New MSR gear was out for display at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market show, and many old favorites have been given improvements. I‘m not sure about the release dates for the new gear, but you can be on the lookout for it to hit the market.
Cookware and Stoves
This year we get some new MSR cookware. The new Ceramic 2-Pot Set and Ceramic Flex Skillet, both feature a premium natural, ceramic, nonstick coating. The pot set nests compactly, uses MSR‘s Talon handle, and has a lid with built-in strainer. Pots are also sold separately in 1.3 liter and 2.5 liter sizes. The Ceramic Skillet nests with MSR‘s Flex 4 and Flex 3 cookware systems. A 2 liter Titan Kettle is now available. The increased volume is big enough for two or more. New stainless steel Alpine Long Tool Spoons and Alpine Tool Forks cutouts on the handles for adjusting MSR stove parts and the spoon is extra-long.
The PocketRocket Stove Kit starts of course with the rock solid Pocket Rocket stove. The rest of the kit is made up of MSR‘s lightest, most compact two-person cookset, and utensils. The complete system is lightweight, and packs up to be a compact setup for two. The Pocket Rocket boils 1 liter of water in 3.5 minutes. The kit weighs in at 25.8 ounces. Along with the stove, you‘ll get a 2 liter hard-anodized aluminum pot, and, each person gets a bowl, a 12.5 ounce double-wall Insulated mug, a clear strainer lid, and a folding spork. MSRP on the kit is $74.95
The new MSR PocketRocket 2 is a brand new stove this year. The stove uses features from the MicroRocket and PocketRocket to make a light, more versatile and compact canister stove. The PocketRocket 2 should appeal to everyone from first-timers to gram weenies. The stove will weigh in at a mere 2.6 ounces and it is 20 percent more compact. Just like the PocketRocket, this stove will boil 1 liter of water in just 3.5 minutes. MSRP is $44.95
Water Filtration
The AutoFlow Gravity Microfilter gets an improved food-grade lining for better tasting water. The resovoirs now roll tighter and have updated closures to make a more compact system. A smaller 2 liter setup provides backpacking duos a system sized just for two. Gravity draws water through the system at 1.75 liters per minute. I‘ve been using a homemade gravity filter and I have to say I really like them. Instead of sitting around squeezing bags or pumping a handle, I can take care of camp chores while water just about filters itself. The system is field-maintainable so you can be sure to keep the water flowing. MSRP on the filters is $109.95 and $119.95.
The new MSR Trail Shot is a new small and lightweight personal water filter. This work is done by a hollow fiber filter and you can drink straight from the source or pump the small bulb on the end to filter 1 liter in about 60 seconds. The whole thing weighs just 5.4 ounces and has a 2000 liter lifetime. Just shake it up a bit to restore flow rate in the field. MSRP is $49.95
Water Storage
MSR Dromedary bags are one of the burliest collapsible options for water storage. These bags will take the abuse of expedition crews and hardcore adventurers. Dromedary bags are still just as durable but are now lighter and they have lower profile 3 in 1 caps for filling, pouring, and drinking. The improved food- grade lining for better tasting water is BPA free. MSR has improved the attachment system with streamlined webbing and new grommet locations. MSRP for the different sized bags range from $39.95 to $49.95
When weight savings takes priority over bulletproofness, DromLite bags shine. These bags fold down to the size of their cap and offer weight savings to match. Made from a lightweight, durable film with RF welded seams, DromLite bags are perfect for creating the basecamp reservoir or camp shower and just like the brawny Dromedary bags, they are BPA free. The improved attachment system makes hanging from packs and trees easier. MSRP ranges from $26.95 to $32.95
Click here to visit MSR (at Cascade Designs) and check out their full lineup.
Mark