Outdoor Research Halogen Hoody earns Outside Magazine Gear of the Year Award

Sept. 23, 2013 - PRLog -- SEATTLE, Wash. (September 23, 2013) – Core backcountry function with built-in versatility defined the Outdoor Research (http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en)Halogen Hoody (http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/or-gear/mens-halogen-hoody.html) for editors at Outside Magazine, who this week bestowed the publication’s 2013 Gear of the Year Award to the Halogen in the category of winter jackets.

The award for the Halogen (http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/or-gear/mens-halogen-hoody.html), a hybrid layer that combines Primaloft insulation with stretchy, breathable Schoeller panels in key areas, is the second Gear of the Year from Outside that Outdoor Research has earned for its technical apparel in the last two years. In Spring 2012, OR’s Axiom Jacket (http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/or-gear/mens-axiom-jacket.html), a hard shell that employs GORE-TEX Active Shell technology, also won the award.

“The Halogen can’t do it all, but it does so much so well that it rates as one of the most versatile winter jackets we’ve ever tested,” the magazine’s editors wrote in naming the Halogen an award winner in its Winter 2013/14 Buyer’s Guide.

Superb fit, which balances a performance-oriented cut with comfort, and innovative hybrid construction were design attributes that made the jacket stand out in the magazine’s annual test of the best new winter jackets.

“It's a really smart combination of fabrics and insulation, which allows it to layer well and pack down small, making it a great insulating layer for backcountry missions, but also a great outer layer for all sorts of winter pursuits,” said Outside Executive Editor Sam Moulton, who oversees the seasonal buyer’s guide.

Outside’s editors specifically pointed out the pairing of 60-gram Primaloft insulation in the front, back and upper arms with breathable stretch Schoeller softshell side panels, a combination that “strikes the perfect balance.”

“It’s packable enough (it stuffs into its own pocket) to be your go-to backcountry mid-layer, but it’s equally adept at cold-weather bike commuting,” Outside’s editors wrote. “Testers loved the helmet compatible hood – a stretch panel on the front frames your face with cozy softshell fabric, while the body of the hood is stuffed with insulation to make you toastier still.”

In concert with years of internal reinvestment at the privately owned company, Outdoor Research has honed its collection of technical apparel and sportswear in recent seasons, with a focus on developing best-in-class products using best available technologies. The Halogen and Axiom showcase the results of this investment.

“Our R+D team has been super focused on how we can most effectively combine best-available fabric technologies for maximum function in hybrid constructions. In the case of the Halogen, the pairing is a subtle balance of breathability, water repellence, weight, compressibility and minimalist design – really working to hit the sweet spot to make the jacket excel in a wide range of situations,” said Dan Nordstrom, CEO of Outdoor Research. “So it’s gratifying to see that what we were trying to accomplish in a piece like the Halogen really resonated with Outside, where the panel of testers sees the best offerings from such a wide range of manufacturers each season. We’re very honored.”

The Halogen Hoody (http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/or-gear/mens-halogen-ho...) retails for $199 and arrived at retail this month.

About Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research (http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/)® is Designed by Adventure®. We provide Innovation and Inspiration for the Relentless Adventurer. Based in Seattle – with in-house manufacturing and prototyping capabilities at our company headquarters – Outdoor Research was founded in 1981 after a failed piece of gear on an Alaskan climbing expedition inspired ideas for a better design. Ever since that first product, the X-Gaiter, put Outdoor Research on the map, we have been 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. Design abides by the maxim ‘make it better, not just new or different,’ and our gear is backed by our Infinite Guarantee®. We listen, value and empower each other and our fellow adventurers – we invite input from our customers, athlete ambassadors and the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations Test Team. We’re independent, letting us 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. We’re growing, as a company and as individuals. And we’re having fun along the way.