Outdoor Research at the Recon Company: gloves, clothing and equipment for duty and the field

• Tactical Outdoor Research gloves , such as the Ironsight , remain thin enough to maintain a good feel on the trigger whilst still providing a secure grip thanks to their silicone trim.
• The Firemark is a flame-retardant glove made from Nomex, ready for use whenever heat and flames come into play.
• Softshells from the Ferrosi range offer abrasion resistance and freedom of movement where a stiff hardshell would only get in the way.
• Sturdy Outdoor Research gaiters and lightweight headgear complement the field kit, from wet snow to sunshine on the training ground.

Outdoor Research is far more than just a glove manufacturer. The Seattle-based company has been producing clothing and equipment for outdoor activities since 1981, ranging from rainwear and softshells to its own tactical range. At Recon, we specifically select models for our range that are suited to duty, training and field use, whilst leaving the purely leisure-oriented sections of the catalogue out. We make this selection according to the same rigorous criteria that we have applied for over 30 years as a supplier to public authorities and a development partner on our own projects: does the material hold up in the field, does the fit remain secure under strain, and is the item suitable for the day-to-day work of the police, the Bundeswehr, the fire service and the THW?

Outdoor Research for duty, training and outdoor operations

The brand’s focus is on functional clothing that can withstand a great deal of movement. The range includes lightweight rain jackets from the Helium range, softshells from the Ferrosi series, functional trousers, gaiters and headwear, as well as the brand’s own tactical line, OR Tactical, featuring gloves and flame-retardant gear. Those who choose Outdoor Research are usually looking for precisely this combination of light weight and field-ready performance. Whether it’s patrol duty, training on the exercise ground or a long march across rough terrain, the bottom line is the same: the gear mustn’t let you down when the weather and load take their toll. It is precisely by this standard that we at Recon select what goes on our shelves.

Outdoor Research gloves: Ironsight, Firemark and the Sensor models

The best-known part of the range is the Outdoor Research gloves. The Ironsight is a very lightweight shooting glove made from synthetic leather with a silicone-coated palm, weighing around 100 grams per pair in size L and renowned in the tactical community for its tactile feel. The Sensor model features touchscreen-compatible inserts on the thumb and index finger, allowing you to operate your smartphone or radio. For personnel working with heat and flames, we stock the Firemark. Thanks to its flame-retardant Nomex fabric and a palm made of water-repellent goatskin, it is suitable for firefighting, explosive ordnance disposal and hot environments. These shooting gloves allow for precise handling; they are not padded winter gloves. The individual models and other Outdoor Research gloves can be found in the Gloves category.

Softshell jackets, technical trousers and the Ferrosi range

Beyond gloves, the range of clothing is expanding. An Outdoor Research jacket from the Ferrosi range is made from abrasion-resistant stretch fabric that allows freedom of movement and keeps out light wind and drizzle without feeling like a stiff hardshell. For wet days, many opt for the Helium rain jacket, which takes up hardly any space in your pack when folded away. The matching Outdoor Research trousers are also available in the Ferrosi version, as softshell trousers with good grip for climbing and reinforced knees. Important to note when choosing: the fit is rather slim and long; if in doubt, it’s worth trying them on or checking the size chart.

Gaiters, headwear and the honest assessment

Outdoor Research gaiters are also part of the outdoor kit. These robust models keep wet snow, scree and thorns out of your boots and protect the trouser legs – handy when scrambling over rough terrain and on long treks. Added to this is headwear ranging from sun caps to balaclavas. To be honest: the brand’s core lies in the lightweight, freedom-of-movement segment. Anyone looking for heavy-duty waterproof protection for continuous use or padded winter hand protection is better off choosing gloves from other manufacturers, such as those in the Mechanix range. The range of available items is constantly growing; the brand overview provides a summary of all manufacturers.

Recon Company as a supplier to public authorities and emergency services

• Active emergency services personnel and agencies receive a 10 per cent public sector discount on all eligible items.
• Feldpost delivers your order worldwide, even to overseas postings, quickly and reliably.
• Expert advice is available online or in-store in Salzgitter, depending on your operational profile and specific queries.
• Our ISO 9001 certification attests to our proven processes in purchasing and order fulfilment.