sunbeam Corporation filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy and canceled its common stock.

When it emerged from bankruptcy, Sunbeam changed its name to American Household, Inc., a privately held company.(www.jarden.com). The Coleman Company’s headquarters are in Wichita, and it also has facilities in Texas.

There are approximately 3,600 employees but most are not manufacturing jobs. The majority of their goods are now manufactured in China. Throughout its history, Coleman has produced a wide variety of equipment primarily aimed at the camping and recreational markets.

Perhaps their most famous product is the Coleman Lantern that was originally made to burn gasoline. Current models use Coleman fuel (white gas) or propane and use one or two mantles to produce an intense white light.

Company historians claim that in 1905, the company provided a demonstration for the 1905 Cooper vs. Fairmount football game (now called Sterling College and Wichita State University). Coleman gas lamps were provided to play the first night football game west of the Mississippi River. In the past, the company also produced a range of cooking stoves and domestic irons. Today, Coleman also manufactures camp stoves (Coleman produced the original “G.I. Pocket Stove”), sleeping bags, coolers, hot tubs, generators, watches, sandals, tents, dog toys, and backpacks among other things. They also make a line of small boats, including canoes, pontoon boats, johnboats and the unique scanoe.

In the past they also sold pop-up travel trailers, Skiroule snowmobiles and the Hobie Cat brand of sailboats. The company has recently started producing a backyard barbecue grill, which is sold at Canadian Tire. A separate company, Coleman Heating and Air Conditioning, sells home heating and air conditioning units. Coleman Heating and Air Conditioning is owned by Johnson Controls, and uses the Coleman name and logo under license.

In this article, I’ll dive into the history of Coleman, what they sell, and why you can trust them. Plus, I’ll throw in some funny quotes from their ad campaigns.

Coleman logo

Discovering the Bright Side of Outdoor Recreation: The Coleman Brand

Coleman is an outdoor brand that sells a range of camping equipment, recreational products, and portable lighting. The brand is famous for its lanterns, which were invented in 1900 by a young salesman named W.C. Coleman. He discovered that coal oil lamps were not bright enough to protect his business bonds, so he invented a new type of lamp that used gasoline instead.

The Power of Positive Carbon Bonds

The new lamps were brighter and more reliable than anything else on the market, and they quickly became popular with shopkeepers and other small business owners. Coleman soon realized that he had a successful business on his hands, and he began to expand his range of products.

From Lamps to a Wide Range of Outdoor Equipment

Over the years, Coleman has developed a wide range of outdoor equipment, including tents, sleeping bags, coolers, and portable grills like this Coleman BBQ. The brand is now owned by Newell Brands and has facilities in Kansas, Texas, and Chicago.

The Best in Outdoor Recreation

Coleman is one of the best-known manufacturers of outdoor recreation equipment in the world. The brand sells its products in more than 100 countries and has annual sales of over $1 billion.

Protecting the Environment with Electric Power

In recent years, Coleman has also become a leader in environmentally-friendly outdoor equipment. The brand has developed a range of electric-powered camping (here are some more hacks) gear that uses renewable energy sources like solar power.

The Overall Success of Coleman

Overall, Coleman is a brand that has been built on innovation, quality, and a commitment to outdoor recreation. Whether you’re camping in the woods or just enjoying a picnic in the park, Coleman has the equipment you need to make the most of your outdoor experience.

What’s in Coleman’s Outdoor Arsenal?

Coleman is a brand that’s synonymous with camping, and for good reason. They manufacture a wide range of camping equipment, including:

  • Lamps and lanterns: Coleman’s lamps and lanterns are portable and perfect for lighting up your campsite at night. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, from the classic gas lantern to the modern LED lantern.
  • Portable stoves: Coleman’s portable stoves are perfect for cooking up a storm in the great outdoors. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, from the classic two-burner stove to the modern propane stove.
  • Sleeping bags and air mattresses: Coleman’s sleeping bags and air mattresses are designed to keep you warm and comfortable while you sleep under the stars. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, from the classic mummy bag to the modern inflatable mattress.

Backpacks

Coleman also manufactures a range of backpacks that are perfect for hiking and camping. Their backpacks come in a variety of sizes and styles, from the classic daypack to the modern backpacking pack.

Pontoon Boats

In addition to their recreational camping products, Coleman also makes a line of small boats, including canoes, pontoon boats, and johnboats. These boats are perfect for fishing, relaxing, or exploring the great outdoors.

Sales and Business

Coleman is a business that has been around for over 100 years, and they are still going strong. They have a strong presence in the outdoor industry and are known for their high-quality products. Coleman’s sales are driven by their commitment to quality and innovation, and they are constantly looking for ways to improve their products and expand their reach.

Conclusion

So there you have it- Coleman is a brand of outdoor recreation equipment manufactured by the Coleman Company. They’re known for their lamps, but they also make tents, sleeping bags, coolers, and grills. Plus, they’re committed to protecting the environment with their electric-powered gear. So go ahead and enjoy the great outdoors with Coleman!

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Lakeside Smokers is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with BBQ Smoking (& Japanese food!) at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.