Outdoor Research

Necessity is the mother of invention

After Ron Gregg, physicist and passionate mountaineer, got into an emergency situation on a tour in 1980, he was looking for a good alternative to the previous gaiters. When snow got under the gaiters, which at that time were only makeshift, his climbing partner suffered severe frostbite and had to be rescued by helicopter. For Gregg this lack of adequate equipment was a reason to rethink. He gave up his work to look for solutions to these problems.

After a year of development he presented his result "The X-Gaiter", functional and insulated gaiters. They were designed to be versatile for all types of shoes and to fit tightly so that they really protect them. This innovation was the start of the Outdoor Research brand, which was founded a year later in 1981 in Seattle.

From small inventions to a full-service provider

In the following years, the focus continued to be on the development of functional but above all practical solutions for adventures in nature. For example, the Water Bottle Parka® was produced. In this sheathing, drinks in the water bottle do not freeze. Outdoor Research also developed the first padded first aid kit for outdoor activities.

The company continued to grow, especially in the areas of gloves, headgear and gaiters. Again inspired by an adventure under adverse conditions, Ron Gregg developed completely new bivouac bags in the 90s. For the first time, the patented 2-pole system was used, which offered various deployment options and at the same time revolutionized lightweight production. Gregg's many groundbreaking inventions included waterproof dry sacks and softshell gloves.

The turn of the millennium brought another product expansion for Outdoor Research. New additions were clothing, initially only for men, but later also for women. With this step the company developed into an all-round brand. As one of the leading outdoor manufacturers, Outoor Research can now offer a complete range of clothing from head to toe.

When Ron Gregg was killed in an avalanche in the Canadian backcountry in March 2003, Outdoor Research was faced with a groundbreaking decision. Without the creative leader who was the driving force behind all the projects, his heirs could not continue the company and therefore sold it to Dan Nordstrom. In him, a successor was found who was also a passionate skier and racing cyclist and who maintained the traditions of the company.

Beauty in Function

Functionality and durability are the top priorities for Outdoor Research. With the experience of numerous outdoor athletes, the manufacturer develops practical products with a clean and sporty design. The customers also contribute to the optimization of the goods. With the "Lab Rat" project, Outdoor Research offers them the opportunity to give feedback on the products.

Sustainability and environmental protection also play an important role for the Seattle-based company. That is why only organic cotton and down certified with the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) is used. In addition, Outdoor Research works with numerous non-profit organizations and educational programs that are committed to the preservation of nature. With the "We Can Grant" initiative, the manufacturer supports a different outdoor project each year with $10,000.

(Photos: Outdoor Research)