Ultimate Direction (UD), a leading U.S. brand in hydration and wearable gear innovations, has five new products for fall 2019 representing UD’s ‘self-propelled’ ethos, versatile enough for runners, cyclists, skiers, climbers and hikers and people who blend these sports.
Buzz Burrell, Ultimate Direction brand V.P., said, “You won’t see an Ultimate Direction product that imitates something that already exists. Boundaries don’t matter in today’s market; we make gear for a runner who climbs or a skier who bikes. We invented the running vest and continue to reinvent what’s coming next in this competitive market.
Conversion is key with the Ultra Flip Glove. Already warm and comfortable, the five-finger breathable glove becomes 20-degrees warmer with just a flip of the stowable mitt. Scroll music playlists or take a picture on the trail with the Ultra Flip Gloves’ touchscreen-compatibility.
UD believes there is nothing warmer than a balaclava per weight of any piece of cold weather gear. Its new Balabeanie converts from a beanie to a wind blocking balaclava and back in just seconds. The Balabeanie also has a brim for sun protection that can be stowed when not needed.
The Skimo 20 is a one-size-fits-all, 20-litre adjustable vest, made for the skier who takes a few laps at the resort before work or disappears into the backcountry on the weekend. Food and hydration pockets are up front and attaching skis to the vest when boot-packing is now simpler than ever.
The All Mountain is a 30-litre pack designed for fun in the mountains, no matter the season and no matter the sport. Like all UD packs, the All Mountain has hydration storage up front and abrasion resistant material for taking abuse from skis, climbing gear and more. The pack comes with external storage and ski mountaineering-specific accessories.
A quick camp during a bike-packing trip becomes easier with the new Bike Tarp Conversion Kit. It weighs almost nothing while stabilising a bicycle and providing a safe and secure attachment for the Ultimate Direction FK Tarp. This combination creates an integrated shelter using a bike instead of trekking poles.
In 1985, UD 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. Thirty years later, the brand remains credible and critical to the world’s most passionate athletes.
Traynor On The Trail 