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Gore-Tex hooded rain jacket from Mountain Safety Research (MSR), ca. 1976
Seattle-based company MSR was one of the first to use Gore-Tex for recreational wear. The revolutionary material is water-repellent, moisture wicking, and breathable, but it was pricey. Originally worn strictly for outdoor adventures, expensive high-tech gear like this jacket has found its way into daily city wear, becoming a Seattle status symbol. An MSR employee test-wore this before Gore-Tex jackets went into general production. MSR was the first to introduce pit zips, underarm vents. This—maybe unglamorous—innovation helps the wearer maintain a constant core temperature.
ID Number: 2003.32.1
Date: Circa 1976
Creator(s):
Mountain Safety Research, Manufacturer
Physical Description: 1 Raincoat; synthetic fiber, metal, plastic; 30 in.H x 18 in.W, Size M
Place Made: United States of America, WASHINGTON, Seattle
Credit: MOHAI, 2003.32.1. Gift of Mary Ann Dobratz