Gear Modifications and Care Mistakes to Avoid

Over the years, the staff in our repair department has seen a lot of oddball things come across the workbench. They have fielded thousands of calls about “custom” gear modifications and the unfortunate results, seen perfectly good gear become the victim of neglect, and had to explain to people why their great “gear improvement” idea might have been best left as just an idea. Look, we know you’re brilliant. Honestly, we do. But some things are just best left to the engineers that are here every day, putting in countless hours to make sure that the stuff they’re designing is the best possible solution for the task at hand. In fact, there‘s a good chance we tried your idea and, if it didn’t make it into the final product, there’s…

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Boiling Snow & Filtering Water in the Alpine

A successful adventure in the alpine requires many working parts. Number one is most certainly stoke! However, there are other aspects that are just as important. When planning a trip that takes you into a remote mountain environment and away from civilization, it is important to know how to take care of yourself in the event something does not go as planned. Familiarity with the 10 Essentials is critical, and of those 10, understanding how to find and prepare safe drinking water is of utmost importance. It’s not just about finding a water source (from ice or a stream)—knowing the steps to follow to prepare water efficiently and effectively is essential. There are important aspects to consider, such as your environment, specific equipment to use and the overall preparation for…

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How to Choose Ultralight Backpacking Gear (Tips & Tricks from a Thru-Hiker)

When I started planning my 2015 Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike, I knew I wanted ultralight backpacking gear. I wasn’t aiming for sub-10 pounds or any particular ‘goal weight’, but I wanted to make intentional gear choices that kept my base weight low without going completely barebones. (Base weight is the total weight of your pack, fully loaded, not including anything you wear, hold or consume, ie. trekking poles, food, fuel, sunscreen etc.) I ended up around 13.5 pounds, including some luxury items I decided were worth the weight. Some purists might say that to be truly ‘ultralight’ your base weight should be under 10 pounds. In my opinion, ‘ultralight’ is more of a mentality and a style, and anyone willing to debate whether you can be accurately labeled based on…

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How to Choose the Best Backpacking Tent

All your outdoor gear is important; that’s why honing a perfect kit tuned to your adventure style is what it’s all about. However, the value of a good backpacking tent can’t be overstated in the unpredictable—and sometimes unforgiving—backcountry. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current backpacking tent or are picking out your first, choosing the best tent for your needs is a big decision. There are a lot of factors, features and technology that go into each tent, all with the intention and purpose to best suit a specific range of conditions. Below, we break down the critical aspects of backpacking shelters to help you make an informed decision. Step 1: Be Honest with Yourself The question of choosing the best backpacking tent means choosing the right tent–for YOU. Think…

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Gear Archives: The Evolution of MSR Avalanche Probes

MSR was founded on mountaineering and snow safety, and our MSR Striker™ probes not only continue that legacy but also deliver on our founding promise to build better, more reliable and easier-to-use gear. Vastly different from the MSR probes of 40+ years ago, the Striker probes’ unique construction and features meet the needs of everyone from mountaineers and professional guides to backcountry skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers. Here’s a brief look at past and present MSR probe innovations. The History of MSR Avalanche Probes In the 1970s, before snow science was standard practice for the typical backcountry traveler, probes were primarily used in avalanche rescue situations to help locate buried skiers or climbers, as well as by mountaineers to detect voids, crevasses and other hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface of…

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Gear Archives: Diving Deep—The Evolution of the MSR® Snow Fluke

Some people love snow flukes: skiers who want a low-profile anchoring device that fits in their packs; mountaineers traveling in softer or uniform snow conditions; rescue guides or climbing pairs who may need to anchor with only one free hand. As snow protection gear, the fluke definitely has its place, and it’s been part of MSR’s history almost from the beginning. It goes back to 1969, soon after Larry Penberthy founded Mountain Safety Research, Inc. to support the work he began with The Mountaineers of independently reviewing climbing equipment and making gear that was safer and easier to use. Penberthy published his findings in the Mountain Safety Research newsletter, which sold third-party and MSR brand gear. The first two pieces of gear featured in the newsletter were Edmont cold-weather gloves…

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