OR Athletes' Favorite Gear of the Year 2018
If there’s one thing the Outdoor Research athlete and ambassador team knows, it’s how to wade through hundreds of gear options to land on the perfect choice for whatever you have planned. And if your 2019 calls for adventure, they've got you covered.
Here’s what the OR athlete team has to recommend for every climber, runner, skier, and backcountry adventurer to cap off 2018 with the year's best gear.
Name: Jessa Goebel
What: Women’s Kalaloch Reversible Shirt Jacket
Why: Perfect for wearing at the boulders with the crew to hanging at the brewery. Love this layer!
Who: That special gal who loves looking good while playing outside.
Name: Martin Volken
What: Men’s Alpine Onset Hoody
Why: It’s a stylish, natural fabric and it works in the mountains.
Who: Great for any backcountry skier, alpine climber, mountain biker, hiker, camper, and movie watcher.
Name: Amy Mishkin
What: Stormbound Mitts
Why: Functional and easy to hold ski poles with. I also really love the wrist feature to keep them around my wrist when I am taking out my phone on the chairlift!
Who: A skier or snowboarder who gets cold hands.
Name: Neil Provo
What: Men’s Floodlight Down Jacket
Why: Lofty 800-fill down feathers, wrapped in a 100% waterproof shell. Think “pig in a blanket” kind of warmth in any type of weather.
Who: Adventure buddy, brother, uncle, pops.
Name: Lindsay Mann
What: Whitefish Hat
Why: It’s so versatile – great for cold days on the hill, but also a great fashion piece for hanging out with friends or around town when you flip up the ears.
Who: Everyone!
Name: Alison Naney
What: Women’s Deviator Hoody
Why: It’s perfect for cold weather running warmth (but not too much) and low bulk.
Who: Winter runners.
Name: Pierre Carbonneau
What: Ninjaclava
Why: Couldn’t go skiing without it.
Who: Anyone who skis.
Name: Tess Ferguson
What: Backcountry Organizer
Why: I can keep all of my ditty things organized and in one place.
Who: Backpackers, travelers, or anyone with a compulsion for organization.
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Name: Pierre Carbonneau
What: Men’s Ascendant Hoody
Why: The perfect midlayer, all year long.
Who: Anyone looking for a midlayer that can act like a jacket.
Name: Jessa Goebel
What: Splitter Work Gloves
Why: All leather keeps your hands a little warmer for belays and a patch of grippiness on the back of hand allows for some crack climbing ability.
Who: The most hardcore year-round climbers.
Name: Santiago Guzman
What: Frostline Hat
Why: Goofy and addictive. Great for sleeping bags, cold night at camp, windy situations, and below 0-degree resort skiing.
Who: Cold adventure fans... and kids.
Name: Becca Droz
What: Women’s Tantrum II Hooded Jacket
Why: The best light layer for sun and wind. Clip it to the harness, throw it in the fanny pack, lightweight steeez.
Who: Climbers, runners, outdoor show goers, people who like light, compact layers.
Name: Shingo Ohkawa
What: Echo Ubertube
Why: Simple, lightweight, and indispensable: Wear it when it’s hot to protect from sun, when it’s windy to keep the chill at bay. Pack an extra, your partner will thank you!
Who: Anyone who spends time outside.
Name: Jenny Abegg
What: Women’s Baja Down Pullover
Why: It looks great, moves great, and I wear it to the crag and in town.
Who: People who want a versatile puffy that they can wear in town and outside too.
Name: Hans Florine
What: Men’s Alpine Onset Boxer Briefs
Why: Everyone can use it.
Who: Anyone.
Name: Dawn Glanc
What: Women’s Ascendant Jacket
Why: This cozy layer is the perfect addition to your cold weather kit. It can be worn as a layer or as a standalone jacket. This jacket is warm, breathable, fashionable, and functional.
Who: Anyone who’s looking for instant warmth.
Name: Ben Kunz
What: Men’s Prologue Refuge Jacket
Why: Catches the eye, super unique, warm yet breathable.
Who: Everyone!