Outdoor Research vs. Sierra Designs

I personally have been somewhat underwhelmed by Sierra Designs on a few occasions. It's not that they make terrible gear, it just often seems to be fairly low end…or the make a real mix or low end and high end gear. I had some SD rain pants that simply leaked water through, my wife's SD rain jacket isn't waterproof etc. I do have a few pieces (baselayers) that work fine. Outdoor Research isn't at the top of the heap either, but they may be better than SD. It all depends though….SD does makes some nice stuff, they just make poor stuff too.

Outdoor Research,in my opinion has better quality,the very few SD stuff I have owned was cheap and low quality.They may have a few good items,I just have never owned any.

i have and own several OR pieces … their warranty is industry leading "infinite guarantee" … the gear seems well made and often on sale

cant speak on SD

I've had good luck with OR, especially the high end Goretex rain jackets. I had a pocket come unsealed from the liner and it was replaced without question. My experience with SD clothing has been on the other end of the spectrum in terms of price. Their light weight non-breathable jackets are decent. Hard to compare the two. Also like OR for their wool blend hoodie.

I've had success with SD products, usually when I'm willing to go a little heavier, but I would really second the high praise of Outdoor Designs. They don't get the most attention around here because their goods aren't usually the *absolute* lightest, but they make really durable, high-quality stuff that is built for serious hiking. And I also find that their stuff is often on sale. Example, the Cascadia Gaiters, well-reviewed on BPL here:

http://backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/outdoor_research_cascadia_gaiter_spotlite_review.html

and on sale here (at least for the next day, even more deeply discounted if you get the current 35% off coupon…)

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/outdoor-research-cascadia-gore-tex-paclite-gaiters-waterproof~p~3491m/?filterString=Outdoor-Research~b~15265%2F&colorFamily=01

And I've never had to use it, but of course their "infinite guarantee" warranty inspires a lot of confidence…

check their stuff out, for people who believe that ultra-lightweight isn't always the most practical or economical solution, OR strikes a great balance.

My wife & I both have SD softshell jackets made of Polartec Powershield. They fit well and are flawless. That material is a high end fabric. Sierra Trading Post has deals often on SD.

We also have OR Celetrial Gaitors that are Goretex Paclite and extremely well made. My only complaint is that they run large, probably sized for mountaineering boots.

I also have OR Endeavor mitts. These have got to be the warmest things I've ever had on my hands, plus waterproof with Goretex.