Outdoor Research® is a company not often heard of because of their low-key operations located in Seattle, Washington. They are a company that is well known within-in the Special Operations Community though. Often referred to as OR, they provide advanced, state of the art garments for extreme conditions. Their focus is on outdoor adventures, pertaining to every environment imaginable on the globe.

However, it has been said through our grapevine that OR will be expanding their reach. The rumor is that they plan to open a large facility in Los Angeles, California. The new location will provide an established team of OR tailors, providing the industries leading apparel for outdoor adventures.  This will offer larger production fills and deliver their quality products to the consumers much quicker.

While serving in the United States Army, I was fortunate to been issued OR gear. One of the items was a simple ‘snookie’ or ‘beenie’ (warm cap for your head). It was a sleek, silky cloth that was thin enough to fit under our protective helmets. It was fascinating the warmth this little piece of fabric provided.

However, the issued gear that deserves to be mentioned is the OR gaiters. If you’re not sure of what gaiters are, they are a wrapping of sturdy fabric around one’s ankles. They cover from the soul of your boot, up to your calves or higher. Gaiters are meant to keep the tops of your boots clear and free of foreign matter. They can be used while walking through thickets and briars. My appreciation for them were trekking in the thick snow  in the Kantiwa Valley located in the Nuristan Province of Afghanistan. We were trampling through 3 foot of snow, at 10,000 ft over the mountain farming steps. The gaiters were a significant item in order to conduct various missions in these extreme conditions.

My experience with OR is on par with their vision, that “life is an adventure, and the best gear makes it fun”. Not only did Outdoor Research tailor their brand for diverse climates, but with an emphasis on weight as well. One of the latest products is a rain jacket weighing 6.4 ounces, the Helium II. Weight is everything when backpacking and hiking and OR ensures that on every item.

OR’s website is user friendly and offers various ways to shop. Choose by gender, gear, or activity. Outdoor Research was built and formed on the idea of enjoying the aspects of nature, you should too. Click here to view the website and prepare for your next adventure.

*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.