Outdoor Research founder Ron Gregg was deeply involved with many of the company's flagship items like their gaiters, mitts, and rain hats. Unfortunately, he and his backcountry skiing partner were killed in an avalanche in 2003. The company was sold, and the future became uncertain until Dan Nordstrom took over the helm. After a renaissance of confidence in the brand, Outdoor Research has remained at the forefront of outdoor innovation and will be long into the future.