The origins of Coleman date to 1900, when William Coffin Coleman (W.C. Coleman) began working with petrol-powered lighting systems in Oklahoma. Recognising the potential of portable lighting, he acquired the rights to improve existing petrol lamp technology and established what would become The Coleman Company.

In 1901, Coleman relocated operations to Wichita, Kansas, where the company began manufacturing its own pressure lamps. The brand gained national attention in 1905 when Coleman arc lamps illuminated one of the first nighttime American football games west of the Mississippi River, demonstrating the brightness and reliability of its lighting technology.2

Over the following decades, Coleman expanded beyond lanterns into portable cooking equipment. By the 1920s, the company had introduced camping stoves, becoming a key supplier to the growing automobile camping movement in the United States.

During World War II, Coleman manufactured compact petrol stoves for Allied soldiers, earning a reputation for durable, field-ready equipment. After the war, the company broadened its consumer product lineup to include coolers, tents, sleeping bags, folding chairs and other camping essentials, helping to shape the modern camping industry.3

Throughout its history, Coleman has undergone several ownership changes:

• Founded by William Coffin Coleman
• Acquired by Sunbeam Corporation in 1998
• Became part of Jarden Corporation in 2005
• Joined Newell Brands following Newell’s acquisition of Jarden in 2016

Coleman continues to operate as one of Newell Brands’ outdoor recreation businesses.4

Coleman manufactures a broad range of outdoor products, including:

• Camping tents
• Sleeping bags
• Portable camping stoves
• Gas and propane lanterns
• Coolers and insulated drinkware
• Camp chairs and tables
• Air mattresses
• Portable grills
• Canopies and shelters
• Torches and lighting
• Camping cookware
• Hiking accessories

Many of these products are designed for camping, hiking, fishing, picnics, tailgating, festivals and emergency preparedness.5

Coleman has introduced several influential products over its history, including:

• Portable petrol pressure lanterns
• Instant-light fuel lanterns
• Portable camping stoves
• Plastic-lined coolers introduced during the 1950s
• Modern blackout and dark-room camping tents that reduce sunlight entering the tent
• Advanced insulated coolers and collapsible cooling systems

The company continues to develop products that emphasise portability, durability and ease of outdoor use.6

Although founded in the United States, Coleman now has a worldwide presence. The brand operates dedicated businesses and distributors in regions including:

• North America
• Europe
• Japan
• South Korea
• Australia
• Southeast Asia

Different regions may offer unique product lines tailored to local camping styles and consumer preferences.7

Coleman’s brand philosophy centres on making the outdoors accessible to everyone. Its long-running messaging emphasises spending time with friends and family outside through reliable, practical outdoor equipment. The company describes its mission as helping people create memorable outdoor experiences, whether camping, attending sporting events, relaxing by a lake or enjoying backyard gatherings.8

Coleman is widely regarded as one of the most trusted outdoor equipment brands, particularly in North America. The company is known for offering products that balance affordability, durability and ease of use, making them popular among beginner campers as well as experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Vintage Coleman lanterns and stoves are also highly collectible and remain valued for their longevity and repairability.

With more than 120 years of history, Coleman has played a major role in the evolution of recreational camping. From pioneering portable petrol lanterns to producing a comprehensive range of modern outdoor equipment, the brand has become synonymous with camping and outdoor adventure for generations of consumers.9

1. Our Story: Where We Started & Where We Are Today | Coleman
2. Coleman (brand)
3. COLEMAN, WILLIAM (1870-1957) | Encyclopedia of the Great Plains
4. Coleman: Outdoor Camping Gear & Equipment
5. About Coleman | Coleman
6. ブランドサイトTOP | コールマン｜Coleman
7. 콜맨코리아
8. A Brief and Shining History of the Coleman Brand – The Manual
9. コールマン125年の歩み | コールマン｜Coleman