Outdoor Research Apparel

With a name like Outdoor Research, it may come as no surprise that the company's founder was a scientist himself--nuclear physicist Ron Gregg, to be exact. But Gregg didn't confine himself to a laboratory 24/7. Instead, he ventured out into the great outdoors every chance that he got. 

It was during one of these adventures that Gregg got the idea for Outdoor Research. He and a buddy had done their homework for months, planning a new route up the side of Denali. But their trip ended prematurely, just halfway to the summit, due to failure of a pair of gaiters. As Gregg watched his frost-bitten partner get airlifted to safety, he opted to make the two-week-long descent solo, giving himself time to consider what had gone awry--and more importantly, how to fix it. 

What he discovered would be the spark that ignited the founding of Outdoor Research. Goodbye nuclear physics. It was during that descent down Denali that Gregg decided not only would he fix the current problem, but he would leave his job and devote his life to pursuing his true passion for the great outdoors. Once back home in Seattle, Gregg put his ideas into motion, researching a solution to the situation that had cut their adventure short.

The result was an innovative, insulated gaiter, the X-Gaiter. Unlike similar products on the market, the X-Gaiter was versatile enough to fit a variety of boots and it fit snug enough to avoid the problems his buddy had faced on that mountainside. Just a year later, Outdoor Research was born. It is no surprise that Gregg chose a name that reflected his research-based approach to outdoor adventure apparel. Gregg believed that utilizing a research method, many of the greatest challenges for outdoor enthusiasts could be solved. After all, it wasn't rocket science.

In addition to producing a line of research-based outdoor apparel, the company operates Outdoor Research Community Partners, a program to ensure current and future generations have access to safe, equitable outdoor spaces. Partnering with community-based organizations, the program helps Outdoor Research reach a whole new customer base in exchange for it providing events, funding, volunteers and research that help the community members they serve. 

The company's dedication to being socially conscious, while also protecting the environment, is at the forefront of their entire operation. Because it takes a lot of labor, materials and logistics to produce its products and get them in the hands of the end users, the company is dedicated to reducing its impact on the planet while ensuring its processes are safe and efficient to conserve resources. 

That commitment extends to the company's reliance on only the most highly regarded certifications and organizations to ensure they stay on track and their high standards are upheld throughout their entire operation. 

Check out what research-driven apparel could mean for your next outdoor adventure by visiting our broad line of men's and women's Outdoor Research apparel. Gaiters are just the beginning. You'll find apparel to help you overcome whatever climatic conditions you find yourself up against.