Atlas Race Snowshoe Receives Outside Magazine’s 2013 “Gear of the Year” Award
OutdoorHub 10.01.12
Innovative ultra-light design rises above the rest
Atlas Snow-Shoe Company has been awarded the 2013 Outside Magazine Gear of the Year Award for its redesigned, ultra-light Atlas Race snowshoe. Outside’s Gear of the Year recognition is one of the most prestigious awards in the outdoor industry, given annually to the most innovative, durable and best-performing gear available.
The Atlas Race was tested by Outside’s team of editors and reviewers and received the highest rating in the snowshoes category. Atlas engineers drew inspiration from the experts on the Atlas Racing Team in the complete re-design of the Race. The new Race snowshoe provides a new level of performance in running snowshoes. Made of superlight titanium and aluminum components, Atlas has developed its lightest snowshoes to date without compromising durability.
“Don’t be put off by the name,” said Outside Buyer’s Guide editor, Sam Moulton. “While the Race is ideal for moving quickly in snow, our testers like it just as much at slower speeds. They are some of the lightest snowshoes we’ve ever tested, but somehow manage to pack in enough float and grip for most terrain.”
The Atlas Race snowshoe features Atlas’ signature Spring-Loaded Suspension system, which offers natural articulation of the foot for an uncompromised running stride. “At just a hair over two pounds per pair, the Race is one of the lightest snowshoes on the planet, and its fixed binding felt practically spring-loaded,” said one Outside Magazine snowshoe-racing tester.
The new LightSpeed Pro bindings are the lightest bindings Atlas has ever constructed, designed to hold the foot securely and ensure exact placement on technical trails. Footing is also supported by titanium toe and heel traction. “The light but surprisingly durable titanium crampons kept us sure-footed on icy hills, and the V-shaped, 22-inch long frame provided ample float,” a snowshoe tester explained. “It did all of that while weighing roughly half as much as the average snowshoe – 2.1lbs.”
The Atlas Race and the complete list of Outside Magazine 2013 Gear of the Year Award winners is featured in the Outside Winter Buyer’s Guide, on newsstands now.
