New Summer Apparel From Outdoor Research

Outdoor Research has a long list of new apparel designed specifically for warm-weather outdoor adventures, and two items that stood out most to us here at Backcountry Skiing Canada are the Swift Lite Hybrid Shorts and the Stratoburst Rain Hat. These two items are both new for Spring 2025 and work well for hikers and trail runners.

Outdoor Research Swift Lite Hybrid Shorts 
These shorts are designed with Hybrid-Mapped Materials for optimal breathability, durability, and range of movement. Their proprietary bluesign approved Ferrosi fabrics are water-resistant, quick-drying, lightweight and stretchy to allow for optimal movement while keeping you cool and dry. They have an internal drawcord and elasticized waist to create a custom fit, along with several pockets for storage of essential items like gels, keys and a credit card. There are two front hand pockets along with a zippered thigh pocket for more valuable items. Side slits at the hem increase range of motion while running and hiking 
and a reflective logo ensures you’ll be visible at dusk and in low-light conditions. 

Outdoor Research also offers a lined version of the Swift Lite Shorts in a non-hybrid version that is aimed more at trail, road and track runners. Like the Hybrid version, these shorts are quick-drying, lightweight and made with bluesign approved materials. The main difference is that these lined versions forego the hand and zippered thigh pockets but have pockets on the back, along with a built-in gusseted boxer brief liner.


Features:

• Breathable, Lightweight, Quick Drying, Water Resistant, Wicking
• DWR Treatment
• Hybrid Mapped Construction
• Movement Mirroring Stretch
• UPF 30
• Elastic Waistband with External Drawcord
• Faux Fly
• Front Slash Hand Pockets
• Gusseted Crotch
• Reflective Logo
• Right Thigh Zip Pocket

Fabric:
Front of Shorts: bluesign® approved 86% Polyester, 14% Spandex
Back of Shorts: bluesign® approved 46% Recycled Nylon, 40% Nylon, 14% Spandex

Specs:
Price: $89.95 / $80US
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colours: Willow, Pewter, Dark Navy, Black
 

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Outdoor Research Stratoburst Rain Hat
Outdoor Research’s new Stratoburst Rain Hat is not only waterproof and breathable but is made with bluesign approved recycled materials. The Ventia 2.5L fabric has just the right amount of stretch and has fully taped seams so it’s completely waterproof. The large 360° wrap around brim is large enough that it provides full face and neck protection from the rain so your entire head will stay dry in the wettest of down pours. The Stratoburst Rain Hat packs down super small so it’s ideal for travel and hikes when the weather may not completely cooperate. The floating foam-stiffened brim has a stiff structure so it won’t deform and the adjustable back cinch allows you to tighten the fit to keep it on your head in windy conditions. 

If you don’t need the added waterproof protection and want a lighter, more versatile option then Outdoor Research also offers the Helios Sun Hat which is not waterproof, but is very light and breathable with the same sun protection.  


Features:

• Waterproof, Breathable, Windproof, Lightweight
• Fully Seam Taped  
• Movement Mirroring Stretch
• Adjustable Back Cinch
• Floating Foam-Stiffened Brim
• Packable

Fabric: 
Bluesign® approved Ventia™ 2.5L 100% Recycled Polyester 50D Mechanical Stretch Plain Weave

Specs:
Price: $69.95CAN / $52US
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Colours: Atlantic, Ranger Green, Fir Print, Black