Outdoor ResearchUltima Softshell Jacket

In the 1980’s, nuclear physicist and outdoor enthusiast Ron Gregg noticed a gap in the market for hiking and outdoor clothing. He created a functional, insulated gaiter, the X-Gaiter™, which held snug and was versatile enough to fit a variety of boots. From this original inspiration and its resultant innovation, Outdoor Research was founded the following year.

Outdoor Research was born from Ron’s research-led approach to problem solving. He believed that the Research Method could be applied to solve the outdoor’s biggest challenges. Today, we carry that ethos forward.