Outdoor Research Fall 2014 line offers several groundbreaking technology innovations

SEATTLE, Wash. – At Outdoor Research, groundbreaking innovation means consistently offering new technologies that stand above the fray by performing at a higher level. Abiding by the brand maxim of making gear that’s better, not simply new or different, Outdoor Research in its Fall 2014 product line rolls out four technical innovation stories across their apparel and accessories offerings that raise the bar on performance and offer more effective solutions to athletes’ problems.

The Fall 2014 collection continues to reflect OR’s commitment to core categories like skiing and climbing, as well as to Mountain Life products that balance technical function with everyday utility. With a lineup that includes 120 new or fully redesigned products, the driving focus truly is on innovation that makes outdoor gear work better. Just a few examples include:

• ALTIHeat Gloves: Outdoor Research’s ALTIHeat glove technology yields 61 percent more power output than the competitor’s heated gloves, and provides twice as much heated surface area compared to heated gloves currently on the market. ALTIHeat technology is further set apart from the competition by utilizing heating elements that are integrated into the interior fabric, which, along with the larger heated surface area, means better tactility and comfort. Three unique gloves and mitts in the collection offer a perfect solution for every athlete.

• Superlayer Jacket: Utilizing a unique package of Primaloft Silver continuous-filament insulation paired with fabrics that allow superb air permeability and moisture wicking, the Outdoor Research Superlayer Jacket re-thinks how an insulating layer can perform. Thanks to this pairing of materials, the Superlayer is a jacket that winter athletes can truly wear through high-endurance activities in cold conditions, without having to adjust layers constantly. The combination keeps you warm during downtime, but dumps excess heat and moisture when you dial up the intensity. In this case, the whole truly is greater than the sum of its parts.

• Trickshot Jacket and Pant: Engineered specifically to meet the demands of the modern freeride skier, Outdoor Research will unveil a new men’s and women’s ski collection featuring the first ever softshell version of Pertex Shield+, developed exclusively in partnership with Pertex. The unique fabric featured in the Trickshot Jacket and Pant, for both men and women, melds a soft, quiet nylon/spandex stretch softshell face, a Pertex Shield+ waterproof/breathable laminate, and a grid-fleece backer. The resulting fabric more effectively balances the competing demands of waterproof protection, warmth, stretch, breathability and moisture transfer.

• drirelease Merino Baselayers: Outdoor Research unveils an 11-piece layering program using drirelease Merino in three different weights. A fabric technology that intimately blends 88 percent polyester and 12 percent Merino wool, drirelease Merino fabrics are blended at the fiber level, resulting in performance far superior to 100 percent wool, 100 percent synthetic, or typical blends that combine yarns with varying content. The resulting garments dry four times faster and have higher thermal insulation value than 100 percent wool. In addition, FreshGuard odor-neutralizing technology prevents the stink found in typically synthetic baselayers. Truly a great step forward in baselayer performance for the mountain athlete.

“Each of these innovations shows the depth to which our R+D team is going to take our products to a successively higher level,” said Dan Nordstrom, Outdoor Research CEO. “From extensive testing in the field, we know these technologies do indeed work better, and we’re excited to head to Outdoor Retailer and show people in person why.”

Alongside new product initiatives, a major focus internally at Outdoor Research continues to be integrating best-available ingredient-brand technologies from category leaders such as Gore-Tex, Primaloft, Pertex, drirelease, Polartec, Schoeller, Cordura, Polygiene, Pittards and TouchTec leather.

To see the Fall 2014 collection, visit Outdoor Research at booth 26027 at the upcoming Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City, Jan. 22-25.

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 to, 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 skiing and snowboarding. We’re growing, as a company and as individuals. And we’re having fun along the way.