If you grew up in the Northeast, or the Northwest, you probably had a pair of those Outdoor Research gaiters when you first got into backpacking. They were crucial for keeping your feet dry on the often muddy and wet trails you’d encounter, and maybe you also picked up one of those Seattle Sombrero’s, the nice wide brimmed rain hats to keep your noggin dry. And just maybe, that’s where your experience with OR stopped, and in your mind they were forever relegated to being the kinda-dorky-hiking-gear company.

Well, apparently I haven’t been paying close attention, because these guys are now putting out clothing for everything from rock climbing to mixed climbing. I had a chance to check out some of their climbing oriented pieces this spring, and I was impressed, to say the least.

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