Outdoor Research Fall 14 alpine line delves into Active Insulation with Superlayer Jacket

SEATTLE, Wash. – From the new Superlayer Jacket, an Active Insulation piece that melds category leading breathable versatility into synthetic insulation, to hybrid-mapped constructions like the Lodestar Jacket and Halogen Vest, the Outdoor Research commitment to pushing the boundaries of technical innovation is front and center in its Fall 2014 alpine product line.

Beyond the most advanced constructions, the Fall 2014 line also demonstrates OR’s commitment to styles designed from the ground up for women. Examples include the women’s Revelation Jacket and Pants, a women-specific waterproof alpine collection, and insulation and Hybrid Mapped layers like the women’s Sonata Hoody and Cathode Vest.

Superlayer Jacket – The name says it all. Representing the next generation in layering technology, the Superlayer Jacket is built for Active Insulation. It melds the warmth of a synthetic puffy with excellent air permeability and moisture transport to create a mid-layer with the ability to self regulate temperature. The Superlayer can truly be worn through a range of cold-weather aerobic activities, without needing to adjust layers on the fly. Construction starts with Primaloft Silver Insulation Hi-Loft, a continuous-filament insulation that allows the insulation to stay effectively in place without requiring more extensive construction techniques to prevent the fibers from migrating. That opens the door to pairing fabrics that allow much more effective moisture transport and air permeability than the kinds of synthetic jacket construction that have been the norm to date. Inside the Superlayer, a woven mesh lining allows incredible vapor transfer. On the exterior, a single-weave stretch-woven softshell face lets moisture easily escape while providing light wind and weather protection. This combination keeps you warm during downtime, but dumps moisture and excess heat when you dial up the intensity. $225

Women’s Revelation Jacket and Pant – Built from the ground up with a women-specific feature set for all-around alpine use, the new Revelation Jacket and Pants meld the weather waterproof protection of GORE-TEX with a softer-feeling and lightweight face fabric. Because the material has movement-mirroring stretch, both the jacket and pants have superb mobility. Details on the jacket include a helmet-compatible, highly adjustable Halo Hood, pit zips and harness-friendly hand and chest pockets. On the pants, there is a 3/4-length side zip for easy on and off, pockets designed to be accessible while wearing a harness, and a draw cord that doubles as an instep lace. Jacket, $425; Pants, $375.

Lodestar Jacket – An award winner in 2012, the newly redesigned Lodestar Jacket melds the warmth of a puffy with the moisture-wicking properties of fleece and the protection of a soft shell. The result is a piece that works like a down- or synthetic-insulated jacket in terms of warmth, dries quickly like fleece, is surprisingly lightweight, and provides exceptional mobility. While still an incredibly warm, versatile jacket for ice and alpine climbing in super-cold climates, the updates make the Lodestar even more functional and breathable when the aerobic machine is cranking at top notch. In core areas, the jacket employs innovative Polartec Power Shield High Loft, an exceptionally weatherproof and breathable nylon softshell with a high-loft fleece on the inside, which yields exceptional warmth without excessive bulk. Lightweight, waterproof Polartec Power Shield Pro is hybrid-mapped into more vulnerable areas for the jacket for strategically placed weather protection. Other features include a helmet compatible hood with a moldable brim, pit zips, and three zippered pockets. $475.

Women’s Sonata Hoody – Ultra-lightweight and incredibly packable, the Sonata Hoody is the more technical sister to the best-selling Outdoor Research Aria Hoody. It employs 650-fill down insulation encapsulated inside a light, strong 22-denier Pertex Quantum Shell. The lightweight face fabric allows for better loft and provides an optimal strength-to-weight ratio. Other features include a built-in stuff sack in left hand pocket, elastic cuffs, a drawcord hem, and three pockets. $225.

Women’s Cathode Vest – Melding the warmth of synthetic insulation with superb mobility thanks to stretch Schoeller panels, the women’s Cathode Vest is a core insulation piece that takes inspiration from the award-winning Cathode Hoody. It sandwiches PrimaLoft Gold Insulation between a lightweight, water-and- wind resistant Pertex Quantum shell. On the sides, Schoeller soft shell panels provide stretch and mobility with minimal bulk. The Cathode Vest is a light, breathable, and weather resistant layering piece ideal for a wide range of winter activities when you need just the right amount of core warmth. $150.

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.

By Dave Simpson, Verde Brand Communications - September 4, 2014