Outdoor Research Launches Insulated RadiantX Gloves Powered by HeiQ XReflex Technology

September 20, 2021

New HEIQ glove technology that makes gloves warmer without increasing bulk is available in a first-to-market offering from Outdoor Research.

Seattle, Wash., and Zürich, Switzerland, Sept. 20, 2021 – Outdoor Research, the Seattle-based leader in performance apparel and outdoor gear, this fall launches its RadiantX Gloves and Mitts, a new line of insulated handwear, making it the first brand to use revolutionary HeiQ XReflex Radiant Barrier Technology.

HeiQ XReflex Radiant Barrier technology was the finish of choice for the gloves and mitts as, unlike standard insulation systems, it provides enhanced warmth with less bulk and weight by reflecting radiant body heat to keep warmth in. The revolutionary technology utilizes ultra-thin surface coatings to reflect radiant body heat, improving thermal retention without reducing breathability. A perfect application for the technology is gloves, where dexterity is crucial but it can’t come at the expense of warmth.

Pioneering New Technologies – Outdoor Research at the Forefront of Innovation

Scheduled for launch in the USA, Canada and Internationally beginning in August 2021, RadiantX Gloves and Mitts provide enhanced warmth when a slim profile is paramount to safety and success. That means retaining function while handling cold objects like ice axes, pickets, and carabiners, and keeping fingers nimble and active with rope work, knots, rappelling and belaying.

Four decades into glove and mitt manufacturing, Outdoor Research continues to strive for advancements in new technologies that change the way outdoor enthusiasts approach extreme environments. As the first company with HeiQ XReflex enhanced gloves, Outdoor Research found the perfect technology to address an age-old challenge: How to retain warmth in palms and fingers without sacrificing dexterity.

“It was a no-brainer to partner with HeiQ on the HeiQ XReflex technology as it pairs both lightweight warmth and breathability — two qualities that you would want on any active cold weather glove,” said Jenny Dashner, Outdoor Research Product Manager for Gloves. “The beauty of using it in the Radiant X glove is that we could place a thin, yet warm insulation in it without compromising the dexterity of the glove and mitt. Many of our ski and alpine athletes have told us that this is now their new favorite.”

“Carlo Centonze, Cofounder & CEO of HeiQ, said: “HeiQ XReflex is truly a revolutionary technology, especially for those who spend a lot of time in the outdoors facing sometimes extreme weather conditions and cold. We couldn’t have found a better partner than Outdoor Research as the first company to implement this exceptional insulation for their high-performance gloves. Outdoor Research shares many philosophies with HeiQ so it’s not a surprise that many of their products are enhanced with HeiQ technologies. I wish all their mountaineering customers much success as they climb to new heights with warm and comfortable hands.

HeiQ XReflex Radiant Barrier Technology

HeiQ XReflex, created by HeiQ’s joint-venture partner Xefco, is a patented radiant barrier technology that makes products thinner, lighter and warmer. HeiQ XReflex ultilizes an ultra-thin reflective surface coating that reflects energetic infrared body heat waves back to the body. The radiant barrier coating is applied to one side of the fabric via a high-tech vapor deposition process that doesn’t compromise the fabric’s air permeability, noise, touch, durable water repellence (DWR) or down proof properties. The radiant barrier textiles are combined together with optimized insulation materials to produce insulated assemblies with up to 50% less volume and weight while keeping the same level of warmth (measured in CLO). HeiQ XReflex is available on fabrics and non-woven scrims and lasts over 20 washes.

Tom Hussey, CEO and Co-Founder, Xefco says: “We are so proud to see our technology used by Outdoor Research, their innovative mountaineering gloves are an ideal product for our ground-breaking radiant barrier technology. We wish their users a safe and satisfactory ascent.”

About Outdoor Research

Outdoor Research was built to methodically create, protect, and prepare for the future. Since 1981 we have demonstrated our expertise in the outdoor, medical, and tactical industries with award-winning protective equipment. Our ambassadors, non-profit partners, and employees sustain us through seemingly impossible challenges. Join us at outdoorresearch.com.

About HeiQ

Founded in 2005 as a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) and listed on the London Stock Exchange Main Market (LSE:HEIQ), HeiQ is a leader in textile and materials innovation creating some of the most effective, durable and high-performance technologies on the market today. HeiQ strives to improve the lives of billions of people through pioneering textiles and materials innovation. Combining three areas of expertise – scientific research, specialty materials manufacturing and consumer ingredient branding – HeiQ is the ideal innovation partner to create differentiating and sustainable products and capture the added value at the point of sale. With its 14 offices, 7 manufacturing sites and 7 R&D hubs, HeiQ today employs 190 professionals. It has a total capacity of 45’000 tons of specialty chemicals per year and serves over 1’000 industrial customers in over 60 countries. Today, HeiQ’s consumer goods and medical devices can be found in 56 countries. For more information, visit www.heiq.com

About Xefco®

Xefco is an Australian-owned company that creates innovative textile and coating technologies. Leveraging a global network of research partners, Xefco develops advanced manufacturing solutions and applies cutting edge materials science with a focus on functional improvements, sustainable manufacturing and reduced resource consumption. Incorporated in 2018, Xefco’s technologies are now used by some of the world’s leading technical apparel and fashion brands, providing proven functional benefits, enhanced performance, comfort and protection with reduced environmental impact. Xefco continues to expand its technology portfolio with a vision to create a more sustainable future for the textile and garment industries.

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