MSR is an American company that produces technical outdoor gear for camping, hiking, and mountaineering. They have a huge focus on minimizing weight while maximizing quality and functionality of all their gear. They are based in Seattle and are part of Cascade Designs, which also includes brands like Therm-a-Rest, Platypus, SealLine, and PackTowl.
The company was started in 1969 by Larry Penberthy, who was both an engineer and mountaineer, with the desire to improve safety in mountaineering equipment, which was not optimal in the 60s. At that time, MSR was just a newsletter describing Penberthy’s equipment tests and reviews. In 1973, they manufactured and released their first gas burner for outdoor cooking, the ’Model 9 Stove’, after which they also opened their first store.
MSR has been and still is helping to shape the modern culture around outdoor life, especially seen in North America, where there is a strong focus on minimalism, meaning high safety, low weight, and user-friendliness. This lays the foundation for safer, more efficient, and thus better expeditions and trips. MSR is today among the most popular gear manufacturers and makes products for everyone from beginners to the most experienced elite mountaineers.
MSR HAS REVOLUTIONIZED OUTDOOR LIFE
MSR was created with a vision to improve outdoor life by making it easier, lighter, and safer. Therefore, their gear has always been designed to be simple and reliable. Additionally, the goal is for it to last many years. This led them to revolutionize the market with their improved gear and smart inventions.
In 1970, they made their own ice axe with a metal shaft instead of wood, which was typical at the time. The problem with wooden shafts was that they often broke when used to stop a fall.
In the 70s, MSR released their parka which had zippers under the arms for better ventilation, something we see on many outdoor jackets today.
MSR was also the first to make a helmet specifically for cycling in the 70s.
In 1984, MSR introduced their ’WhisperLiteTM Stove’ on the market, which was even more compact and lightweight. This gas burner is so solidly designed that it is still produced today.
MSR’S PRODUCTS TODAY
Today, MSR focuses heavily on producing equipment for camping, expeditions, and water purification. The goal is to create products that are easy to use, lightweight, durable, long-lasting, and above all, safe.
Cooking gear
The first MSR product was a gas burner, and today they still manufacture a range of different types for outdoor cooking. They also make gas canisters, campfire pots, and stove systems.
Their gas burners are solid and reliable, yet lightweight. For example, their Pocket Rocket 2 Stove one of the smallest gas burners on the market, which easily screws onto a gas canister and weighs or takes up almost no space. Additionally, they have produced a more advanced gas burner, the Windburner Personal Stove System, which includes a burner, igniter, pot, and lid in the same set – and it boils water in just a few minutes.
Additionally, MSR began producing their own gas canisters in 1981 with a focus on even greater safety. You can find gas canisters from MSR in 110 grams, 227 grams, and 450 grams here on the page. The gas they use also burns in a consistent and thus reliable way, while reducing the amount of gas used.
Water purification
There are a range of water filters and purification systems from MSR, designed for everything from small units that are easy to carry on the go to larger and more complex systems that can purify and store many liters of water – both in the wilderness and at home.
Their TrailShot microfilter It's a small water filter that can fit in a jacket pocket or a small pocket on a backpack. This filter can be used to drink water directly from sources you find along your way, so you don't need to take long breaks to purify water, nor do you need to carry clean water with you.
If water sources are far apart, you can fill your water bladder with unclean water and attach MSR’s Thru-Link Inline water filter on the hose. This way, the water is filtered as you drink it. Likewise, this system can be used in camp if you hang your water bladder and use it as a water source for cooking, hand washing, etc.
If you need a water system at the campsite that can hold several liters of water, their Guardian Gravity Purifier might be a better solution. This set consists of a soft container that can hold 10 liters, a hose with a built-in water purifier, and a travel bag. This can easily be hung up in camp to meet the water needs of several people in a day. This water purification system is also tested and approved for military use.
Additionally, their Home Emergency Water Filter a super practical item to have at home, in the summer house, or similar. This can easily be attached to a faucet where it purifies the water from bacteria, protozoa, and various particles. This is great if the cleanliness of tap water is questionable.
Tents and tent accessories
MSR tents are designed for outdoor enthusiasts who want a sensible balance between strength and weight. They primarily produce lightweight tents and other gear for minimalist shelters. Their tents are known for being really easy to pitch and are among the bestsellers worldwide. They also make a lot of tent accessories that are super sturdy without being too heavy.
Check out the really lightweight and sturdy stake hammer from MSR here
Other products
MSR also produces equipment for winter expeditions, such as poles that are especially suitable for winter hiking, snowshoeing, mountaineering, and ski touring/split-boarding. They also make super lightweight snowshoes as well as snow tools like stakes, avalanche gear, and other items for rescue or building snow shelters.
ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, AND HEALTH
MSR’s founder was an outdoor enthusiast who loved nature, so he always aimed to help take care of it. For MSR, this meant, among other things, making gear that lasted as long as possible. Today, there is an even greater focus on minimizing the impact on nature, which is the playground where their gear is used.
Sustainability
MSR gear is incredibly durable and lasts for many years, which they constantly work to improve. They also encourage and guide proper gear care and waste sorting, and if you are lucky enough to be in Seattle where MSR has its headquarters, you can even get your gear repaired at their workshop.
Another thing they do is choose the most sustainable materials to manufacture their gear, and when they have to use materials like plastic, they ensure it is super durable and long-lasting. Many parts of their equipment can also be easily disposed of as recyclable materials. Additionally, their packaging is made from local, sustainable materials, with the amount reduced as much as possible – and all their water containers are made without BPA, BPS, and phthalates.
Most MSR products are produced at their factories in the USA and Ireland, reducing their CO2 emissions from transportation.
MSR takes many measures to be more climate-friendly while creating products of high quality and safety. They are also very transparent about this.
Social Impact
In addition to manufacturing safe outdoor equipment, MSR also focuses on helping local and global communities. MSR Global Health supports developing countries with products that help people meet their basic survival needs or recover from natural disasters. These are largely people from developing countries who have limited or no access to clean water, food, and shelter.
For example, they have created their Community Chlorine Maker, which uses water, salt, and a rechargeable car battery to produce chlorine on-site for purifying drinking water. They have also made a mobile handwashing station with an integrated hand soap dispenser that prevents soap theft.
