msr® debuts new paragon™ snowshoe binding for ultralight comfort and safety in the backcountry
The Paragon Binding delivers the pinnacle of simplicity, foot security, and comfort
SEATTLE, Wash. (January 22, 2018)— Seattle-based Mountain Safety Research®(MSR®), the world’s leading snowshoe manufacturer, introduces the Paragon™ Binding, the world’s first single-strap mesh snowshoe binding delivering the pinnacle of simplicity, security, durability, and comfort in alpine terrain. Unlike other snowshoe bindings, which can be rigid, uncomfortable, and complex, the Paragon is engineered to be the most intuitive and effective snowshoe binding available to serious winter adventurers.
With a one-piece, mesh top strap that conforms to an impressive variety of boot styles and sizes from womens’ size 5 to mens’ size 13, the Paragon binding offers fast, easy, and intuitive foot alignments with a glove-like fit. The mesh’s variable thickness optimizes strength and flex, providing a secure fit without painful pressure points on the foot.
“Security and comfort shouldn’t be complicated,” says Sarah Courtney, Winter Category Manager at MSR. “While other snowshoe manufacturers are adding bulky and rigid features to their snowshoe bindings, MSR is stripping the Paragon to the pure essence of comfort and foot control.”
Inspired by alpine crampons, the martensite steel crampon on the Paragon transfers weight directly from the mountaineer’s boots into steep, icy inclines for secure and confident footing. For tool-free maintenance, stainless steel twist-on fittings connect the mesh top strap to the binding’s steel toe cup, allowing for quick release and replacement.
Quick and Secure: Variable-thickness mesh conforms to a wide range of boots, providing our greatest level of foot control in widely variable terrain.
No Hot Spots: Contouring toe strap creates a glove-like hold free of pressure points, and offers fast, easy foot alignment every time.
Durable and Ultralight: Durable, freeze-proof TPU mesh sheds snow and water, while retaining strength and flexibility in extreme cold, all in an ultralight pack-flat design.
Field-Maintainable: Minimalist construction and tool-free field maintainability for peace of mind in remote zones.
New Binding to be Made in the USA
After nearly three years of research, design, 3D printing, field testing, and iterative improvements at MSR’s Seattle headquarters, MSR will begin manufacturing the Paragon Snowshoe Binding in the USA in 2019. All MSR snowshoes have been built at the manufacturer’s Seattle factory headquarters since 1995, allowing greater control over product quality and the environmental impacts of manufacturing processes–in fact, MSR’s snowshoes built in the USA contribute an estimated 44% less CO2e emissions than those built of the exact same materials made in China.
“Manufacturing in the USA makes us nimble and better stewards of the planet,” says Sarah Courtney. “We build our snowshoes in our USA factories throughout the snowshoe season based on demand, significantly reducing waste, and the finished products have shorter distances to travel before arriving at a retailer or customer.”
The Paragon Binding will be standard on the MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe (MSRP: $319.95 USD) and the Revo Ascent Snowshoe (MSRP: $259.95 USD) starting September 2019. The Lightning Ascent Snowshoes will be available in Cobalt Blue and Raspberry. The Revo Ascent Snowshoes will be available in Olive and Dark Cyan.
About MSR® (Mountain Safety Research®)
Seattle-based MSR has been engineering standard-setting high-performance outdoor equipment since 1969. A commitment to quality manufacturing and innovation ensures customers are outfitted with the finest, most reliable gear available for outdoor adventures. MSR product lines include: stoves, fuel, cookware, water treatment and hydration systems, shelters, snowshoes, snow tools, and backcountry poles. The majority of MSR products are made in the company’s Seattle, U.S.A. and Cork, Ireland manufacturing facilities. For more information, visit www.msrgear.com.