Outdoor Research ALTIHeat leads industry in heated gloves with 61% more power

Jan. 9, 2014 - PRLog -- SEATTLE, Wash. – For Fall 2014, Outdoor Research will unveil a heated glove technology called Altiheat that sets the new standard in the category. ALTIHeat offers 61 percent more power output than any other heated glove, combined with twice as much heated surface area, resulting in a heating system that works far more effectively than any other heated glove technology on the market.

ALTIHeat is further set apart from the competition by having its heating elements integrated into the interior fabric, which yields better flex and range of motion. That technology also means that both the fingers and the back of hand are heated, versus only the fingertips in other products on the market.

Along with a highly insulated glove and mitt, Outdoor Research is also offering a lighter-weight, more dexterous glove with ALTIHeat, the Stormtracker Heated Glove.

Outdoor Research conducted extensive testing on ALTIHeat technology, working with forensic engineers to test the overall safety and effectiveness of the heat technology. Gloves underwent water-submersion tests, cold-chamber testing and testing of the efficiency of heat output. As well, ALTIHeat was tested extensively by guides on Mount Rainier.

Customizable settings offer three different heat levels, with battery life of 8 hours on low, 5 hours on medium, and 2.5 hours on high. While power is much greater, the battery life is similar to currently available heated glove technologies. Operation is via a simple push-button switch on the gauntlet. Holding the switch down for several seconds turns it on, which prevents accidentally turning it on, and different colors on the display denote low, medium and high heat.

Rechargeable batteries are located in the underside of the gauntlet of the glove, so they are barely noticeable when wearing them. Extra batteries are available for purchase for backup on longer trips. A carrying case and a three-piece universal adapter kit that allows for worldwide use are included.

“When I took (these gloves) out of the package and actually tried them out I was literally blown away,” said Paul Moore, a forensic electrical engineer who tested the gloves. “When you look at the pure scientific numbers, the engineering analysis on paper, it’s easy to see why they’re so good. But these things really work. I think Outdoor Research did a great job on these gloves.”

There are three models with ALTIHeat in the Outdoor Research line.

The Lucent Heated Gloves and Lucent Heated Mitts pair waterproof Gore-Tex construction with synthetic Enduraloft insulation (333 gram on back of hand, 200 gram on the palm) and abrasion-resistant goat leather on the palms. Along with ALTIHeat technology, other features include a fleece palm lining, molded EVA foam knuckles for exterior protection, an elasticized wrist, pull loops and glove clips. The gloves and mitts will both retail for $350.

The Stormtracker Heated Gloves are unique in offering a lighter, more dexterous outdoor glove with heating technology. They meld Gore Windstopper and synthetic insulation on the back of hand for weather resistance and warmth with softshell fabric construction and abrasion-resistant goat leather palms. Inside, a polyester tricot lining wicks sweat while keeping the Stormtracker incredibly tactile. A TPU-injected mold on the back of hand adds a layer of protection. The original Stormtracker is an athlete favorite, as these gloves tackle alpine climbing, ski touring or ice climbing with equal function. The Stormtracker Heated Gloves will retail for $235.

About Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research® 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 to, 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 and snowboarding. We’re growing, as a company and as individuals. And we’re having fun along the way.