Outdoor Research leads Active Insulation category with new hybrid-mapped Deviator Hoody

Spring 2015 collection from OR speaks to evolution, innovation level of brand’s technical apparel offerings.

SEATTLE, Wash. – In recent years, Outdoor Research has led the way forward in technical outdoor apparel, driven by its core brand value: “Innovation that Works.” For Spring 2015, OR continues its focus on functional innovation – making products better, not simply new and different – with groundbreaking offerings in the rapidly evolving category of Active Insulation, in Technical Outerwear, and in apparel for higher-endurance sports.

This season, Outdoor Research leads the way with products like the Deviator Hoody, a superlight, hybrid insulation piece that’s at the forefront of how insulation technology is evolving so that it can be worn through a wide range of activities, without forcing the athlete to add, remove or adjust layers. And that’s only one example. The Allout Jacket and Pants, built for fast-and-light activities when the weather is less than perfect, defy categorization as softshell or hardshell. The Prusik Pants are Outdoor Research’s most versatile mountaineering pant yet. The Axiom Jacket, which in its original incarnation won two Gear of the Year awards from Outside Magazine and Men’s Journal, gets a redesign for next season. And the Octane tee epitomizes performance for high-exertion pursuits.

Deviator Hoody– The Deviator Hoody pulls off a complex balancing act to yield the ultimate versatile layer. Polartec Alpha insulation is hybrid-mapped into the front and side panels for warmth, melding light, packable insulation with superb breathability, outstanding wicking, quick dry times and feather-light weight. The resulting 10.8-ounce hoody can be worn through an array of high-exertion activities without needing to stop and adjust layers. In the insulation panels, Polartec Alpha continuous-filament insulation is paired with a highly wicking polyester stretch mesh internal liner on the inside and an extremely light 7-denier face fabric. This combination offers light insulation in a package that allows moisture and heat to easily escape during high intensity efforts while retaining warmth at other times, all in an extremely light, highly compressible and wind resistant package. On the back, sleeves and hood, Outdoor Research uses Polartec Power Dry High Efficiency fabric, a knit construction fabric with a grid-fleece interior that uses different yarns on either side. The interior surface is optimized to move moisture away from the skin, while the exterior is designed to dry quickly. Because of its unique construction, Power Dry High Efficiency is also exceptionally warm for its weight. Extensively tested by a group of five IFMGA-certified male and female mountain guides as well as with runners and cyclists, the Deviator Hoody lets you reimagine what’s possible while wearing an insulation piece. Men’s and women’s fits available. $185.

Allout Jacket and Pants– Hardshell protection in a soft shell package with super-breathable vents for the uphill, the Allout Jacket and Pants are what to reach for when you’re going all in. Made with a very stretchy 50D soft shell fabric that allows for superb freedom of movement, the Allout uses Outdoor Research’s fully seam-sealed Ventia waterproof construction inside to create waterproof soft shell armor. On the uphill, twin zip vents on the side body of the jacket and thigh of the pants to allow superb breathability. Envisioned for more high-exertion activities from alpine summits to fast packing or all-around trail use, the Allout collection employs a more trim, technical fit and minimal detailing that keeps things lightweight at 14.5 ounces for the jacket and 9.5 ounces for the pants. Men’s and women’s fits. $209, jacket; $169, pants.

Prusik Pants–The new Prusik Pants are Outdoor Research’s most technical double-weave soft shell alpine pants, striking just the right balance between weight, durability, and a good, but not too complicated, feature set. The Prusiks start with a superb 160D nylon, Cordura, polyester and spandex blended stretch-woven fabric, which is super stretchy and ultra durable without being too heavy. Reinforced articulated knees withstand sharp granite, and zippered hand and thigh pockets—and a zippered back pocket—keep essentials within easy reach on all ascent. The cuffs incorporate grommets for an instep cord, as well as ankle drawcords. $165.

Axiom Jacket–Waterproof yet super-breathable, lightweight yet fully featured, the Axiom jacket stands out among Gore-Tex Active Shell jackets for the way it melds pinnacle materials with real-world function. Winner of “Gear of the Year” Awards from Outside Magazine and Men’s Journal, the Axiom is completely updated for Spring 2015. It retains the well-rounded features that make it such a versatile jacket for anything from alpine climbing to backpacking to ski touring, but adds details like a highly adjustable Halo Hood with a wire brim, a slightly longer cut on the back of the jacket, an interior cell phone pocket, and new zippers. What hasn’t changed: Category-leading breathability and great mobility thanks to stretch waterproof Active Shell fabric. The Axiom stands apart in its class by remaining extremely light yet incorporating a more full feature set than most competitors. $375

Octane Tee–Built to move sweat during high-intensity summer activities, the lightweight, highly vented Octane Tee employs a plaited knit fabric for how-weather performance. The material on the inside of the fabric is optimized for moving moisture away from the skin, while the face fabric helps sweat quickly evaporate. Polyester mesh vents in areas where body temperature gets highest — under the arms and at the center back — allow excess heat to escape. Details include flat-seam construction, understated reflective logos and trims, and men’s and women’s fits. $49.

About Outdoor ResearchOutdoor Research® is Designed by Adventure®. We provide Innovation and Inspiration for the Relentless Adventurer. Based in Seattle, Outdoor Research was founded in 1981. We are 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. We 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. And we’re having fun along the way.