Outdoor Research Logo

Howdy Folks! It’s a cold morning here in the Mount Washington Valley, and it’s got us thinking about how we manage to stay warm when the temps drop. Most of you will likely recognize that Outdoor Research makes really great gaiters. It’s where they started as a company over 20 years ago, and hopefully you know by now that they also make some pretty rockin’ gloves, apparel and accessories that make life in the outdoors much more comfortable! Not only do they make great products, but they’re a great company too. They support many of our local New England athletes including a number of our guest guides (Bayard Russell, Emilie Drinkwater and Adam George) and Saturday night’s presenter, Kyle Dempster!!

Alpine Alibi II Glove

Alpine Alibi II Glove

OR makes some of the best outdoor apparel in the business and they’re coming to Ice Fest so you can try it out for yourself! There are a number of different gloves for you to try out this year, but two of the most exciting are the all NEW Mixalot glove and the Alpine Alibi II glove! The Mixalot glove is for those of you who are psyched on hard and steep ice or mixed climbing and need a glove that’ll perform at the highest standard. The “ultra tactile, single layer construction” offers you unmatched performance on your hardest climbs! If you’re in one of our mixed climbing clinics this year, you have to try this glove out! You won’t regret it! Also, the Alpine Alibi II has been re-designed this year with warmth and dexterity in mind! These gloves are built for the ultimate protection from the elements with waterproof/breathable Goretex fabric and warm Primaloft insulation but also allowing for amazing dexterity and grip. This is the ideal glove for those cold, wet days when staying warm is most important! Try it during Ice Fest this year, you won’t want to climb in any other glove ever again!

The Mixalot Glove

The Mixalot Glove

Outdoor Research will also have belay jackets on hand for you to try out as well! The Chaos Jacket is one of the warmest jackets out there. It has been updated this year and features “weather resistant and breathable Windstopper shell fabric… and Primaloft Eco insulation for maximum warmth.” When it is cold, windy or wet (maybe all three) this is the jacket you’ll want to reach for. When you hold it, you won’t believe it’s one of the warmest jackets out there but with the amazing Primaloft technology you don’t have to sacrifice warmth for weight anymore!

The Chaos Jacket

The Chaos Jacket

To make a long story short, we love Outdoor Research! They make amazing products, are super involved in the community and they make being in the outdoors an enjoyable experience even in the harshest conditions! Make sure you stop by and and try out some gloves or a belay jacket this year! You’ll be just as psyched as we are!