Outdoor Research, the Seattle-based manufacturer of leading outdoor apparel and gear, this month unveiled its new collection for Spring 2024, showcasing a line created with sustainability, technology and inclusivity as its driving forces. Among its many initiatives, OR takes square aim at transitioning its products away from intentionally added per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a goal that will be virtually complete by the Spring 2024 product line and one that leads the way in the outdoor industry’s move away from fluorinated materials.
The brand’s focus for 2024 was driven by three pillars:
- Sustainability — Along with using more recycled and sustainably sourced materials in its products and leading the way in phasing out the use of PFAS, Outdoor Research publicly outlined its climate-action goals earlier this year based on Science Based Target Initiative guidance.
- Technology — From pioneering new techniques like Duraprint, a 3D printed resin structure that adds durability without adding weight or impeding flexibility in apparel, to sourcing new kinds of fabrics that advance categories, as with the new Shadow Hoodie, the Spring 2024 continues to show how OR leads through innovation.
- Inclusivity — Over recent years, Outdoor Research has built the outdoor industry’s most comprehensive technical apparel program in inclusive sizes. It continues to offer more styles in sizing ranging from XS to 4X Plus for Spring 2024.
For Spring 2024, Outdoor Research transitions one its best-sellers, the Foray II and Aspire II rain jacket and pant styles, to a C0 DWR treatment that’s free of fluorinated materials and face fabric made from recycled materials and bluesign®-approved GORE-TEX® Paclite® technology. In addition, OR introduces the new Stratoburst Jacket and Pants, which are completely free from intentionally added PFAS, and combine everything a user could want in weatherproof apparel — a soft face fabric with mechanical stretch, an extraordinarily lightweight and packable design, and a complete feature set, all at a competitive price point.
In softshells, Outdoor Research unveils another game-changer, the Shadow Wind Hoodie, a 5-ounce protective layer that makes ultralight wind shells more comfortable for active use. Rather than using a traditional wind shell fabric, the Shadow uses an extremely light, bluesign®-approved stretch-woven material designed to move with a body in motion while delivering supreme comfort for all active uses. OR also adds DuraPrint®, a 3D-printed resin overlay, to the elbows and shoulders of the venerable Ferrosi Hoodie softshell for added abrasion resistance in high-wear areas, increasing durability while slightly trimming weight.
Technical sportswear styles get upgrades as well. The Astroman collection, which has come to define the category of lightweight, airy, stretchy, and durable sun protection layers, gets new and updated styles with added ventilation thanks to tiny laser perforations under the arms and on the back panels, and improved materials with recycled content and upgraded durability. The new Vantage Crop Top and updated Leggings, a versatile women’s knit collection, pair power mesh bands for support with styling that performs across a wide range of outdoor activities. And the Essential Fleece Crew and Pullover Hoodie pair a super-soft fabric that’s brushed on the interior with exacting details to create comfortable tops that epitomize daily wear.
Outdoor Research also adds a wide range of other apparel in sizes from XS to 4X Plus in addition to a broadened accessory collection to its lineup for Spring 2024.
About Outdoor Research
Since 1981, Outdoor Research has created trusted apparel, accessories, and equipment for you to thrive outside. Our award-winning outdoor gear is meticulously researched and tested for outdoor enthusiasts and military users around the globe. Grounded in our values of curiosity, passion, innovation, collaboration and community, we strive to create space for all in the outdoors. We celebrate wins outside at every level together with our ambassadors, non-profit partners and employees. Join us at outdoorresearch.com.