OR S15 women’s collection shows commitment to gender-specific sportswear, trail apparel

Women’s offerings for Spring 2015 include sportswear, HighEx products for rock, trail, watersports, adventure travel.

SEATTLE, Wash. – Commitment is a word that’s incredibly applicable to the sports for which Outdoor Research builds apparel, and the women who live those sports pursue them with a commitment that demands gear purpose-built for their needs. That’s why Outdoor Research is committed to a full women’s line with gender-specific fit, form and performance at the forefront of design.

In its Spring 2015 collection, OR delivers a range of new women’s sportswear and HighEx apparel created for specific needs – from cragging and bouldering to trail running, and watersports to adventure travel – but that also include built-in versatility. As OR Product and Marketing Specialist Jeannie Wall says, “Talk to groups of women anywhere and you’ll get different answers to specific questions, but the overarching response is the same: ‘We want it all.’ ”

Women’s Umbra Hoody– Epitomizing what ‘technical sportswear’ means at Outdoor Research, the women’s Umbra Hoody offers a unique yet casual look in a beautiful silhouette without outwardly advertising that its drirelease Tencel fabric dries four times faster than cotton, provides odor control, and tackles any situation, from hiking, to cragging, to camping, to town. The Umbra’s design uses a subtle horizontal stripe pattern with reversed-out accents in the center of the sleeves and on trims, along with a higher-cut V neckline. Detailing includes flat-seam construction and a concealed pocket in the waistband hem. $85.

Women’s Coralie Shirt– An on-trend women’s tunic-style shirt, the Coralie is ideal for travel and road trips, and won’t object when it’s time to hit the trail. Cut slightly longer than traditional woven shirts, this pullover style with a top button closure is made with a 55 percent hemp/45 percent organic cotton fabric that’s light, breathable and wicks moisture. It has roll-up, tab-secured sleeves and feminine touches like coconut shell buttons and shoulder ruching. $75.

Women’s Playa Shirt– Offering serious sun protection for the beach, paddling or any situation where blocking the rays is crucial, the women’s Playa Shirt also minds the style side of the equation with attention to fit, super-soft fabric and vibrant color options. The polyester/spandex fabric offers 50 UPF, while its close but comfortable fit with flat-seam construction prevents snagging on a PFD or spray skirt while allowing for unrestricted movement. Elasticized ruching on the sleeves adds a touch of style, but also means they will stay up when pulled up to the elbow. A sleeve pocket offers an accessible place to stash small items. $65.

Women’s Essentia Tights– A great-fitting pair of tights is a workout staple in any woman’s wardrobe, and the Essentia Tights step up the game in the category with attention not just to a clean, flattering fit, but a great heathered nylon/polyester/spandex stretch fabric with contrasting flat-seam construction. They are cut below the knee but above the ankle for versatility in how they’re worn. Finer points include a hidden center-back pocket in the waist band, reflective logos and trims and a low- profile waist with an internal drawcord. $75.

Women’s 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 outer 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. $49.

Women’s Zendo Pants– The question isn’t what can you do in the Zendo Pants, but what can’t you? An extremely light, woven, semi-fitted pant that offers complete freedom of movement and a DWR finish, they’re game for climbing, bouldering, hiking, yoga and everything in between. The quick-drying 94 percent nylon/6 percent spandex ripstop fabric has incredible stretch, and the ankle cuffs cinch to allow them to be worn as capris. A low-profile knit waistband looks great and fits cleanly under a Harness. Front slash pockets and UPF 50+ sun protection cap the details. $85.

Women’s Peregrine Skort– Purpose-built for runners, the women’s Peregrine Skirt looks great on the singletrack and minds all the technical features serious running demands. It’s built with comfortable, supportive stretch inner short and a breathable stretch outer. A small zippered pocket at the waistband’s center back securely holds keys and ID cards, and a stealth stash pocket provides room for gels and energy blocks. Reflective logos aid the transition from road to trail. $60.

Women’s Flyway Skirt – Summertime temperatures require light, airy fabrics and just the right combination of performance and design for easy transitions from trail to tailgate or dinner. Adding to the women’s Flyway Collection, the new Flyway Skirt pulls of this delicate balancing act by using a unique space-dyed drirelease cotton fabric that blends a multi-tonal look for visual appeal with the performance of synthetic and the feel of cotton. The result is a great-looking skirt that hides the fact it wicks, dries quickly and breathes incredible well. A wide waistband with side ruching adds to visual appeal. $60

About Outdoor Research Outdoor 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.