Compass: Charting the Evolution of Outdoor Gear

MSR History

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1969

MSR founded by Larry Penberthy to research the safety and integrity of climbing equipment.

1970

Eagle Ice Axe the first production ice axe with aluminium shafts, is introduced.

1973

company invents the Model 9 stove: first remote-burner component backpacking/mountaineering stove

MSR introduces its first tent—the Mountain Tent

1974

The MSR Frame Pack is the first panel-loading backpack

1975

pioneers the first consumer use of long-lasting lithium batteries. MSR headlamps first product to feature these batteries.

first to sell a multi-fuel stove. Model MF stove burned kerosene, Stoddard Solvent, stove oil, diesel, JP-4, Blazo, and white gas.

patent issued for remote fuel reservoir stove

1976

incorporates the first zippered underarm vents (a.k.a. "pit zips") in rain jackets and parkas

1977

introduce the MSR G and GK stoves, which could burn Gasoline (White Gas in USA and Shellite in Australia) and Kerosine

1981

introduce the MSR XGK, the iconic expedition stove that could also burn automobile and aviation fuel

company acquired by REI Co-op

1984

introduces the WhisperLite stove

1986

WhisperLite wins a Product Design Award from Backpacker Magazine.

develops the XPD Cookset and Heat Exchanger

1987

release Coyote Snow Pickets

1989

develop the RapidFire Stove, outperforms other gas canister stoves in wind, colder temperatures and higher elevations.

1991

introduce the WaterWorksFilter

1992

Carabiner industry accepts MSR's 3 Sigma testing standards for carabiner quality control.

1993

Moss HeptaWing wins Editors' Choice Award from Backpacker magazine.

1994

introduces I-Biner carabiner, the strongest of its kind

WhisperLite Internationale released as a multi-fuel stove

1995

MSR pioneers injection-molded plastic snowshoe design, with the release of the Denali (designed by Bill Forrest)

1998

develops the DragonFly stove

releases the Alpine Kitchen Set

launches EcoCuisine—now known as Mountain Gourmet— complete line of organic, vegetarian, gourmet backpacking food.

releases SuperFly stove

2000

develops the PocketRocket

merged with Edgeworks, manufacturer of Moss, Walrus and Armadillo tents

Mountain Gourmet foods receive an Editors' Choice Award from Backpacker magazine

Backpacker magazine gives an Editors' Choice Award to the Walrus Trekker Tarp

2001

company acquired by Cascade Designs, of Therm-a-Rest fame

launches a new line of tents, drawing on the heritage of Moss anfWalrus

founder, Larry Penberthy dies, aged 85

2005

Backpacker magazine honors the Hubba Hubba tent with their 2005 editors choice award

MSR now