Press release from ATRA corporate member Ultimate Direction.
Ultimate Direction’s Expanded Collection Includes Anton Krupicka-Inspired Mountain Vest.
Boulder, Colorado, March 24, 2016 – Ultimate Direction this week announced the release of its Signature Series 3.0 line of performance hydration vests for outdoor athletes. The extended range of models inspired by four of the best ultra-runners in the world – Timothy Olson, Scott Jurek, Anton Krupicka and Peter Bakwin – includes the TO Race Vest, SJ Ultra Vest, AK Mountain Vest and PB Adventure Vest.
Having changed the world of hydration with their Signature Series, Ultimate Direction’s extended 3.0 line now includes four models and incorporates new SilNylon, knit mono mesh and power mesh materials providing for lighter vests with larger carrying capacities. All four models are compatible with the brand’s newly invented 500ml soft Body Bottles in front of the vests making hydration options quicker and easier to fill and clean.
“The huge popularity of the Signature Series is in part due to it being designed by top runners,” said Buzz Burrell, Vice President at Ultimate Direction. “The addition of Timothy Olson enabled us to extend the range of the series with Anton’s new Mountain Vest. We’re very proud of how well the 3.0 Series performs across all landscapes and terrain – whether in the mountains or across deserts. They’re extremely durable and can really go anywhere and do anything.”
TO RACE VEST 3.0
Inspired by Timothy Olson, the two-time winner and course-record holder of the Western States 100 and 4th place finisher at the Ultra Tour Du Mont Blanc, the TO Race Vest is 2 ounces lighter than before and offers more storage up front with the same 5.0 liter capacity (138 grams). Thanks to new lightweight T-Hook adjustable sternum straps in the front, the vest is more form-fitting and adjustable for increased comfort. In addition to phone compatible pockets and adjustable bottle holsters on the front, the To Race Vest features unique on-the-go trekking pole holders for easy access on the trails.
SJ ULTRA VEST 3.0
Scott Jurek won the Western States 100 seven years in a row and most recently set the new record on the Appalachian Trail, all while using the Ultra Vest. His newly designed Ultra Vest 3.0 is almost half the weight (176 grams) and offers an 8.5 liter capacity. The SJ Ultra Vest 3.0 also comes with the T-Hook adjustable sternum strap system and on-the-go trekking pole holders for longer activity. The back features an upper reservoir-compatible pouch as well as a lower pocket for fuel and accessories.
AK MOUNTAIN VEST 3.0
Designed by Boulder-based athlete and two time winner of the Leadville 100, Anton Krupicka, for his skiing, climbing, hiking and running mountain adventures, the new AK Mountain Vest 3.0 is the same light weight as the UltraVest 2.0 (310 grams) but with one third more capacity (11.5 liters). Featuring a sliding rail sternum strap system in the front, the AK Mountain Vest 3.0 includes an emergency whistle, double ice axe loops and secure lateral pockets for mountain gear.
PB ADVENTURE VEST 3.0
Avid snowboarder, mountaineer, kayaker and mountain biker, Peter Bakwin is the only person to have run the Hardrock 100 twice in a row and is the inspiration behind the new PB Adventure Vest 3.0 The culmination of the Signature Series, the 16 liter capacity Adventure Vest can carry 1.5 gallons of water while still weighing less than the 2.0 Series (377 grams). Offering similar features to the AK Mountain Vest, the PB Adventure Vest provides a wide mesh pouch for wet and voluminous gear and offers numerous options for storage. The vest comes with 1 Body Bottle 500 bottle.
The Signature Series 3.0 is available at select retailers in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia. Product MSRPs: TO Race Vest 3.0: $109.95, SJ Ultra Vest 3.0: $ 124.95, AK Mountain Vest 3.0: $ 149.95, PB Adventure Vest 3.0: $169.95. For more information on Ultimate Direction’s Signature Series 3.0 please visit www.ultimatedirection.com
ABOUT ULTIMATE DIRECTION
In 1985 Ultimate Direction invented the first waist pack for carrying bottles. A few years later they designed the first hand-held water bottle carrier and numerous innovations defining the hydration pack category for endurance and every-day athletes. 30 years later the brand remains a market leader. Having created and popularized the “vest” concept for carrying water, they introduced the very first women’s-specific line of hydration packs, and have brought the classics of the past into the technical future with award-winning gear such as the Ultimate Direction Fastpack and Ultra Jacket. Ultimate Direction is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado.
