Outdoor Research’s Deviator Collection might just be the perfect Pacific Northwest winter setup — built for those cold, damp mornings when you need warmth, breathability, and the ability to keep moving without overheating. I’ve been testing out ta few pieces that hit that sweet spot between lightweight performance and real-world function.
Men’s Deviator Hoodie
Fit-wise, the Deviator hits the balance between performance and comfort. It’s got enough room to wear over a base layer or two, but it’s not bulky or flappy when you’re running. The hood design is smart — it stays put when the wind kicks up and even has a subtle brim that works a bit like a cap to keep rain and drizzle out of your eyes. And the pockets are generous: two deep, zippered hand pockets and a chest pocket big enough for a phone or a small flask.
I’ve taken this out on runs in low temps, and it surprised me with how warm it was. In calm weather, it’s almost too warm — but when that PNW wind picks up or the rain starts spitting, it’s perfect. It cuts the chill, moves easily, and breathes better than you’d expect from something that insulates this well.
That’s due to OR’s VerticalX Octa insulation, which keeps you warm without trapping sweat, paired with stretch panels that vent heat fast. It’s all a lot of technical talk, but in practice, it just means this hoodie adapts — whether you’re climbing Forest Park hills or hitting a long run on a frosty morning.
This is a versatile piece that easily transitions off the trail too. It’s a solid-looking jacket that you could wear to the brewery after your run without thinking twice. Available in Willow/Black, Atlantic (navy), Lingenberry (red), or solid Black — I’d call the Deviator Hoodie a standout for anyone looking for that one dependable winter layer that can keep up with them.
Men’s Echo Long Sleeve Tee
You can never have too many good tech tees — especially when they’re as soft, light, and functional as the Outdoor Research Echo Long Sleeve Tee. We’ve worn versions of this shirt in nearly every form — short sleeve, tank, hoodie — and the long sleeve continues that same winning streak.
The Echo is one of those pieces you forget you’re wearing — in the best way. It’s ultra-light, breathable, and has just enough stretch to move with you without clinging. The fabric feels smooth against the skin, almost buttery, and it handles sweat like a champ. Outdoor Research’s ActiveFresh treatment keeps odor under control, so it won’t get that post-run funk as fast as your average tech shirt.
It also features UPF 15 sun protection, which makes it a solid pick for long days on exposed trails or shoulder-season hikes when you still want coverage without overheating.
Aesthetically, it’s a simple, clean design — just the small “OR” logo on the chest — but it’s packed with the kind of thoughtful details that make it a go-to base layer or standalone running shirt.
Bottom line: this is one of those shirts that just feels right every time you pull it on. Available in four muted, earthy tones of blue, green, and grey.
Deviator Mitts
Cold hands can ruin a good run faster than anything, and the Deviator Mitts are built to make sure that doesn’t happen.
I tested the pair in Storm, a dark gray-blue colorway, and right out of the box they felt premium. There’s a sturdy goat leather overlay across the palms and fingertips for durability, and a snug wrist that seals out the cold. They’re a little tight to pull on, but Outdoor Research smartly added a pull loop that makes it easy even when your fingers are stiff. Once on, the fit feels natural and shaped to how your hands actually move.
The mitts are warm without being bulky — a huge win for runners and hikers who need grip and dexterity. OR uses HeiQ XReflex tech that reflects your body heat back toward your hands, cutting the chill without piling on insulation. They’re both water- and wind-resistant, and the stretch fabric keeps your range of motion intact.
They also get points for small but practical details: touchscreen compatibility, removable clips to keep them together, and that “movement-mirroring” fit that feels dialed in whether you’re holding poles, tightening zippers, or snapping a photo mid-run.
In short: they’re the kind of mitts that disappear once they’re on — no fuss, no adjustment needed, just reliable warmth that works.
Final Thoughts
The Deviator Collection proves once again that Outdoor Research knows the Pacific Northwest climate. The hoodie and mitts both manage to balance warmth, weight, and breathability in a way that fits our unpredictable winter mix of rain, wind, and cold.
They’re technical without feeling techy — durable, comfortable, and versatile enough to use for both high-output runs and casual cold-weather days.
It’s gear built for motion, for weather that changes by the hour, and for people who keep going regardless.