Outdoor Research: gear built for serious adventures
Why you need Hiking Clothing and Equipment by Outdoor Research
When it comes to outdoor adventures, having gear you can trust is essential. At PAST Outdoors, we stock a range of Outdoor Research products designed for hikers, climbers, and adventurers who demand performance, durability, and comfort. Whether you’re tackling a single-day trek or a multi-day expedition, our outdoor clothing and technical gear keep you prepared in all conditions.
Outdoor Research: built for the outdoors, tested on the trails
When it comes to heading out on the trail, what you wear and carry can make or break your experience. Whether you're tackling a single-day hike through the Blue Mountains, a multi-day alpine traverse, or an overnight bivy mission, having the right hiking gear is not optional — it's essential. That's why at PAST Outdoors, we proudly stock a comprehensive range of Outdoor Research clothing and equipment: a brand that has been designing and engineering performance outdoor gear since 1981.
How to layer your Outdoor Research hiking gear for any condition
Understanding how to layer your clothing correctly is one of the most important skills any hiker can develop. The above How to layer clothing for hiking: complete guide walks you through a practical five-layer system — covering base layers, mid layers, and outer shells — and explains exactly how each layer works together to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable as conditions change on the trail.
From cold morning starts to unexpected rain and wind, knowing which Outdoor Research pieces to reach for and when to add or shed a layer can make a significant difference to your comfort and safety outdoors. Whether you're new to hiking or looking to refine your setup for multi-day adventures, it's well worth a watch before you head out.
Explore Outdoor Research performance clothing
From the iconic Outdoor Research cap to technical insulation layers and emergency shelter solutions, every product in the Outdoor Research range is built with one purpose — to keep you comfortable, protected, and performing in the field. Here's a rundown of items featured on this page:
Warm, functional gloves designed to fit women's hands properly for cold-weather hiking and climbing days
The best waterproof hiking jackets for men
The best place to start with any layering system is your outer shell. For men looking for a serious hiking jacket waterproof option, there are two standout performers in our current range.
TheOutdoor Research Men's Foray 3L Rain Jacketis a fully seam-taped, 3-layer GORE-TEX shell built for sustained wet-weather use. It features a helmet-compatible hood, underarm venting, and articulated patterning for unrestricted movement on the trail. Available in Ranger Green, Storm, and Rainforest colourways, it's a jacket serious hikers keep reaching for year after year.
Waterproof, windproof protection for harsh conditions
Lightweight, packable design for multi-day adventures
Adjustable features for a custom fit in unpredictable weather
For those wanting a lighter, more versatile option, the Outdoor Research Men's Skychaser Rain Jacket offers premium waterproof-breathable performance in a more streamlined silhouette. Available in Malachite and Amber, this is an excellent choice for fast-and-light hikers who don't want to compromise on protection. For a full breakdown of our men's jackets and layering options, see our guide: Merino base layers, mid layers and hiking raincoats.
You'll need to pair these jackets with durable trekking pants. If you're looking to pair these hiking top options with a pair of hiking pants, see our Mens trekking pants & hiking trousers
If there's one piece of kit that every hiker needs to get right, it's their hiking jacket. Australia's mountains and coastal ranges are notorious for sudden weather changes. You can set out under clear skies and be caught in a cold downpour within the hour. A quality waterproof hiking jacket isn't a luxury — it's a core piece of safety equipment.
Our Outdoor Research hiking jackets blog post goes into detail about the technical features to look for, but in short, you need a jacket that is genuinely waterproof, breathable, and packable enough that you'll actually carry it.
Gear built for the real outdoors — not just the look
Outdoor Research doesn't design gear for Instagram. Their products are developed, tested, and refined by serious outdoor athletes and adventurers who spend real time in demanding conditions. The brand backs every item with a lifetime guarantee, which tells you everything you need to know about the confidence they have in their craftsmanship.
At PAST Outdoors, we've spent years curating a range that reflects how Australians actually hike — in unpredictable weather, under a harsh sun, across rugged terrain. The Outdoor Research range aligns perfectly with that ethos.
Hiking jackets for women: performance with purpose
The right hiking jackets for women need to perform just as hard as any men's option, and Outdoor Research delivers on that front. Their women's-specific cut and construction ensure a proper fit without sacrificing technical capability.
The Outdoor Research Women's Aspire 3L Rain Jacket is a women's-specific 3-layer hardshell available in Cherry Blossom and Winterberry — practical, beautiful, and purpose-built for the trail. For women who cover serious ground in variable conditions, this jacket is a game-changer.
Another hiking jacket option, the Outdoor Research Women's Skychaser Rain Jacket rounds out the premium waterproof options with a lighter, highly breathable construction in Tidepool and Fjord colourways.
Warmth without the weight (insulation and mid layers)
No layering system is complete without a quality insulation layer, and few do it better than Outdoor Research's Helium Down Hoodie series.
The Outdoor Research Men's & Women's Helium Down Hoodie packs the warmth of premium down fill into an incredibly light and compressible package. When the temperature drops on a high-country ridge or an alpine hut stay, this hoodie delivers serious thermal performance without weighing you down. Both versions are an ideal complement to any waterproof hiking jacket in a layering system.
For mid-layer warmth and comfort, the Outdoor Research Men's & Womens Vigor Grid Fleece Pullover Hoodie offer excellent breathability and body-mapped warmth at an accessible price point. These are brilliant everyday training and hiking fleeces that layer effortlessly.
The Outdoor Research Echo Long Sleeve Tee delivers lightweight, moisture-wicking performance with built-in sun protection — an essential base layer for hot-weather hiking.
For something a little more specialised, the Outdoor Research Men's Echo Limited Edition Hoodie in Ranger Green Granite Print offers a full sun hoodie option for anglers and hikers who spend extended time in the sun.
The little things that matter: Outdoor Research caps, gloves and bivvy's
The Outdoor Research cap range is equally well regarded. The Outdoor Research Swift Cap and the Outdoor Research Swift Lite Tech Cap are lightweight, packable trail caps designed for all-day comfort in the sun. Available in a wide range of colourways including reflective options, they're the kind of thing you'll wear every single time you head out.
Before heading out on your next adventure, be sure to download our free hiking and camping checklist to make sure you have everything covered from clothing layers to emergency gear.
Innovative gear for serious adventures
For ultralight camping or off-trail expeditions, the Outdoor Research Helium Bivy is a must-have. Waterproof, wind-resistant, and compact, it’s perfect for overnight trips where weight and space are critical.
Other highlights include:
Base layers and mid-layers for temperature regulation
Versatile outerwear for rain, sun, and wind protection
Packs and accessories designed for multi-day treks
Why buy your Outdoor Research gear at PAST Outdoors? We're Australia's most trusted independent outdoor store
PAST Outdoors is a family-owned Australian outdoor store based in Helensburgh, NSW, and we've been helping hikers, climbers, campers, and adventurers gear up properly since our doors opened. With over 1,800 verified five-star reviews and a 95% satisfaction rate from our customers, we know what it takes to earn trust in the outdoor community.
We stock the full Outdoor Research range — from hiking gear essentials to technical shell jackets, insulation layers, sun protection, caps, gloves, bivies, gaiters, and duffels. Every product we carry is hand-selected because we believe in it, and our team uses this gear in the field.
Our founder & CEO Dave Parker, on a recent multi-day hiking trip in Cantebury New Zealand.
We offer global shipping, a loyalty rewards program through PAST Points, and expert advice from people who actually hike. Whether you're planning a weekend in the Snowy Mountains, a Kokoda traverse, or a day walk with the family, we're here to help you get the right kit.
Browse our Outdoor Research hiking clothing & gear collection today and experience the difference that genuinely field-tested, lifetime-guaranteed gear makes on the trail. Your next adventure deserves the best — and at PAST Outdoors, that's exactly what we deliver.
Hiking Clothing Australia
Shop Outdoor Research clothing and equipment in Australia
We’ve been helping Australians gear up for outdoor adventures for years, supplying trusted products and expert advice. Our customers rely on us because:
We stock genuine, high-performance Outdoor Research products
Our team has real outdoor experience and knows what works
At PAST Outdoors, we combine expert knowledge, hands-on testing, and carefully selected inventory to ensure every adventurer is fully equipped. Shop our Outdoor Research collection today and gear up with confidence for your next adventure.
What makes outdoor research clothing different from other outdoor brands?
Outdoor Research is known for creating high‑performance outdoor gear that’s meticulously researched, thoroughly tested in real environments, and built to protect you from sun, rain, wind and cold. Their designs balance durability with comfort so you stay warm, dry and protected on every adventure, whether you’re hiking, climbing or camping. The brand has been developing trusted outdoor clothing since 1981, with a focus on innovative materials and thoughtful construction.
Is Outdoor Research ethical and sustainably responsible?
Yes — Outdoor Research actively works to reduce its environmental footprint and supports sustainable business practices. They’ve set science‑aligned targets to lower greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable energy and sustainable materials, and reduce waste throughout their supply chain. Their commitment to transparency and collaboration with environmental partners reflects a long‑term focus on ethical manufacturing and environmental stewardship.
How does Outdoor Research use innovation to improve outdoor clothing performance?
Innovation is at the heart of Outdoor Research’s design process. They work closely with athletes, guides, and field experts to test materials and features in real‑world conditions. Their development includes advanced weatherproof fabrics, breathable layers, and performance enhancements that ensure gear functions across diverse environments — from sunny trails to alpine conditions.
How does Outdoor Research contribute to outdoor community and inclusivity?
Outdoor Research doesn’t just develop gear — it nurtures outdoor culture. The brand partners with non‑profits, supports trail access organisations, and encourages community involvement among employees and ambassadors. This focus on inclusivity and shared outdoor experiences reflects their mission to create space for everyone to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and sustainably. Which is why we love them at PAST Outdoors!
Do you offer discounts?
We do not discount our products, instead we offer a brilliant rewards system, so our customers receive discounts almost every time they purchase.
Our rewards program means you can earn reward points on every purchase and redeem for discounts on future purchases. Learn more about our rewards program and how you can save now.
I didn’t get one single blister whilst wearing Injinji wool toe socks on my recent Camino Frances. They truly work. Be sure to keep your toe nails closely clipped otherwise you will poke right through them.
Love this . The quality of the tube and mouth piece is great . Easy to install and modify . It’s not ultralight for those who watch every gram. I’m very happy. Thanks Kris for the recommendation
