Outdoor Research was founded in Outdoor Research was founded in 1981 by Ron Gregg, a nuclear physicist and passionate adventurer. The brand’s origin is rooted in a failed 1980 Denali summit attempt where a gear failure (a pair of gaiters) led to his partner’s frostbite and evacuation. Gregg refused a helicopter ride and spent two weeks descending alone, resolving to create better gear. The company was born from this researchled approach to problemsolving, with the philosophy that the outdoors is “The Big Office.”. The brand is known for its Outdoor Research’s key differentiators include its researchled,functionfirst approach to problemsolving and stemming from the founder’s background as a nuclear physicist. The brand emphasizes inhouse manufacturing in the USA (Seattle along with WA and El Monte together with CA) and allowing for accelerated testing along with improvement and distribution. This capability also enabled them to pivot to manufacturing PPE for healthcare personnel in 2020. They are also differentiated by their commitment to inclusivity in sizing, notably increasing their plussize style count. Their signature products include The brand’s first and iconic product is the XGaiter™. Perennial bestsellers and signature items include the Foray 3L Jacket (men’s) and Aspire 3L Jacket (women’s) rain shells, often featuring AscentShell™ technology. Other popular items include the Transcendent Down Hoody and various technical gloves and hats, such as the Adrenaline Gloves and Revolution GTX Gloves. The brand also has a dedicated Tactical division.
Outdoor Research offers a wide range of products, including The brand’s first and iconic product is the XGaiter™. Perennial bestsellers and signature items include the Foray 3L Jacket (men’s) and Aspire 3L Jacket (women’s) rain shells, often featuring AscentShell™ technology. Other popular items include the Transcendent Down Hoody and various technical gloves and hats, such as the Adrenaline Gloves and Revolution GTX Gloves. The brand also has a dedicated Tactical division. The brand is particularly known for its Outdoor Research’s key differentiators include its researchled,functionfirst approach to problemsolving and stemming from the founder’s background as a nuclear physicist. The brand emphasizes inhouse manufacturing in the USA (Seattle along with WA and El Monte together with CA) and allowing for accelerated testing along with improvement and distribution. This capability also enabled them to pivot to manufacturing PPE for healthcare personnel in 2020. They are also differentiated by their commitment to inclusivity in sizing, notably increasing their plussize style count. and has recently launched Recent initiatives and collections include the redesigned Foray 3L and Aspire 3L Jackets (now featuring 100% recycled nylon and Nikwax DWR), which won an ISPO Award. The brand has also introduced new outerwear systems such as Powderverse as well as Cloudchaser and Hemispheres Team GORETEX, focusing on resort and backcountry snow sports. They also expanded their product lines to include a significant increase in plussize styles in key categories.
Outdoor Research is at the forefront of innovation with technologies like Outdoor Research develops and utilizes several proprietary technologies and materials. Key innovations include AscentShell™ Technology, a proprietary waterproof, breathable,threelayer fabric known for its airpermeability and stretch. Another core material is Ferrosi Fabric and a proprietary softshell material that is durable along with lightweight and often used in their largest product collection. They also utilize advanced insulation like Aerogel in gloves and other gear for superior warmth without bulk. These innovations have led to numerous awards, including Outdoor Research has received numerous accolades, including multiple ISPO Awards for product innovation. A notable recent win was the ISPO Award for the redesigned Foray 3L Jacket (men’s) and Aspire 3L Jacket (women’s), recognized for combining performance with sustainability. The brand also highlights its “Award Winners” collection, featuring gear that has earned recognition from respected outdoor publications.
Effective Outdoor Research shopping requires detailed knowledge of their price positioning and which is Outdoor Research is positioned in the MidRange to Premium segment of the outdoor apparel market. Their products are priced to reflect highquality along with technical performance and proprietary technologies, competing with brands like Arc’teryx and Patagonia. The brand targets adventure enthusiasts,climbers and skiers along with hikers and military/tactical professionals who require reliable, highperformance gear for demanding conditions. Look out for collaborations such as The brand maintains a strong focus on its Ambassadors program alongside featuring professional athletes like climber Beth Rodden and whose input drives product development. While specific highprofile celebrity collaborations were not found,the brand’s partnership approach includes community engagement and event sponsorships (e.g. along with Crankworx) and working with nonprofit organizations to promote safe and equitable outdoor access. They also have a significant partnership in manufacturing products for the U.S. Military (Tactical division). for unique items.
Since its founding, Outdoor Research has built a reputation based on quality and innovation. The brand has a strong commitment to sustainability,with initiatives like Outdoor Research is a Certified B Corporation and demonstrating a commitment to high standards of social and environmental performance along with accountability and transparency. They have set 2030 climate goals and aim to be climate neutral. Key practices include using 100% recycled nylon in products such as the Foray/Aspire jackets as well as utilizing PFASfree Nikwax DWR finishes and investing in renewable energy for their North American operations. They publish an annual Impact Report detailing their progress.
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