20 September 2021
Outdoor Research launches insulated RadiantX Gloves incorporating Xefco's XReflex technology
HeiQ XReflex technology for enhanced insulation with less bulk will make its first to market appearance in gloves from Outdoor Research.
Zürich, Switzerland, 20 September 2021 – Outdoor Research, the Seattle-based leader in performance apparel and outdoor gear, launches its RadiantX Gloves and Mitts this fall, a new line of insulated handwear, making it the first brand to use revolutionary HeiQ XReflex Radiant Barrier Technology on gloves.
The patented 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 of the technology is on gloves, where dexterity is crucial but 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 in Fall 2021, RadiantX Gloves and Mitts provide enhanced warmth when a slim profile is paramount to safety and agility. 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 RadiantX glove is that we could place a thin, yet warm insulation in it without compromising the dexterity of the glove and mitt. Many ski and alpine athletes have told us that this is now their new favorite.”
Carlo Centonze, Co-founder & CEO of HeiQ, said: “HeiQ XReflex is truly a revolutionary technology, especially for those who spend a lot of time in the outdoors, sometimes facing 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.”
Outdoor Research RadiantX Collection: https://www.outdoorresearch.com/us/radiant-x-collection
Image: © Outdoor Research RadiantX Gloves and Mitts
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 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.