Outlast has been expanding its horizons and looking to new markets beyond technical outdoor gear. The company said that it has grown five-fold since 2001. During this same period, Outlast has introduced a variety of new, improved products; lowered costs; expanded and upgraded licensed manufacturers and OEM partners; restructured the marketing message; expanded patent estate and know-how; and focused on additional markets, such as bedding and casual wear.

According to the company, In 2004, Outlast products being sold into apparel, bedding and specialty markets worldwide will represent half a billion dollars at consumer retail after being combined with and enhancing the performance of consumer end-use products of their OEM partners worldwide.

BOSS spoke with Outlast’s VP-Asia, Duncan Edwards, who said that much of the growth over the past few years has come from the company’s expansion into international markets, with Japan and Europe leading the way. The company has also made a concerted effort to tailor its product to fit the casual market, adding technical features to casual apparel. This effort has been “very well-received” by Outlasts customers, and has led to many Outlast product evolutions.