Rumor Hoody
Sometimes you run across a piece of gear that you can’t stop talking about to your friends and anyone else that will listen (gear shop junkies included). We’ve been testing the OR Rumor Hoody for the past couple of months and are happy to report back that it might be simple in concept, but it’s a piece of gear that we absolutely adore. The Rumor Hoody is made of OR’s Motion Stretch Fleece, which is similar to power stretch fabric. In essence, it’s a fleece that is soft on the inside, has a nice sleek look on the outside, is form fitting without cutting off circulation. Also, it performs just as well as it looks!
Popularity: 4% [?]
Oasis Sombrero
Outdoor Research Oasis Sombrero ($32): Your mom will stay cool and protected from UV rays with this breathable sun hat.
Popularity: 2% [?]
Helium Jacket
From a windy and wet fishing trip, to a cool sunset paddle, to running errands in a hellacious downpour, the waist length Helium Jacket kept me comfortable, warm and dry. Even better, it features a built-in stuff pocket, for stuffing and storing when the weather turns agreeable (easy to stuff in under a minute—52 seconds is my record). No need to tie a bulky coat around your waist, just stuff it and toss it in your bag or hook it to your pack with the handy reinforced loop.
Popularity: 2% [?]
Lateral Dry Bag
Dry bags have come a long way in the past few years. The latest generation are no longer as thick as they used to be which allows them to be lighter. These new dry bags retain their strength though and many even carry cool new features making them even easier to use.
The Outdoor Research 45 Liter Lateral Bag is one of these technically advanced dry bags. Made from rugged tear and abrasion resistant nylon, this bag can be dropped, slid, and scooted on the toughest surfaces. The seams are welded for high waterproofing and a roll-top closure along the top of the bag keeps contents dry. Two buckles secure the roll top to ensure items stay secure. There are two compression straps as well with a daisy chain to attach other gear or lash this bag to other bags using a rope or biners. A window allows the user to see contents so there is no need to open the bag if the item you are looking for isn’t there.
Popularity: 2% [?]
Crocodiles
In 1999, these Gore-Tex and Cordura gaiters won one of our first Editors’ Choice Gold Awards, and we still haven’t seen a tougher pair at this weight and price. The instep straps are the key: The urethane-coated webbing resists shredding, and the straps are easy to replace, a must for gaiters (which tend to fail here when used a lot with crampons). $65; 9 oz.; 8 sizes; outdoorresearch.com
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Popularity: 2% [?]
Swift Tee
Around the country, humidity and temperatures seem to be on the rise. That bodes well for outdoor activities, but means that sweat stands to soon be your constant companion. That’s why, whether hiking, camping, or just cutting the grass, the Outdoor Research Swift Tee is a good choice to keep you cool and covered.
Popularity: 2% [?]
DryComp Ridge Sack
The DryComp Ridge Sack from Outdoor Research weighs just 16 ounces, feels light in the hands, and is translucent, so finding that elusive piece of gear is easy. And for something as simple as a sack with two shoulder straps, it’s pretty darn high tech, with sonically welded seams that make it watertight, lighter, and sleeker.
Popularity: 4% [?]
Looks at the Crocodiles Gaiters
Product Description
The Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters are part of Outdoor Research’s Alpine Series of Gaiters and have been a mainstay for years. Outdoor Research has upgraded these gaiters with a replaceable instep strap and an additional tab that holds the front opening down. The Crocodiles have a fitted design and contain a waterproof and breathable 3-layer Gore-Tex® fabric leg section. The top of the Gaiters contain a 3/4-inch wide webbing and cam buckle top closure and a 2-inch wide hook and loop front closure that contains double needle stitching. Outdoor Research placed a hook/loop shear tab at the bottom of the front closure to prevent separation. The boot lace hook is double riveted to add strength and provide extra security. The urethane coated nylon instep strap is manufactured to be field replaceable. The Outdoor Research Crocodiles come in black and Chili and Black and sized from small to double extra large.
Field Report
I began utilizing the Outdoor Research Crocodiles in February while backpacking and hiking in the Ozark Mountains of Southwest Missouri and Northern Arkansas. As I prepared to don the Crocodiles, I immediately noticed that the urethane coated nylon instep strap seemed tough and durable. I also liked that the Crocodiles contained a hook/loop shear tab at the bottom of the front closure to prevent separation. I also liked the fact that the Crocodiles provided protection to top of my calves. The chili/black color of the Crocodiles added a little spice to the normal black colored gaiters that most of us have used in the past.
As I began placing the Crocodiles over my boots, I realized that if you make sure the OR logo is on the outside of the gaiter as you secure them, the buckle will always be on the outside guaranteeing they are on correctly. Upon having the gaiter around my lower leg, I secured the gaiter using the Velcro closure and noticed that the Crocodiles covered more of my boot than previous gaiters I have used. I then used the hook/loop shear tab at the bottom of the front closure to secure the gaiter on the top of the fore foot. I then used the 3/4-inch wide webbing and cam buckle to secure the top of the gaiter around my calf.
Popularity: 3% [?]
