Outdoor Research

Necessity is the mother of invention

After Ron Gregg, a physicist and passionate mountaineer, ran into an emergency on a tour in 1980, he started looking for a better alternative to the gaiters available at the time. When snow got in under his climbing partner's makeshift gaiters, his partner suffered severe frostbite and had to be rescued by helicopter. For Gregg, this lack of adequate gear was the trigger for a rethink. He gave up his job to search for solutions to the problem.

After a year of development, he presented his result: „The X-Gaiter“, a functional, insulated gaiter. It was built to fit a wide range of boots while still sitting tight enough to actually protect them. This innovation marked the start of the Outdoor Research brand, officially founded in Seattle in 1981.

From small inventions to a full outfitter

In the following years, the focus stayed on developing functional but above all practical solutions for outdoor adventures. One example was the Water Bottle Parka®, a sleeve that keeps drinks in a water bottle from freezing. Outdoor Research also developed the first padded first-aid kit designed for outdoor activities.

The company kept growing, especially in gloves, headwear and gaiters. Inspired once again by an adventure gone wrong, Ron Gregg developed entirely new bivy sacks in the 1990s. This was the first use of the patented 2-pole system, which offered several ways to pitch the sack while also revolutionising lightweight production. Among Gregg's many groundbreaking inventions were also waterproof dry sacks and softshell gloves.

The turn of the millennium brought another expansion for Outdoor Research. Apparel was added to the lineup, first for men only, later for women too. With this step, the company grew into a true full-range brand. As one of the leading outdoor manufacturers, Outdoor Research can now offer a complete head-to-toe outfit.

When Ron Gregg was killed in an avalanche in the Canadian backcountry in March 2003, Outdoor Research faced a defining decision. Without the creative leader who had been the driving force behind every project, his heirs were unable to keep running the company and sold it to Dan Nordstrom. In him, a successor was found who was equally passionate about skiing and road cycling and who kept the company's traditions alive.

„Beauty in Function“

Functionality and durability come first at Outdoor Research. Drawing on the experience of numerous outdoor athletes, the manufacturer develops practical products with a clean, sporty design. Customers help improve the products too: through the „Lab Rat“ project, Outdoor Research gives them the chance to share feedback on its products.

Sustainability and environmental protection also play an important role at the Seattle-based company. Since 2017, all down used in its products has been certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). Since January 2025, all new products have also been free of intentionally added PFAS. Outdoor Research is furthermore a member of the Conservation Alliance, a group of companies that pools its membership dues to fund grassroots organisations protecting threatened wilderness areas across North America.

(Photos: Outdoor Research)