Outdoor Research, whose products bear the ubiquitous "OR" label, is regarded as a world-class technical outfitter known for high-quality mountaineering accessories.
Outdoor Research's history goes back to 1981 when founder Ron Gregg was working on his doctorate in applied physics. A passionate mountain climber, he took a near-calamitous trip to the summit of Mt. McKinley with bad gaiters, suffered from cold, wet feet, and thereafter developed a snow-proof gaiter in his basement. Other products followed and
Outdoor Research was born. Gregg foun
... Learn more about Outdoor Researchd his niche in the "little things people don't give a second thought to, but wish they had." Outdoor Research designed first-aid kits, waterproof overmitts, casings to keep water bottles from freezing, and crampon pouches. Outdoor Research's famous Seattle Sombrero—a Gore-Tex® hat that looks more like a fedora than a sombrero — is still seen on the streets of Seattle (and slopes of nearby mountains) today. It's another example of "utilitarian chic" — the no-frills philosophy that has made Outdoor Research an innovative leader. ... Less
