SCARPA Makes Hikers Searchable With RECCO Equipped Moraine

This spring, SCARPA, maker of premium high-performance footwear for mountain sports, unveils its new Moraine light-hiking shoe, which introduces a first in the lightweight-hiking category — a technology that makes its wearer searchable in the unlikely event of a rescue.

SCARPA has been integrating RECCO reflectors in ski boots for several years, while the Moraine series marks the first summer product.

Though known more in the worlds of ice climbing and paragliding, mountain athlete Will Gadd — who is a SCARPA athlete — said a technology like RECCO that helps the general public increase safety margins is a game changer. 

“I am really excited to see RECCO reflectors in SCARPA’s new hiking boots,” Gadd said. “If we look at the search-and-rescue calls that come through, most of them aren’t for climbers or skiers, but for hikers. It can be very hard to find a lost hiker under the trees or in heavy brush, but if we have RECCO reflectors in our hiking boots it allows them to be found faster. The reflectors also weigh close to nothing and don’t compromise footwear performance, so why not add them into the product? There’s really only an up-side. I’ve been putting reflectors into my gear for years now. I hope I never have to rely on them, but — if I do — I have full confidence that I will be found faster.” 

The Moraine family is the first in the light-hiking category to incorporate RECCO technology, making hikers more easily found in an emergency.

RECCO rescue reflectors are commonly found in outdoor clothing and equipment, such as bike helmets, hiking pants and climbing harnesses. Other applications include backpacks, jackets, pants and ski boots. The RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector can quickly search large areas, covering a square kilometer in six minutes. Along with helping reduce search times for missing people, the helicopter-based detector can reduce the time and the exposure to risk for rescue workers during search missions.

Currently, there are  36 RECCO SAR Helicopter Detectors  globally, with  12 located  in North America and  24 units deployed across Europe. The latest deployments include Helico Secours, Quebec (CAN), Spokane Regional Air Support Unit (US), and a RECCO SAR helicopter detector based out of Lauterbrunnen (SUI) operated by Air Glaciers. 

The new Moraine WP and Moraine Mid WP shoes are equipped with a RECCO reflector in the cuff of the shoe that adds an extra layer of security and protection for hikers as they venture onto the trails this summer. The Moraine is available in stores now.