Outdoor Research (OR) announced today that it has signed a $1.6 million contract with the U.S. Marine Corps to produce 80,000 pairs of PS150 Contact Gloves manufactured with Polartec® Power Stretch with X-Static®. The gloves will allow soldiers to conduct precise technical work such as operating computer and electronic equipment while protecting their hands from the cold weather combat environment.
“We have bought products from Outdoor Research on several occasions in the past including gloves. The product performs and is well received by Marines. This is part of a continuing effort of providing Marines with improved products based on highly effective commercial technologies.” According to Lt. Col. Gabe Patricio, U.S. Marine Corps., “The supply chain teaming of companies such as OR, Malden, and Noble Fiber brought us the design and performance characteristics we were looking for.”
“On behalf of the employees at Outdoor Research, I would like to thank the U.S. Marines for the opportunity to equip them with gloves that offer superior protection.” According to Dan Nordstrom, Owner and President of Outdoor Research, “ORs PS150 gloves will help shield troops hands from the cold winter elements and provide excellent dexterity to enable them to comfortably accomplish their missions worldwide.”
To accommodate the needs of the U.S. Marines, Outdoor Research has prioritized the manufacturing of these products. They are expected to be issued to the Marines activated in theatre this winter.
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) said, “Nothing is more important than making sure our troops have the necessary equipment to do their jobs effectively and return home safely.” She added, “That doesnt just apply to weapons systems and ammunition — it applies to high quality, combat-ready versions of the everyday articles of clothing we take for granted. Im proud that Washington State, in addition to being the proud home to thousands of our brave troops, is also an important provider of equipment to help the troops do their jobs.”
U.S. Representative Jim McDermott (D-7th/WA) said, “People might not think of a glove as life saving, but for a U.S. Marine, in a combat zone, in severe weather, this new Outdoor Research glove is going to help protect our soldiers. Thats something to be very proud of, and so is the fact that world-class innovation like this is occurring right here in Seattle.”
Outdoor Research has delivered more than $16 million worth of gloves to the Marine Corps, Army, and Special Forces over the last six years. For the past three years Outdoor Research has worked directly with the U.S. Militarys Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and the Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) to develop an innovative handwear system that is highly tactile yet provides strong protection in extreme environments.
“This is another example of the Defense Department benefiting from the civilian development of outdoor gear for demanding conditions such as mountaineering in the Pacific Northwest,” said U.S. Representative Norm Dicks (D-6th/WA), a member of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. “These gloves that are manufactured in Seattle at Outdoor Research actually give our soldiers better protection and greater flexibility than any that are currently available to the Marine Corps,” he added.
According to the Marine Corps official statement, “The Outdoor Research PS150 Contact Glove is a Marine Corps-specific durable cold weather glove made with Polartec® Power Stretch, a water resistant finish, and naturally anti-microbial X-Static® silver fibers that neutralize odor causing bacteria. Using a specialized testing methodology to simulate a soldiers extended strenuous wear, the Outdoor Research gloves proved to be significantly more durable, comfortable and functional than the current gloves issued by the Marine Corps.”
