There is so much gear out there?! What is a climber to do? Well we decided to ask some of the Outdoor Research athletes what their winter “must haves”, “go to pieces”, “dang I love this”, and “I can’t climb without this” products are this season! So check it out, and see what winter essential you may be missing out on from your winter kit. We hope this helps you refine what you throw into your pack and help your climbing days be even better!
Alexa’s Fav! The Phosphor Mitt!
Alexa Siegel’s favorite item, The Outdoor Research Phosphor Mitt: These mitts are filled with warm 600-fill power RDS goose down. Water-resistant synthetic suede palms with a fleece backer add extra durability and protection to these warm, compressible, wind-proof gloves. So when you’re on the mountain or warming up at a belay, these are the mitts you want in your pack to make those digits happy!
Two votes from Bayard & Bryan for the Deviator Hoody!
Bryan Gilmore & Bayard Russell’s go to piece, The Outdoor Research Deviator Hoody: Yep! This piece got two strong votes from both Bryan & Bayard. It’s the perfect mid layer and has a sweet hood that you can put on to keep in the warmth. It has a light insulation at your core that stays dry and circulates airflow for incredible breathability, and light Polartec fleece in the hood, sleeves and back panel that wicks moisture and keeps you comfortable. This piece is a must have! Men’s & Women’s available.
Super Uber Good! The Uberlayer Hooded Jacket is one you’ll wear on adventures and when you head out for a beer.
Bayard Russell, always throws this one in the pack, The Outdoor Research Uberlayer Hooded Jacket: Perfect for cold approaches and throwing on when you need an extra layer, this backcountry chameleon provides the warmth of a synthetic puffy one moment and the breathability and quick-dry performance of a fleece the next, all without forcing you to add, remove or adjust your layers. Men’s & Women’s available.
Emilie swears by the Cathode Hooded Jacket!
Emilie Drinkwater’s, Can’t climb without this, The Outdoor Research Cathode Hooded Jacket: The Cathode Hooded Jacket, a 2014 Outside Magazine Gear of the Year winner for its hybrid design—perfect for multi-pitch climbing and has a wind-resistant mapped fabric on the sides and under the arms, and a fully insulated hood to keep you warm at belays up high when that chilly breeze kicks into high gear. I great layer under your shell for ice climbing, outer layer when moving fast or when your ice climbing in the sun and the temps are just right! Men’s & women’s available.
Gloves matter! They can make or break your climbing day, check it.
Peter Doucette’s ice climbing gloves, The Outdoor Research Stormtracker & Extravert Gloves: Finding the right glove for ice climbing is tricky, you want them warm but not too bulky, and they need to be agile. Here’s what Peter has to recommend: “When I’m climbing ice, I’m usually wearing a pair of Stormtrackers. If its particularly cold the Extravert adds more warmth and insulation without giving up important dexterity for handling equipment and gripping tools. Together they are my “go to” gloves, for everyday out.” Stormtracker is made in men’s & women’s. Extravert Gloves are men’s only.