Mountain Hardwear Launches PCT™ Pack Unveiling Dynamic New Hoverbelt Technology

May 26, 2021

Multi-directional hip belt redefines dynamic movement and comfort

Richmond, Calif. (May 26, 2021)– Mountain Hardwear, a leader in performance equipment and apparel for climbers, mountaineers, and athletes, today released a multi-day hiking specific pack — the PCT™ — with a revolutionary design to the industry standard pivoting belt. The addition of the PCT™ along with another style, the JMT™ signal an expansion of the brand’s expertise for outdoor equipment from predominantly climb inspired packs to more general outdoor and multi-day excursions.

“We were determined to elevate a long-standing pack innovation – the pivoting hipbelt – and better integrate it with a trampoline back panel, since the construction of one has historically impacted the effectiveness of the other,” said Charlie Ranahan, global product manager for equipment and accessories at Mountain Hardwear. “With a unique attachment of four tethered points, not only does the hip belt move in a wider range of motion but it also more seamlessly integrates into the trampoline back panel without having to be directly attached, elevating the user’s comfort and carry experience with the increased range of motion.”

Efficiency, thoughtful innovation and comfort driven; this multi-day pack is a new breed of work horse for the Mountain Hardwear line. The PCT™ comes in men’s and women’s specific offerings, with four literage options including 55L and 70L for unisex packs, and 50L and 65L for the women’s packs.

The PCT™ also stands as the most richly featured pack in Mountain Hardwear’s line, offering a competitive MSRP of $280 (55L) and $300 (70L) for the latest in technical pack innovation without forgoing other thoughtful and important features like fully recycled shell materials, durable Cordura fabric in the boot, and a DWR coating that is PC-free C0.

The hover hip belt is tethered to a spring steel frame by four points allowing it dynamic movement – most importantly side-to-side motion – which most accurately reflects the natural gait of a user’s hips while hiking. The trampoline back panel and hover hip belt feature a blend of tighter and more open woven air mesh to signal immense breathability and give the appearance of a seamless single structure.

In addition to the PCT™, Mountain Hardwear is also releasing the JMT™, a versatile, durable, done-in-a-day pack. Streamlined design, comfortable carry and a simple clamshell-style opening allow it to stow essential gear for full days out in the hills.

Available in 25L and 35L in both unisex and women’s specific fits, this pack utilizes recycled 210D ripstop shell and 420D Cordura base materials for a lightweight, super durable exterior, while the mesh backpanel provides full support with ample ventilation. Additional features include fully padded shoulder straps and hipbelt, front and rear grab handles, side compression straps and trekking pole/ice axe attachment loops.

The JMT™ 25L pack has an MSRP of $140 and the 35L, an MSRP of $160 and is available now.

The Women’s PCT 50L and Unisex 55L models launch today, May 26, 2021. The women’s 65L and unisex 70L will be available in early June.

Highlights and other key S21 equipment offerings can be viewed in the Mountain Hardwear S21 Equipment Lookbook.

For any media inquiries or additional questions, please contact Kelsey McGrew, Kelsey@OutsidePR.com

About Mountain Hardwear

Mountain Hardwear, Inc., founded in 1993 and based in Richmond, CA, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear Company that distributes its products through specialty outdoor retailers in the United States and 34 countries worldwide. We build essential equipment for climbers, mountaineers, and outdoor athletes and have supported expeditions on the world’s highest peaks. This level of technical precision continues to inspire everything we do. Our designers challenge every stitch and detail to continuously improve both function and comfort.www.mountainhardwear.com

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