Outdoor Research started in 1980, when the need for a better gaiter was brought to founder Ron Gregg's attention: his climbing partner on Denali was suffering from severe frostbite, in part due to badly designed gaiters. Since then, the company has tackled anything that looked like it could use improving with fantastic results: expedition and mountaineering standard gloves, the last word in bivvies, and beautifully-designed headwear. A clothing line and numerous other gear and gadgets have been developed over time, all to their exacting specifications. Outdoor Research stays true to its user-needs roots, with their products being continually tested and proved through their Lab Rat program; and even after the tragic death of Ron Gregg in 2003 they have been able to remain a family owned-company.