If you spend a lot of time outdoors and you consider yourself a bit of a “gearhead,” chances are you’ve got some Outdoor Research in your rotation already. The Seattle-based brand has been cranking out quality gear for decades—everything from alpine-ready shells to breezy base layers to running apparel. Their stuff is functional, durable, and generally looks pretty dang good too.
We were recently sent a few new pieces to test from OR’s latest lineup, and naturally, we took them straight to the trail, the campsite, and everywhere in between.
Swift Lite Hybrid Shorts
Last year, we reviewed the original Swift Lite Shorts, and they quickly became one of our go-to pairs. Lightweight, breathable, and run-friendly with a built-in liner—they basically lived at the top of the drawer.
Enter the Swift Lite Hybrid Shorts—an evolved version that ditches the liner, increases the length (7″ inseam) and leans more into that “hybrid” promise. They still feature a breathable and quick-drying design, but now add extra durability with OR’s Ferrosi fabric, a material known for its lightweight toughness. The result? A pair of shorts that are equally at home scrambling on a dusty trail as they are lounging at a trailhead coffee stop.
They’re not strictly running shorts anymore—and that’s kind of the point. Use them for light hikes, longer treks, or as minimalist travel shorts. I’m once again obsessed.
Echo T-Shirt
You can never have too many tech tees, especially ones as buttery soft and functional as the Echo T. This one’s a best-seller for a reason: it’s breathable, has just the right amount of stretch, and features ActiveFresh odor control, so it won’t get that classic post-run funk quite as fast.
There’s also UPF 15 sun protection, which is a great bonus for long days on exposed trails. While it’s a no-frills look—just a clean “OR” logo on the chest—it’s packed with features that make it a staple for runners and hikers alike.
Bottom line: it’s one of those shirts that just quietly feels right.
Deviator Wind Jacket
The Deviator line from Outdoor Research already has a strong reputation, and the new Deviator Wind Jacket continues that trend with a piece that’s ideal for those in-between conditions—when you need protection from the elements but don’t want to cook from the inside out.
It’s structured with intention: wind- and weather-resistant materials in key zones like the chest, collar, and shoulders, paired with highly breathable perforated panels on the back and cuffs. The result is a jacket that blocks wind where it counts but still vents heat where it builds.
Think of it as a “smart shell” for shoulder-season running or exposed coastal hikes. It’s not going to keep you bone dry in a PNW downpour, but it handles light rain and gusty conditions like a pro. Add in stretchy comfort, zippered hand pockets, and packability into its own pocket, and you’ve got a jacket that punches above its weight.
I only wish I had it last summer when the wind howled across Cascade Head. This would’ve been perfect.
Astroman Air Sun Hoodie
At first glance, the Astroman Air Sun Hoodie looks a lot like the Deviator Wind Jacket—especially when they showed up in the same navy colorway. But functionally, it’s an entirely different beast.
While the Deviator is about wind resistance, the Astroman is about sun protection, with UPF 30+ to 50+ coverage depending on color. It’s incredibly light, breathable, and stretchy—ideal for sunnier adventures when you want to keep your skin covered. It can get a bit warm in really sunny temps however (though what jacket wont) and is great for protection against skeeters when outdoors.
This one’s got a bit more of a casual silhouette than the Deviator and doesn’t quite have the same weatherproofing chops, but what it does have is versatility. It’s great for trail runs, sure, but also excels for hiking, camping, paddling, and even as a go-to travel piece. Light enough to stash in a pack, protective enough to serve a purpose in nearly any setting. I do wish it had thumb holes, but alas it does not.
If you’re looking for that “just one hoodie” piece for a summer road trip or mountain weekender—this is it.
Overall
Outdoor Research continues to deliver with gear that walks the line between technical and everyday usable. Whether you’re deep in the forest or just hitting the trail after work, each of these pieces brings something unique—and useful—to the table. From multi-purpose shorts to sun-protective layers to a cleverly ventilated wind jacket, this lineup proves that function doesn’t have to sacrifice comfort.
And let’s be honest—having good gear just makes it easier to say “yes” to the next adventure.
