CamelBak® Sets a New Standard For Safety In The Evolution Of Run Vest Design

February 22, 2024

The integration of RECCO® technology makes the all-new Apex™ Pro run vest a first-of-its-kind, providing runners with a layer of safety in remote environments

PETALUMA, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2024)/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – CamelBak®, a global leader in personal hydration products, announces today the launch of a first-of-its-kind innovation in the outdoor running category, the Apex™ Pro run vest. The partnership between RECCO®, a leader in advanced rescue technology, and CamelBak aims to set the tone for improved safety measures for runners who set off on backcountry routes as well as those who participate in sanctioned ultra-running events.

“We’ve seen a growing interest and a rise in participation in the ultra-running community, with recreational runners and at major events globally, so the opportunity to add a layer of safety for those heading into remote environments with an essential piece of equipment made a lot of sense to us,” says Emma Axtell, run, hike and adventure product manager at CamelBak. “By partnering with RECCO, the leader of rescue technology integration in sporting equipment, we hope to set a new standard by inspiring others in the ultra-running space to infuse layers of safety for runners, as we have with the Apex Pro.”

The Apex Pro (MSRP $180) was designed with direct input from CamelBak’s top professional ultra-running athletes such as Sally McRae, Cat Bradley, Harry Jones, Scotty Hawker, and Sage Canaday. CamelBak went one layer deeper to gather insights by providing test samples of the Apex Pro to key global community run crews, including Koreatown Run Club in Los Angeles, Ultra Black Runners in London, and PWRUp in Paris. By putting the vest through rigorous testing at events such as the Ultra Trail Mont Blanc (UTMB) series, and the Cocodona 250, the features and design elements found in the Apex Pro were directly informed by the needs of athletes competing in the most demanding ultra-running events in the world.

What truly sets the Apex Pro apart is the integration of a RECCO reflector, located in the top center back panel of the vest. The RECCO rescue technology was pioneered in 1983 and originally found in snow sports equipment to locate missing persons in avalanches. Since its inception, RECCO technology has been integrated into summertime gear including hiking boots, biking helmets, backpacks and jackets, which has fueled the expansion of the RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector system, a search and rescue system with the ability to cover a large area in a shorter time frame.

“CamelBak is a valued brand partner of ours, and we’re incredibly excited to see RECCO technology integrated into a flagship product like the Apex Pro,” says Fredrik Steinwall, CEO at RECCO. “Bringing our rescue technology into the ultra-running space has been a priority for us as the sport has taken off globally. Through a comprehensive network of search and rescue partners, the Apex Pro, equipped with a RECCO reflector, will allow runners to be searchable and safer as they venture outdoors.”

Other defining features of the Apex Pro include a slash zip main pocket, which makes access to essentials and mandatory gear checks at official race events a breeze, a fully removable and stowable trekking pole quiver to suit the different needs of runners, and secure, easy access fuel and hydration pockets found on the front of the vest. Another key standout benefit of the Apex Pro is its apparel-like fit for minimal bounce and maximum stability while running. This is achieved through the use of premium-grade materials including a nylon and spandex blend for the main pack body, combined with Polygene treated engineered 3D vent mesh so the vest can be ultralight, breathable, and provide unmatched freedom of movement.

The new Apex Pro Vest is available now at authorized CamelBak resellers and will be available at www.CamelBak.com beginning February 22, 2024. For more information about CamelBak, please visit www.camelbak.com.

Please direct CamelBak media inquiries to Senior Account Manager, Eric Hockman at eric@outsidepr.com and all RECCO media inquiries to PR Account Manager, Siena Teare at siena@verdepr.com.

To learn more about RECCO, please visit www.recco.com/

###

About CamelBak: Founded in 1989, CamelBak® invented the hands-free hydration category and is the global leader in personal hydration gear. CamelBak is achieving its mission to continually reinvent and forever change the way people hydrate and perform by offering a mix of award-winning products that include everything from technical hydration packs to reusable bottles. For more information about CamelBak, please visit https://www.camelbak.com.

About Recco:

RECCO® advanced rescue technology makes outdoor enthusiasts searchable to rescuers in case of an avalanche accident or when lost in the outdoors. The technology builds on a two-part radar system. Rescuers carry RECCO® detectors that send out search signals which are echoed by RECCO® reflectors, carried by the user. RECCO® detectors are used worldwide at more than 900 ski resorts and mountain rescue organizations in 32 countries. RECCO® reflectors are integrated into select apparel, helmets, protection gear and boots manufactured by more than 150 leading outdoor brands. RECCO AB was founded in 1983 in Sweden and is owned by its founder Magnus Granhed and the publicly traded investment company Traction AB (listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm). More info at recco.com.

Media Contacts:

CamelBak Media Contact: Eric Hockman

E-mail: eric@outsidepr.com

RECCO Media Contact: Siena Teare

E-Mail: siena@verdepr.com