Outdoor Research released its Fall 2023 collection, offering a range of new technologies with athlete-led designs for its active-insulation category—apparel and gloves.

The Deviator Hoodie VerticalX Octa technology offers an eight-sided, hollow-core polyester fiber center encased with loftier polyester paired with hybrid-mapped fabrics. According to OR, “VerticalX Octa is more effective for active use because it doesn’t require an interior liner fabric and has an open structure, both of which allow it to breathe more effectively. It’s 50 percent lighter than traditional polyester insulation, has an outstanding warmth-to-weight ratio, is superb at wicking moisture, and is soft against the skin. This design creates a package that retains crucial warmth yet breathes and sheds heat when the user is on the move.” 

Applying the same ethos to the hands, the Deviator Pro and Deviator Gloves offers breathability and dexterity, similar to a lightweight glove, harnessing warming technologies. On the back of the hand, X-Reflex combines multiple layers of heat-reflective material with synthetic insulation, reflecting heat from the wearer back into the glove while offering breathability. The Deviator Pro’s other key technology, Y-Warm, offers warmth that’s similar to Aerogel but, because it’s a fabric and flexes easily, can be integrated into gloves. According to the company, Y-warm is “highly breathable, unlike Aerogel, which doesn’t breathe at all.” The Deviator Pro Gloves use Y-Warm on the palms and palm side of the fingers. 

The Deviator Wind Pants complete the collection by balancing wind protection with breathability and are created for cold-weather running, hiking, snowshoeing, or nordic skiing. The front of the legs and ankles use a knit fabric with a wind-blocking membrane for weather protection. A polyester spandex fabric with a brushed knit interior on the back of the legs provides stretch and breathability.  

While the Deviator program leads new technology for Fall 2023, the company continues to expand its offerings in skiing, sportswear, gloves, and hats. 

  • In skiing and snowboarding, OR introduces new and updated styles, including the Snowcrew Anorak and the resort-focused Tungsten II jacket and pant with the Snowcrew Down Jacket and the Trailbreaker Tour Pant
  • F23 also includes the men’s Coldfront LT Down Hoodie and the women’s Coze Lux Parka, pairing warmth with recycled-content shell fabrics. 
  • Technical sportswear has driven OR forward over recent seasons with new styles. Fall 2023 continues that trajectory with the Vigor Grid, Mega Trail Mix and Grayland fleece collections
  • In handwear, the Commuter Windstopper Gloves balance weather protection with breathability. OR also added the Sureshot Pro Gloves, close-fitting, stretchy, tactile, warm, and waterproof. The Stormtracker Sensor Gloves offer improve dexterity in a lightweight tactile glove for all-around use. 
  • In headwear, OR offers a range of new styles, including its merino wool Alpine Onset 240 Beanie, the Verbier Beanie made from recycled-content polyester and the Shadow Insulated 5-Panel Cap. 

Photo courtesy Outdoor Research