Outdoor Research Information Page
Apr 10, 2017
THE OR STORY
At Outdoor Research, we built a company from a feeling: the urge to get out. It's what drives us. We love coming to work every day and inventing ever better solutions to what nature throws our way. But we're more than just the gear we build. We're part of a community of friends whose lives are connected by our common need to be outside. Our tribe is devoted to exploring our outdoor passions and challenging ourselves in the mountains, water and deserts of the planet we love so much.
In 1981, a brilliant scientist and adventurer named Ron Gregg watched his frostbitten partner get airlifted off a glacier on Denali. He'd spent months planning a new route in the purest style, skiing 100 miles from the road to the base of the climb. Barely halfway to the summit, their trip ended with the failure of a simple pair of gaiters. Stubborn to the end, Ron refused a seat on the helicopter and descended alone for two weeks, pondering what had happened. Somewhere along the way he realized he could both fix the gear problem and devote his life to pursuing his passion for adventure. By the end, he knew one thing for sure: He wasn't going back to his old job.
Ron Gregg built Outdoor Research on the idea that life is an adventure, and the best gear makes it more fun. Though he died tragically in an avalanche more than a decade ago, his legacy remains at our core. In our world, it's not about chasing heroes; It's about being on the journey. It's not how often we get out as much as how often we want to be out that makes us who we are. Our goal is to do all we can to expand the tribe of people who share our belief that progress is spiritual and life is unimaginable without the quest.
And we want you in it, because we're pretty sure that the bigger our tribe gets, the better off the world will be.
Outdoor Research. Designed By Adventure.
FERROSI COLLECTION
MODERNISING A CLASSIC.
After years as the award-winning, best-selling, and athlete-preferred soft shell collection of the outdoor industry, the Ferrosi Collection got a makeover. This spring we've put hours of customer clinics and focus groups into effect with a revolutionised redesign of the outdoor community's favourite fabric.
Keep an eye out for:
- Modern slim fit
- Reinforced durability in key wear areas
- Functional, climbing-specific features
- Versatile design details that transition easily from street to summit
SHELTER
EVOLUTIONARY REDESIGN
Introducing the spring 2019 evolutionary redesign of lighter, more streamlined, and technologically advanced shelter systems.
- Average of 29% less weight than previous bivies
- Smaller footprint that saves on pack space and weight
- All shelter weigh less and occupy less space than a single person tent
- Ideal for thru-hikers
WHICH BIVY IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
After years of user feedback, and decades of product testing and tinkering, Outdoor Research is proud to release a completely redesigned bivy program that harnesses the power of innovative technology and ultralight materials to create a bomber shelter in the most compact construction yet.
This entire line of bivies weigh significantly lighter than their predecessors, and feature a smaller footprint that saves on pack space and weight for convenience, comfort, and effectiveness. Our ultimate goal was to create shelters that weigh less than a single person tent, and the result is a streamlined collection of bivies ideal for thru-hikers, bikepackers, and fastpackers looking to shed ounces and maximize performance.
INTERSTELLAR BIVY
Four-season waterproof, durable, and versatile bivy choice for adventurers looking for a little something extra out of their shelter.
- Best for: Expedition and Extreme Conditions
- Newly designed side entry makes getting in and out of your shelter faster and easier, without any butt-to-ground contact.
- TPU laminated bivy floor has a bathtub construction that protects you from ground water and rain spray. The fabric’s 40D ripstop also prevents rips and tears.
- Removable single pole can add headspace or be left behind to save weight.
- Innovative zipper system uses 6 zipper sliders on mesh and shell to free arms and face, letting you wear your shelter like a jacket for the ability to cook, clean, read, and more – right from the comfort of bed.
- Sombrero-style crown provides larger headspace and gear storage
STARGAZER BIVY
The easiest bivy choice for alpinists, backpackers, and campers who prefer a room (or shelter) with a view.
- Best for: Fast and Light
- Seam-taped, breathable, and waterproof AscentShell™ technology ensures you’ll stay safe from the elements, without compromising breathability.
- Newly designed side entry makes getting in and out of your shelter faster and easier, without any butt-to-ground contact.
- TPU laminated bivy floor has a bathtub construction that protects you from ground water and rain spray. The fabric’s 40D ripstop also prevents rips and tears.
- Removable single pole can add headspace or be left behind to save weight.
- Two stake loops to secure shelter down in high wind.
- Enlarged head space and mesh screen to keep out bugs and allow for optimum stargazing.2019 ALPINE BIVY
GORE-TEX waterproof power for winter mountain missions.
- Best for: Expedition and Extreme Conditions
- Seam-taped waterproof GORE-TEX Respiration Positive eliminates interior condensation before it has a chance to build up.
- TPU laminated bivy floor has a bathtub construction that protects you from ground water and rain spray. The fabric’s 40D ripstop also prevents rips and tears.
- Traditional clamshell opening lets you breathe freely without letting in weather.
- Removable single pole can add headspace or be left behind to save weight.
- Two stake loops to secure shelter down in high wind.
- Updated pole positioning keeps bivy erect for ample headroom.
- Reduced mesh fabric ensures a more taut bug barrier that won't sag.
2019 HELIUM BIVY
Award-winning for its ultralight prowess, made even lighter.
- Best for: Fast and Light
- 14% lighter than last season’s Helium Bivy.
- Seam-taped waterproof Pertex® Shield+.
- Traditional clamshell opening lets you breathe freely without letting in weather.
- TPU laminated bivy floor has a bathtub construction that protects you from ground water and rain spray. The fabric’s 40D ripstop also prevents rips and tears.
- Removable single pole can add headspace or be left behind to save weight.
- Two stake loops to secure shelter down in high wind.
- Updated pole positioning keeps bivy erect for ample headroom.
- Reduced mesh fabric ensures a more taut bug barrier that won't sag.
HELIUM EMERGENCY BIVY
Under 10 oz. of adventure insurance that packs down to the size of a beer can.
- Best for: Emergency
- The lightest weight and smallest packed size we offer in a bivy, the perfect emergency shelter for your 10 Essentials kit.
- Reusable design and durable material means your investment isn’t wasted after a single use.
- Seam-taped waterproof Pertex® Shield+.
- Tube construction with cinch closure to seal out the elements.