Backpacker gives Outdoor Research accolades in five categories
Backpacker awards Outdoor Research with Best All Around Hardshell, Ultralight Warmth in insulation, All-Purpose Softshell, Warmest Headwear and top 3-in-1 Glove.
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SEATTLE, Wash. (Nov. 1, 2012) – In its fall 2012 buyer’s guide, Backpacker Magazine bestowed accolades on outdoor apparel and accessory brand Outdoor Research in five different categories – Best All Around Hardshell, Ultralight Warmth in insulation, All-Purpose Softshell, Warmest Headwear and top 3-in-1 Glove.
“For us, Fall 2012 marked a big line expansion, 65 percent growth in apparel and 35 percent in gloves, with a major focus on innovation and on technical products for a much broader range of climates and situations, like dry, cold conditions and light-and-fast pushes,” said Jordan Wand, VP of Product and Marketing. “So for our team to earn accolades from a publication like Backpacker in five distinct categories makes us especially psyched with the effort we put into this season’s line. It’s inspiration for us to keep doing more of the same.”
In jacket tests, the Mentor Jacket, a newly redesigned version of a staple Outdoor Research shell that uses Gore-Tex Pro Shell fabric, earned Best All-Around Hardshell, receiving “top marks” for breathability. The new Incandescent Jacket earned accolades for Ultralight Warmth. “Our Rocky Mountain Editor has three decades of gear testing under his belt, so when he gives a near-perfect score to puffy, we know we have a winner,” Backpacker wrote. And, the new Salvo Jacket, which uses Gore Windstopper X-fast, earned top All-Purpose Softshell with its ability to “balance between weather resistance and breathability.”
In other categories, the new Luminary gloves, designed as a modular system for alpine use in cold conditions, were named top 3-in-1 Gloves. “The superior wicking and ability to up- or downsize warmth worked like a charm,” Backpacker write. adding “Gravy: Nice price.”
And, the Aria and Transcendent Beanies earned the title of Warmest Headwear. One tester called it “a parka for your (head),” noting both hats are ideal for staying warm at rest stops.
Backpacker testers put in more than 6,800 combined days last year testing gear.
These accolades follow the Outdoor Research Axiom Jacket winning an Outside Magazine Gear of the Year Award earlier in 2012.
About Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research® is Designed by Adventure®. We provide Innovation and Inspiration for the Relentless Adventurer. Based in Seattle – with in-house manufacturing and prototyping capabilities at our company headquarters – Outdoor Research was founded in 1981 after a failed piece of gear on an Alaskan climbing expedition inspired ideas for a better design. Ever since that first product, the X-Gaiter, put Outdoor Research on the map, we have been dedicated to building better outdoor apparel, gloves, hats and an array of other outdoor accessories informed by real-world testing. We develop innovative, functional, bomb-proof products that are beautiful in their simplicity. Design abides by the maxim ‘make it better, not just new or different,’ and our gear is backed by our Infinite Guarantee®. We listen, value and empower each other and our fellow adventurers – we invite input from our customers, athlete ambassadors and the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations Test Team. We’re independent, letting us strive to provide the best value to our customers, not shareholders. We are committed to our core sports: alpinism, rock and ice climbing, hiking, backpacking, paddling, trail running, and backcountry and sidecountry skiing. We’re growing, as a company and as individuals. And we’re having fun along the way.
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